Today, I sit down with Arthur Brooks, a renowned social scientist and happiness expert, for a deep dive into the realms of meaning, faith, and love. Our conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and personal growth. From discussing the evolutionary roots of our search for meaning to examining the role of faith in modern life, this episode challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on age-old questions.
We cover a wide range of topics, including the importance of boredom in fostering creativity, the dangers of political activism as a substitute for religion, and the keys to a successful marriage. Arthur shares insights from his work with the Dalai Lama, explains why young men are increasingly turning to religion, and offers advice on finding meaning in a world dominated by technology. Whether you're grappling with questions of faith, seeking to understand the nature of love, or simply looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life, this conversation will leave you with plenty to ponder and explore further.
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Arthur’s latest book with Oprah Winfrey: Build the Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Life-You-Want-Science-ebook/dp/B0C38FCTJC
All of Arthur’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arthur-C.-Brooks/author/B001HOU7RE
Arthur’s online workshop: https://www.scienceofhappier.com/
Arthur’s newsletter: https://arthurbrooks.com/newsletter
Arthur’s column in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/projects/how-build-life/
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Chapters:
0:12 Arthur and Mark's failed music careers6:28 Trading meaning for acclaim11:41 How to live a more meaningful life19:28 Is finding meaning a 1st world problem?22:27 The role of religion and/or spirituality25:43 The meaning struggle for young men and women29:44 Is religion making a comeback?37:48 What's love got to do with it?45:12 The case for religious/spiritual practice49:58 Healthy forms of spirituality55:22 Dealing with toxic people59:52 Spotting the people who will bring you down1:02:44 Marriage and meaning
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Theme music: “Icarus Lives” by Periphery, used with permission from Periphery.