i want to get to regret and, um, fear of missing out. And i think it's some interesting parallels to economics. But let's start with your a life path. You look back on it now that i do the right thing. And does that torment you, and how should you deal with it process? Yes. It's very closely related to the issues of commenced romility we've been describing. Because i thinkyo, i take my own example, partly because it's ready to hand,. Partly because it's so simple. Like, i really did have this sort of idea at 16 or 17 that i should pick a vocation. And my dad wanted me to be
John Stuart Mill's midlife crisis came at 20 when he realized that if he got what he desired he still wouldn't be happy. Art and poetry (and maybe love) saved the day for him. In this week's episode, philosopher Kieran Setiya of MIT talks about his book Midlife with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Setiya argues we can learn from Mill to help deal with the ennui to which so many midlifers succumb--along with regrets for roads not taken and wistfulness for what could have been. Setiya argues that a well-lived life needs fewer projects and more pursuits that don't have goals or endpoints. He explains why past mistakes can turn out to be good things and how lost chances can help us appreciate the richness of life.