Victor Strecher, a public health researcher at the University of Michigan and author of "Life on Purpose," discusses the quest for a meaningful life. He shares insights on how to navigate personal grief and resilience, drawing from transformative experiences, including his own. The conversation highlights the power of purpose in enhancing mental well-being and influencing emotional regulation. Through compelling stories and scientific findings, Strecher encourages listeners to align their actions with core values to create lasting fulfillment.
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Julia's Early Health Crisis
Victor Strecher's daughter Julia was born healthy but soon diagnosed with a severely damaged heart.
He and his family debated heart transplantation while rethinking what it means to live a meaningful life.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Miraculous Second Transplant
Julia needed a second heart transplant after complications at age nine and nearly died.
She stunned doctors by partially recovering unexpectedly and then received a new heart, described as a miracle.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Julia's Final Days
Julia died suddenly at 19 after struggling with health during nursing school.
Her father's final words from her capture a poignant moment of acceptance and loss.
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The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life[1][2][4].
Life on Purpose
Life on Purpose
Victor Strecher
What should you do with your life? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. But there are scientifically-tested methods that can help you to feel more in harmony with yourself and the world. This week, and in a companion conversation for Hidden Brain+, researcher Victor Strecher explores the science of creating a life full of meaning. It's the kickoff to our annual You 2.0 series, which this year will focus on purpose and passion. If you’ve reached the midpoint of the year and you’re feeling adrift, alone, or burned out, this series is for you.
Do you have follow-up questions for Victor Strecher, or ideas that you'd like to share after listening to this episode? If you'd be willing to share them with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line "purpose."
And a reminder that our live tour is underway! Shankar is traveling across the U.S. and Canada to share some of the key ideas he's learned in the first decade of the show. To see if we're coming to a city near you, please visit hiddenbrain.org/tour.
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