80,000 Hours Podcast

#79 – A.J. Jacobs on radical honesty, following the whole Bible, and reframing global problems as puzzles

Jun 1, 2020
A.J. Jacobs, a New York Times bestselling author known for his immersive self-experiments, shares his unconventional journey of living by the Bible while advocating for radical honesty. He humorously recounts his adventures in genealogy, creating the largest family tree, and reframing global issues as solvable puzzles. Jacobs explores gratitude through thanking the myriad contributors to his daily coffee and emphasizes the importance of small, actionable goals in health and happiness. His insights blend humor with profound reflections on ethics and personal growth.
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ADVICE

Reframing Problems as Puzzles

  • Reframe global problems as puzzles to foster cooperation and motivation.
  • Puzzles, unlike conflicts, imply solutions and encourage collaboration.
ANECDOTE

International Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

  • A.J. Jacobs and his family participated in the International Jigsaw Puzzle Competition in Spain.
  • They placed second to last, highlighting the dedication of puzzle experts.
ANECDOTE

Radical Honesty Experiment

  • A.J. Jacobs tried radical honesty, saying whatever was on his mind.
  • This led to awkward situations, like telling his wife's friends he didn't want to see them again.
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