Modern Wisdom

#657 - Erik Angner - An Economist’s Guide To A Happy Life

Jul 22, 2023

Erik Angner, a philosophy professor at King's College London, merges economics and philosophy to explore happiness. He outlines the four pillars of a fulfilling life and critiques societal pressures affecting well-being. Angner questions radical solutions to aging populations, emphasizing the value of elders in society. He discusses the balance between aspirations and happiness, warning against perfectionism. The episode delves into the complexities of inequality's impact on happiness, revealing it as a nuanced interplay of personal and societal factors.

01:05:35

Episode guests

Erik Angner

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Quick takeaways

Economics offers insights into societal challenges beyond finance, addressing crime and family dynamics.

Money can enhance happiness up to a point, but balance and achievable goals are crucial for fulfillment.

Inequality impacts happiness, with moderate levels reflecting preferences and excess leading to negative outcomes.

Deep dives

Economics in Everyday Life

Economics extends beyond stock markets and financial realms, encompassing diverse aspects of human well-being like crime, climate change, and family dynamics. Economists focus on the values and costs associated with human decisions, emphasizing trade-offs and benefits. The broad scope of economics offers insights into various societal challenges and provides tools to address them.

The Psychology of Goal Regulation and Being Satisfied with Mediocrity

01:22

The Brand Positioning of Philosophy and Philosophers

03:24

The importance of redistribution and opting out of harmful arms races

01:24

The Relationship Between Money and Happiness

01:15

Intro

4min

Unveiling the Broader Scope of Economics

2min

Economics of Decision-Making and Aging

7min

Happiness vs. Well-Being: A Complex Interplay

15min

Aspiration vs. Happiness

14min

The Complexity of Happiness and Inequality

22min

The Challenges of Aging and Athletic Comebacks

5min

Erik Angner is a professor of philosophy at King's College London, researcher, and author.

Economists are usually concerned with macro trends. Money, finances. But they also have data-driven insights into what makes a happy, fulfilling life. Plus Erik is also a philosopher, so he manages to blend two murky worlds into a very usable life approach.

Expect to learn what economics says are the 4 pillars of living a good life, why everyone hates philosophers, whether all old Japanese people should kill themselves, why economists get such a bad wrap, how to maximise your happiness from an economic perspective, whether there is a difference between men and women's happiness, how to break your addiction to material possessions and much more...

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