Death and Story-Telling (with A.J. Jacobs)

Oct 13, 2020

A.J. Jacobs, a bestselling author known for his unique human experiments, discusses innovative ways to honor the dead beyond traditional burial practices. He explores creative commemorative methods, from written memories to environmental tributes, while addressing society's discomfort with death. The conversation also highlights the power of probabilistic thinking in decision-making and its relevance in everyday life. Additionally, Jacobs delves into the ethics of storytelling, emphasizing the need for narratives that reflect complexity rather than simplistic moral dichotomies.

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ADVICE

Disrupting Death Rituals

Consider alternatives to traditional burials, like commissioning a biography or video.
Explore more meaningful and environmentally friendly death rituals.

INSIGHT

Magic as a Brain Construct

The concept of magic, like color perception, is a construct of the human brain.
Examples like death, sex, and virginity illustrate how the brain assigns magical significance.

INSIGHT

Probabilistic Thinking

Embrace probabilistic thinking and skepticism in daily life.
Update beliefs based on evidence, avoid deep-seated beliefs.

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The Guinea Pig Diaries

My Life as an Experiment

A.J. Jacobs

In 'The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment', A.J. Jacobs embarks on a series of extraordinary and often humorous experiments to improve and understand different aspects of his life. He goes undercover as a woman, lives by George Washington’s moral code, practices 'radical honesty', outsources his life to India, and even poses nude for a photo shoot. Each experiment is designed to provide insights into human behavior, relationships, and personal growth, making the book both entertaining and enlightening. Jacobs' wife also contributes to the book, writing a rebuttal section that adds another perspective to his experiments[2][3][5].

Drop Dead Healthy

One Man’s Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection

A.J. Jacobs

In 'Drop Dead Healthy', A.J. Jacobs chronicles his epic endeavor to transform his body and become the healthiest person alive. After being hospitalized with tropical pneumonia and feeling ashamed of his middle-aged physique, Jacobs consulted a wide array of experts, including sleep consultants, sex clinicians, nutritionists, and dermatologists. He subjected himself to numerous workouts, such as Strollercize and Finger Fitness, and experimented with various diets, including raw foods, veganism, and extreme chewing. The book is a blend of memoir, adventure, and how-to manual, offering entertaining and scientifically sound advice on health and wellness. Jacobs' journey is marked by both humorous anecdotes and profound reflections on the pursuit of health and a well-lived life[1][3][5].

Thanks a Thousand

A Gratitude Journey

A.J. Jacobs

In 'Thanks a Thousand', A.J. Jacobs embarks on a global journey to thank every person involved in producing his morning cup of coffee. This deceptively simple idea transforms his life and highlights the benefits of gratitude, which include improving compassion, healing the body, and battling depression. Jacobs meets a diverse range of people, from Minnesota miners to Colombian farmers, and provides insights on how to focus on the positive aspects of daily life and practice gratitude effectively.

The Year of Living Biblically

One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible

A.J. Jacobs

In this book, A.J. Jacobs embarks on a year-long experiment to live according to the Bible's rules as literally as possible. Raised in a secular Jewish family, Jacobs delves into the world of religion to understand its relevance in modern life. He follows over 700 biblical rules, from the well-known Ten Commandments to the lesser-known laws such as avoiding clothes made of mixed fibers and stoning adulterers. The book is a humorous and profound account of his journey, where he interacts with various religious groups, including Amish, Hassidic Jews, and evangelical Christians. Jacobs' experiment leads to surprising insights and personal growth, challenging his initial skepticism about religion and highlighting the complexities of biblical literalism[1][3][5].