Embracing subtraction and doing less can lead to better outcomes and more satisfaction in various aspects of life.
Recognizing the bias towards adding and the challenge of shifting to a subtracting mindset is crucial for finding true happiness.
Deep dives
The Thrill of Learning and the Importance of Taking Away
The podcast episode explores the thrill that comes with learning and how Wondrium offers unlimited access to a variety of tutorials, courses, and documentaries led by experts. It emphasizes the concept of subtraction and taking away to enhance happiness. The podcast discusses the tendency to always think of adding more, but highlights the advantages and pleasure derived from simplicity and doing less. The importance of simplifying social interactions and focusing on spending quality time with loved ones is emphasized, as well as the paradox of always seeking more but finding more happiness in less.
The Power of Subtraction in Designing a Happy Life
The episode shares insights from the book 'Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less' by the author Leidy Klotz, a professor of engineering and architecture. It discusses the idea that taking things away can often lead to better outcomes and more satisfaction. Examples are given, such as the story of building a Lego bridge where removing a block made it more stable. The concept of subtracting in various aspects of life is examined, including retirement, work schedules, and vacations. The approach of simplifying and doing less while focusing on what truly brings happiness is highlighted.
Understanding the Bias towards Adding and Overcoming It
The podcast delves into the reasons why people tend to prioritize adding rather than subtracting. Biological instincts, such as the drive to acquire more food or display competence, are identified as factors contributing to the bias towards more. The episode explores how this mentality extends to aspects like time management, responsibility, and desires. The difficulty of embracing subtraction and the challenge of finding comfort in white space and detaching from desires are discussed. The importance of recognizing the need to subtract and the work required to shift from an adding mindset to a subtracting mindset is emphasized.
From how we build our cities to how we shop, it can seem as though our natural human tendency is to add. But a culture of accumulation may be exactly what holds us back from the simple solution in front of us: taking things away.
University of Virginia professor Leidy Klotz helps us analyze the benefits of subtraction and how less may create the space for what we truly desire.
This episode was produced by Rebecca Rashid and is hosted by Arthur Brooks. Editing by A.C. Valdez and Claudine Ebeid. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Engineering by Matthew Simonson.
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