Steven C Hayes on Wisdom, Love, and Acceptance (Episode 88)
Oct 20, 2023
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Dr. Steven C Hayes discusses negative emotions, wisdom, love, and acceptance in the modern age. The conversation explores anxiety, death, and the impact of technology on our well-being. It touches on the dangers of choosing virtue for others and emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom in decision-making.
Loss and pain provide opportunities for growth and transformation through embracing impermanence and acknowledging all emotions.
Behavioral science can empower individuals to make value-aligned choices, foster self-awareness, and track patterns for personal growth.
Deep dives
The Power of Embracing Loss and Pain
Loss and pain provide an opportunity for growth and transformation. By being present and attending to these moments, individuals can gain wisdom and resilience. Embracing the impermanence of life and acknowledging the importance of every emotion allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. It is crucial to make choices that align with one's values and contribute to a meaningful life, even in the face of difficulties. Wisdom lies in regularly choosing actions that move towards a value-based life and making prudent decisions based on one's circumstances.
The Role of Behavioral Science in Cultivating Wisdom
Behavioral science plays a vital role in supporting individuals in their journey towards wisdom. By studying individual life trajectories and identifying what uplifts and brings people down, behavioral science can offer valuable insights. Rather than imposing normative categories or dictates, it is important to empower individuals to explore and make choices that align with their values and aspirations. Through the use of technology and self-reflection, individuals can foster a deeper understanding of their own experiences and track patterns that contribute to wisdom and personal growth.
Incorporating Ancient Wisdom Traditions into Modern Life
Ancient wisdom traditions hold valuable insights for navigating the complexities of modern life. Concepts like eudaimonia, which prioritize a deep sense of connection to one's inner purpose, can provide guidance for living a good life. The challenge lies in adapting these traditions to the technological realities of the modern world. While religious and philosophical traditions have traditionally served this purpose, there is a need for a broader societal shift towards embracing wisdom and its application in daily life. This requires examining long-held assumptions, cultivating coherent personal philosophies, and incorporating behavioral science tools to support wise decision-making.
The Definition of Wisdom and Its Application
The essence of wisdom lies in regularly making choices that align with a value-based life, embracing impermanence, and attending to the suchness of the world. Wisdom involves a deep sense of connection to oneself, others, and the world, recognizing the importance of social roles and belonging. Wisdom involves making prudent decisions in the present moment based on values and a larger life trajectory. Rather than imposing standardized lists of virtues, wisdom is a personal and ongoing journey of self-awareness, personal growth, and responsible decision-making.