In this classic work, Csikszentmihalyi investigates 'optimal experience' and reveals that true happiness and satisfaction can be achieved through a state of consciousness called 'flow.' During flow, individuals experience complete concentration on the task, clarity of goals, and immediate feedback. The book demonstrates how this positive state can be controlled and how it can improve the quality of life by unlocking meaning, creativity, and peak performance.
In 'From Strength to Strength', Arthur C. Brooks addresses the inevitable decline in abilities that comes with aging and provides a practical guide on how to transform this period into an opportunity for growth. Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks advocates for refocusing on priorities such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress. He argues that by adapting our expectations and focusing on these areas, we can achieve increased happiness and purpose in our later years.
First published in 1980, *Transitions* is a seminal work that explores the underlying and universal pattern of transition. The book takes readers step-by-step through the three perilous stages of any transition, explaining how each stage can be understood and embraced. It offers a simple yet profoundly insightful roadmap to navigate change and move into a hopeful future. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding endings, navigating the neutral zone, and embracing new beginnings to cope effectively with life's changes.
In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world. He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning. Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility. He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills[2][4][5].
The Summa Theologica is a comprehensive work divided into three parts. The first part deals with God, the creation of the world, angels, and the nature of man. The second part is subdivided into two sections: the first part of the second part discusses general principles of morality and law, while the second part of the second part addresses morality in particular, including individual virtues and vices. The third part, left unfinished by Aquinas, focuses on the person and work of Christ and the sacraments. The work also includes a posthumous supplement that concludes the third part and discusses Christian eschatology. Aquinas drew on Aristotelian and Augustinian influences and aimed to integrate faith and reason in his theological arguments[1][2][4].
Given all of the possibilities we have living in a modern society, people still struggle with feeling lost, unhappy, and unfulfilled.
It’s even been reported that American unhappiness hit a record low early this year. If you do a climate check with the people in your life and your social media pages, it’s not hard to see that sadly behind some of the smiles, there’s a feeling of unhappiness in the air.
Arthur C. Brooks is the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. He’s discussing why he felt called to explore and research the human experience and model of what actually brings us happiness. If money, fame, power, and pleasure doesn’t bring permanent happiness, then what does? How can you ensure a trajectory of life that leads to happiness and fulfillment?
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 5-17-22
Check out Arthur’s latest book, From Strength to Strength: https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148X/
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 | Introduction to Arthur Brooks
0:44 | Lost and Unhappy with life
10:57 | The Model of Happiness
19:16 | The Curve of Intelligence
26:30 | Being Entrepreneurial
30:54 | Becoming Fully Alive
43:35 | Chasing the Happiness Idol
53:46 | Truthful to Yourself
58:02 | Polarity of Values & Fear
1:13:11 | Happiness & Affect Profiles
1:20:28 | Motive Attribution
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