10% Happier with Dan Harris

Ancient Secrets to Modern Happiness | Tamar Gendler

59 snips
Dec 4, 2023
Tamar Gendler, Dean at Yale and a distinguished professor, dives into ancient Greek philosophy's relevance in modern life. She explores the tension between our animal instincts and intellectual aspirations. Gendler discusses how concepts like virtue and morality intertwine with happiness, drawing parallels to Buddhism. She shares insights on navigating life's complexities and the quest for meaningful connections, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and practical wisdom for personal growth.
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INSIGHT

Socratic Self-Ignorance

  • We are fundamentally unknown to ourselves, lacking self-transparency.
  • Socrates' wisdom stemmed from acknowledging this "not knowing."
INSIGHT

Plato's Tripartite Soul

  • Plato explains our self-ignorance: We're composed of reason, spirit, and appetite.
  • These parts, often conflicting, make us opaque to ourselves.
ADVICE

Aristotle's Habituation

  • Train yourself like you'd train an animal, through repeated practice.
  • "Fake it till you make it" by acting as if you already embody desired virtues.
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