The Rubin Report

Don't Be Fooled, This Isn't Normal. It's the Beginning of a New Crisis | Arthur Brooks

21 snips
Jan 1, 2026
Arthur Brooks, a professor and behavioral scientist, dives into the modern crisis of meaning, especially among the younger generation engrossed in digital life. He highlights how social media fuels disconnection and erodes happiness, advocating for genuine relationships and routines as sources of purpose. Brooks discusses the importance of suffering as a teacher, the drawbacks of technology in personal connections, and suggests practical habits for lasting joy and fulfillment. His personal journey on the Camino de Santiago brings depth to the conversation about spirituality and well-being.
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INSIGHT

Attention Economy Rewires Our Brains

  • The attention economy hijacks our limbic system by rewarding fear and anger.
  • Arthur C. Brooks says this rewiring explains why online exposure correlates with declining happiness.
INSIGHT

Right Brain Drives Meaning

  • The right hemisphere handles mystery, relationships, and meaning.
  • Heavy left-brain, screen-focused activity reduces access to those right-brain functions.
ADVICE

Live The Old Ways Deliberately

  • Purposefully practice
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