Psychologist Paul Bloom and Michael Mosley discuss tips for a good life including finding purpose, embracing chosen suffering like cold showers, shifting perspectives on happiness, accuracy of personality tests, and the significance of relationships for happiness and well-being.
Contrasting experiences enhance pleasure perception by leveraging the brain's response to stimuli differences.
Engaging in activities that induce flow state provides mental respite and enhances contentment.
Pursuing meaningful endeavors, even if they entail effort, leads to a deeper sense of satisfaction and value.
Deep dives
Cherish Contrast in Life
Seeking out contrast in experiences, such as alternating sweet and sour tastes or enjoyable and uncomfortable activities, can enhance the perception of pleasure. The brain responds to the differences in stimuli, making contrasting experiences more impactful. This contrast can heighten the value and enjoyment derived from various activities, leading to a richer and more fulfilling life.
Immerse in the Flow
Losing oneself in activities that induce a state of flow, where one is fully immersed and focused, can provide a respite from incessant thoughts and worries. Engaging in intense exercises or pursuits like Brazilian jiu-jitsu or writing can facilitate a mental escape, allowing a break from constant rumination and contributing to a sense of contentment and satisfaction.
Seek Meaning over Happiness
The pursuit of meaning surpasses the pursuit of happiness in fostering a fulfilling life. Engaging in activities that hold significance, even if they entail effort or suffering, can lead to a deeper sense of value and satisfaction. Striving for meaningful endeavors, such as chosen suffering through endeavors like physical training or intellectual challenges, can elevate the overall quality of life.
Embrace Chosen Suffering
Choosing to endure challenges or discomfort as a form of self-inflicted suffering can enhance the perceived value and appreciation of achievements. Effort and struggle in activities like solving complex puzzles or enduring physical exercise contribute to an elevated sense of accomplishment and attachment to the outcomes. Opting for tasks that require intensity and effort can amplify the enjoyment and significance derived from the experiences.
Know Thyself for Life's Balance
Understanding one's multifaceted motivations and values, encompassing pleasure, morality, spirituality, and personal fulfillment, is essential for making informed life choices. Balancing conflicting desires and decisions, such as pursuing pleasure versus making morally sound choices, is a continuous process that shapes the quality of life. By acknowledging and navigating these internal conflicts, individuals can align their actions with their core values and aspirations, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Michael's last interview, How to Live a Good Life, is with psychologist Paul Bloom and was recorded in the BBC tent at the Hay Festival on 25 May, 2024.
Paul is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Yale and Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto and he shares with Michael his top five tips for living a good life. And we hear Michael at his best - full of warmth, insight and enjoying his time with the audience and sharing some of his reflections on his life, career and the importance of family.
Presenter: Michael Mosley with Chris Van Tulleken
Producer: Nija Dalal-Small
Series Producer: Geraldine Fitzgerald
Production Manager: Maria Simons
Executive Producers: Helen Thomas and Sasha Feachem
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Studio Engineer: Richard Ward
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