In 'Wild Problems,' Russ Roberts addresses the big, uncertain decisions in life—such as who to marry, whether to have children, where to move, and how to forge a life well-lived—that cannot be solved using data, science, or traditional rational approaches. He suggests focusing less on the path that promises the most happiness and more on figuring out who you actually want to be. Roberts draws on the experiences of great artists, writers, and scientists to lay out strategies for reducing fear and the loss of control when facing these 'wild problems.' He argues that life should be experienced as a mystery rather than a problem to be solved, and he critiques the idea of relying solely on cost-benefit analysis and utilitarianism for making life's major decisions.
In 'The Comfort Crisis,' Michael Easter explores the idea that modern society's emphasis on comfort and convenience has led to various physical and mental health issues. Easter's journey takes him to diverse locations, including the Alaskan backcountry, Bhutan, and the labs of neuroscientists, to uncover the benefits of living at the edges of one's comfort zone. He discusses the concept of 'misogi,' a Japanese practice involving challenges that push individuals to their limits, and how such experiences can enhance creativity, reduce burnout and anxiety, and increase overall well-being. The book is a call to action, encouraging readers to break out of their comfort zones and reconnect with the natural world and their own potential[2][3][4].
In this book, Marie Kondo introduces her revolutionary KonMari Method for tidying and organizing. Unlike traditional methods that focus on cleaning room by room or a little at a time, Kondo's approach involves categorizing items (clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items) and discarding those that do not spark joy. The method promises lasting results by changing the way one thinks about and interacts with their possessions. Kondo emphasizes the importance of handling each item, thanking items for their service, and finding a designated home for each item to maintain a tidy and organized space. The book also delves into the psychological and lifestyle benefits of tidying, suggesting that it can lead to greater clarity, confidence, and a more intentional way of living[1][3][5].
In this book, Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir reveal that scarcity, whether of time, money, or social connections, creates a similar psychology for everyone struggling to manage with less than they need. The authors discuss how scarcity leads to tunnel vision, reduces cognitive bandwidth, and affects decision-making. They provide examples such as why busy people mismanage their time, why dieters struggle with temptation, and why poverty persists. The book also offers insights into how individuals and organizations can better manage scarcity for greater satisfaction and success.
Why do we buy stuff we don't need? Maybe for the same reason that some people can't stand stuff at all. Listen as author Michael Easter speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about how two seemingly opposed approaches to our possessions--minimalism and hoarding--may stem from the same impulse to cope with uncertainty. They also discuss the downsides of minimalism and how to figure out whether we're really buying the right things.
EconTalk 
