TGL003: Adam Smith and The Good Life with Ryan Hanley
Jan 13, 2020
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Ryan Hanley, a political science professor and author, delves into Adam Smith's wisdom for leading a fulfilling life. He discusses the contrast between pursuing wealth and seeking wisdom and virtue. Love emerges as a key ingredient for happiness, emphasizing the importance of giving over receiving. Hanley also tackles how to transform philosophical insights into meaningful actions, critiquing social media's superficiality. Additionally, he reflects on the deep friendship between Smith and Hume, linking their legacies to contemporary moral philosophy.
Adam Smith advocates for prioritizing wisdom and virtue over mere wealth and fame to achieve a fulfilling life.
The importance of love in human relationships emphasizes that giving love is essential for deserving respect and admiration from others.
Deep dives
Adam Smith: More Than an Economist
Adam Smith is widely known as the father of economics, primarily through his book 'The Wealth of Nations,' but his contributions extend significantly into moral philosophy. He was a professor of moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow and authored 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments,' which delves into how we should live a good life. This duality in Smith's work highlights the importance of understanding economic principles not just as a means to wealth but as intertwined with our moral responsibilities. Ryan Hanley emphasizes that Smith's approach transcends mere self-interest, arguing for a broader view that encompasses virtue, friendship, and the pursuit of emotional peace.
The Desire to Be Both Loved and Lovely
One of Smith's significant arguments is that human beings not only yearn to receive love but also strive to be worthy of it. He suggests that our actions should reflect this dual desire, emphasizing that to deserve love, we must engage in loving behaviors towards others. This notion pushes individuals to consider their character and actions critically, asking what they must do to become deserving of admiration. As Smith articulates, true happiness comes not from seeking superficial praise but rather from embodying characteristics that merit genuine affection and respect from others.
Two Roads to Fulfillment
Smith outlines two paths individuals can take to achieve the respect and admiration of society—seeking wisdom and virtue vs. acquiring wealth and greatness. The first path invites individuals to cultivate knowledge and moral character, which may not garner immediate recognition but leads to deeper personal fulfillment. In contrast, the pursuit of wealth often provides external validation but may lack the richness of a life rooted in virtue. This dichotomy compels individuals to reflect on the nature of true fulfillment and the societal values that shape their choices.
Friendship as a Model for Virtue
The friendship between Adam Smith and David Hume serves as a powerful example of embodied wisdom and virtue. Smith celebrated Hume's character and moral excellence, asserting that true greatness lies in a blend of wisdom and generosity. In Smith's view, Hume exemplified how to live a life that balances practical involvement in the world with self-reflection and charity towards others. This relationship illustrates the importance of having role models who inspire us to strive for a virtuous life, reminding us that the quest for improvement is both personal and communal.
On today's show, I talk with Ryan Patrick Hanley, the author of Our Great Purpose: Adam Smith on Living a Better Life. Adam Smith was a great scholar and writer who has much to share about how to achieve the life well-lived. Smith’s two great works, The Wealth of Nations (1776) and Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) are classics, but they are also long and can be difficult reading at times. That’s where Ryan Hanley comes in. Professor Hanley translates Smith’s writing for a more modern reading and applies Smith’s teachings to our world today.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:
Adam Smith’s advice for achieving the Good Life
Why most people seek wealth and fame when they should seek wisdom and virtue
The importance of love in a happy life
Why it’s more important to give love than to receive it
What steps we can take to get more out of life
Why Smith is still relevant today, and how we can apply his teachings
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