Ben Aldridge, author of "Seriously Happy," shares his insights on how ancient philosophies can enhance modern life. He offers fascinating challenges inspired by Buddhism, Cynicism, Taoism, and more, like walking a banana and practicing silence with John Cage’s 4'33". Aldridge emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and embracing boredom as tools for personal growth. He also discusses the concept of eudaimonia and how practical applications of these philosophies can lead to a happier, more flourishing life.
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Happiness as Flourishing
Happiness is defined as eudaimonia, a flourishing life focused on character building.
This ancient Greek concept contrasts with modern conditional happiness, offering a more stable and internal source of fulfillment.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Buddhist Core Concepts
Explore the Four Noble Truths to understand suffering's nature and how it can be changed.
Consider reading Robert Wright's book "Why Buddhism is True" for a deeper psychological perspective.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Moving Meditation in Zen
Try moving meditation, focusing on the present while walking, to find relief and focus.
This can be applied to everyday activities like walking or driving, promoting mindfulness.
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This book by Ben Aldridge provides a practical guide to building mental resilience through 43 unusual challenges. By embracing discomfort, readers can develop a stronger mindset and overcome fears and self-imposed limitations. The book draws on Stoicism, Buddhism, CBT, and popular psychology to encourage personal growth.
Seriously Happy
Ben Aldridge
Seriously Happy is a self-help guide that explores 10 life-changing lessons from ancient philosophies like Stoicism, Zen, and Aristotle. It offers over 20 practical challenges to enhance focus, confidence, and critical thinking, helping readers deal with modern stress and anxiety. The book is accompanied by illustrations and includes exercises inspired by various philosophical traditions.
Trying not to try
The Ancient Art of Effortlessness and the Surprising Power of Spontaneity
Edward Slingerland
Atomic Habits
James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].
Why Buddhism is True
The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
Robert Wright
In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.
Although they may call it different things and approach its attainment in different ways, many of the world’s religions and philosophies have a similar goal: achieving a life of virtue, peace, and flourishing.
In his new book, Seriously Happy, Ben Aldrige explains how anyone can use the wisdom of ancient traditions to improve themselves and live the Good life. Today on the show, Ben offers a thumbnail sketch of Buddhism, Cynicism, Taoism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Aristotelianism, along with practices and challenges inspired by these philosophies, including walking a banana, listening to a music performance without music, and taking a Wu Wei adventure, that you can use to put ancient wisdom into action and become a better and happier man.
The Art of Manliness 
