

Kieran Setiya on Midlife
25 snips Sep 19, 2022
Kieran Setiya, a philosopher at MIT and host of the podcast Five Questions, dives into the complexities of midlife. He shares insights drawn from his book, emphasizing that a fulfilling life relies more on pursuing enriching experiences than chasing goals. Setiya discusses how John Stuart Mill faced his midlife crisis at a young age and argues that regrets can transform into opportunities for growth. He encourages listeners to appreciate the present, engage in meaningful conversations, and embrace mortality as a pathway to a richer life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mill's Crisis and Existential Value
- Mill's midlife crisis stemmed from realizing that achieving goals doesn't guarantee happiness.
- He found existential value in things like poetry and art, which are intrinsically valuable, not just means to an end.
Examples of Existential Value
- Existential value is found in activities that are intrinsically good, not just problem-solving.
- Examples include art, nature, friendships, and meaningful conversations.
Telic vs. Atelic Activities
- Telic activities have endpoints, while atelic activities are ongoing.
- Focusing too much on telic activities (projects) can lead to a sense of emptiness after completion.