AUTHOR SERIES: "12 Much Better Rules for Life" or something w/ Hanzi Freinacht (Daniel Gortz)
Dec 8, 2022
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Daniel Görtz, a political philosopher and key figure in metamodernism, joins to discuss his work, '12 Much Better Rules for Life.' He unpacks the value of friendship in counteracting modern life's transactional nature. Görtz emphasizes embracing life's messiness over the pursuit of peak experiences. The conversation navigates the balance between persistence and the art of quitting, stressing its role in personal growth. They also tackle the complexities of happiness, victim culture, and the quest for justice, offering new insights into societal dynamics.
Hanzi Freinacht's new book shifts focus from individualism to the importance of community engagement for true self-improvement.
The exploration of friendship emphasizes the need for genuine connections to counteract isolation fostered by capitalism and promote holistic well-being.
Freinacht advocates for embracing 'sublime mediocrity' rather than chasing peak experiences, highlighting the importance of enriching daily life for sustainable joy.
Deep dives
A New Approach to Self-Help
The discussion emphasizes the distinct approach of Hansi Freinach's new book, which navigates beyond conventional self-help narratives to incorporate a more collective sociological perspective. Unlike Jordan Peterson's focus on the individual and personal responsibility, this book introduces principles that consider the interconnectedness of individuals within societal structures. Freinach aims to address the limitations of individualism by proposing that true self-improvement occurs in the context of community engagement and mutual support. This approach advocates for a shift away from the 'lone hero' archetype towards collaborative efforts that enrich both individuals and their communities.
Revisiting the Role of Friendship
The concept of friendship is explored as a vital theme, with an emphasis on how deeper connections can serve as an antidote to the isolation often fostered by capitalism. The dialogue suggests that genuine friendship, flourishing in a non-transactional environment, nurtures holistic growth and well-being. Such connections are framed as essential for creating a more humane society, capable of collectively overcoming the challenges posed by contemporary capitalism. The importance of forging and maintaining these friendships is highlighted as a pathway to enriching personal and communal life.
Sublime Mediocrity Over Peak Experiences
Freinach's perspective challenges the prevalent obsession with peak experiences in self-help literature, advocating instead for the acknowledgment and appreciation of 'sublime mediocrity.' This notion posits that rather than constantly chasing extraordinary highs, individuals should focus on enhancing the quality of ordinary, everyday experiences. By nurturing a sense of fulfillment in the mundane, people can find deeper, sustainable joy in their lives rather than transient euphoric moments. The discussion underscores that true resilience and satisfaction come from the consistent improvement of one’s daily life rather than from sporadic bursts of excitement.
The Balance of Discipline and Quitting
The conversation addresses the duality of persistence and quitting, presenting quitting as a crucial skill in evaluating personal relationships and pursuits. It posits that while commitment is essential, the ability to recognize when to let go of unproductive or harmful commitments is equally important. By increasing one’s 'quitting muscle,' individuals can refine their focus on what genuinely serves their goals and values. This balance of knowing when to stick with something versus when to walk away is presented as a pivotal aspect of personal growth and effective decision-making.
Justice as a Foundational Virtue
The discussion culminates in the essential role of justice in personal and societal contexts, positing that without a foundational commitment to justice, other virtues can lose their meaning. It explores the intricate relationship between personal narratives, emotions, perceptions, and actions in striving for a just existence. By evaluating fairness within relationships and societal constructs, individuals can navigate towards a more equitable approach to life. This focus on justice is framed not just as a moral imperative, but as a necessary element for sustaining harmonious community interactions.
For the twenty-fifth (!) episode of the Integral Stage's Author Series, Layman gets together with Hanzi Freinacht representative, Daniel Görtz, to talk about the forthcoming, and now formerly titled, book, "12 Much Better Rules for Life."
But while the title may be different on the date of publication, the content remains the same: a Metamodern homage, parody, incorporation, and principled transcendence of the kind of reflections and advice found in Jordan Peterson's recent bestselling self-help publications. If you've ever wanted to hear some really good reasons why you should live in a mess, fuck like a beast, and make a practice of quitting, this is your chance!
Pull up a chair and listen in as Layman and Daniel take a tour of the book's rich and insightful lessons, and find out why Layman thinks this is the most enjoyable and practical of the Hanzi books.
Daniel Görtz, PhD is a political philosopher, sociologist and author. He is a leader of “the Nordic school” of metamodernism, and one-half of the Hanzi Freinacht character. Daniel lives in Sweden and works for Metamoderna, the publisher of metamodern books, and for Glimworks, an IT-company where he is In-House Philosopher.