EFR 750: Life Worth Living: How to Ask the Right Questions, Decipher the Role of Religious Traditions, and Act Out of Integrity with Matthew Croasmun
Oct 23, 2023
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Matthew Croasmun, a Yale University professor and author, explores the importance of questions, the role of religious traditions in finding purpose, the significance of community, and the power of humility, courage, and integrity in living a meaningful life.
Humility and courage form the foundation for integrity in pursuing a meaningful life.
Community provides support, inspiration, and different perspectives in the pursuit of a life worth living.
Questioning the worthiness of our desires and seeking discernment can lead to a more meaningful life.
Deep dives
The Importance of Humility and Courage in Pursuing a Meaningful Life
The pursuit of a meaningful life requires humility and courage. Humility allows us to question our own beliefs and desires, recognizing that not everything we want is worth wanting. It involves being open to revision and acknowledging that we don't have all the answers. Courage, on the other hand, helps us act on what we believe and take risks in pursuit of a life worth living. It requires us to face challenges and make choices that align with our values, even if it means admitting when we are wrong and seeking forgiveness. The combination of humility and courage forms the foundation for integrity, where we strive to be consistent in our actions and values, acting with authenticity and embodying our true selves.
The Role of Community in Discovering and Sustaining Meaning
Community plays a crucial role in our pursuit of a meaningful life. While we have an individual responsibility for our own lives, we thrive and find support from being part of a community. Communities provide support, inspiration, and different perspectives that challenge our own beliefs and give us a sense of connection. They help us navigate the complexities of life and share in the joys and sorrows. Being in community also invites us to practice curiosity, humility, and openness to the stories and experiences of others. Through shared dialogue and response, we can learn and grow together, amplifying our understanding of what it means to live a life worth living.
Questioning What is Worth Wanting
In the pursuit of a life worth living, it is important to question the worthiness of our desires. Not everything we want is worth wanting, and it is crucial to critically examine our desires and discern what truly matters. This process requires introspection and self-reflection, as well as seeking perspectives from external sources. While communities and conversations with others can provide valuable insights, the ultimate discernment of worthiness may come from a spiritual or religious perspective. By connecting with something greater than ourselves and gaining insights from a wider perspective, we can gain clarity and make choices aligned with what truly matters most.
Cultivating Curiosity and Response
Curiosity plays a vital role in continuously moving forward in life. It is through curiosity that we explore new ideas, challenge our assumptions, and open ourselves to new possibilities. Instead of seeking fixed answers, we should embrace curiosity and respond to questions rather than providing definitive answers. This dynamic posture allows us to continually learn and grow, as well as to engage in meaningful conversations with others. By cultivating curiosity and maintaining a spirit of response, we can expand our understanding of a life worth living and bring about positive change in ourselves and the world around us.
The Continuous Journey of Pursuing a Life Ever Forward
The pursuit of a life worth living is not a destination but a continuous journey. It requires ongoing self-reflection, courage, and humility. It involves staying curious, asking questions, and remaining open to new insights and perspectives. Community plays a significant role in this journey, offering support, shared experiences, and opportunities for growth. Through a combination of self-discovery, engaging with others, and seeking wisdom from various sources, we can navigate the complexities of life and strive to live a life ever forward.
What should we hope for? How should we live? How do we flourish? Matthew Croasmun is here to respond to these and other questions and reflect on the different answers that have informed various faiths and cultures. He has led students through these findings in one of Yale University’s most popular courses and has recently written a book, Life Worth Living, to help you respond to these questions in the context of your own life... to live a life EVER FORWARD!
More about Matthew: Matt Croasmun is Associate Research Scholar and Director of the Life Worth Living Program at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture and Lecturer of Divinity & Humanities at Yale University.
The Importance of Questions: Matthew emphasizes the role of questions in life's journey and self-discovery and he highlights that questions are not just about finding answers but also about stimulating thought and fostering curiosity.
The Role of Religious Traditions: Matthew explains how religious traditions and their ancient wisdom can help individuals find purpose and authenticity in life.
Community and Connection: The episode highlights the significance of community in our quest for a meaningful life. Matthew suggests that listening to others' stories, being curious about their experiences, and showing humility can help us understand our fellow humans better and find common ground.
The Power of Humility, Courage, and Integrity: The podcast underscores the value of humility, courage, and integrity in living a meaningful life. It emphasizes that humility is the foundation for curiosity and learning, courage allows us to act on our beliefs and values, and integrity ensures that we stay true to ourselves and our principles.
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Episode resources:
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