Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist and Wharton professor, dives into effective strategies for lasting personal change. She discusses commitment devices inspired by The Odyssey and the importance of understanding empathy gaps in life satisfaction. Katy also highlights how modern tools like audiobooks can enhance learning and accessibility. Additionally, they explore the journey to happiness, emphasizing that fulfillment comes from appreciating the process and sharing stories, especially with children.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Odysseus and the Sirens
Odysseus used a commitment device to resist the Sirens' deadly song.
He had his crew tie him to the mast, preventing him from steering the ship toward the rocks.
insights INSIGHT
Knowledge vs. Action
Knowledge alone isn't enough for change, as Odysseus knew the sirens were dangerous but needed a commitment device.
Commitment devices bridge the gap between knowledge and action, addressing our inability to resist temptation.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Tools for Lasting Change
Don't view behavior change tools as temporary training wheels.
Recognize that these tools, like temptation bundling, are permanent supports needed for lasting change.
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Percy Jackson, a young boy with dyslexia and ADHD, finds out he is a demigod and the son of Poseidon. Accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, Percy must navigate the world of Greek mythology, attend Camp Half-Blood, and go on a perilous journey with his friends Annabeth and Grover to clear his name and save the world from another war between the gods. Along the way, he faces various mythological monsters and gods, ultimately discovering the true thief and the plot to revive Kronos, the Lord of the Titans.
Asylum
William Seabrook
William Seabrook's "Asylum" is a compelling memoir detailing his experiences with alcoholism and his treatment in an insane asylum in the 1930s. The book offers a raw and unflinching account of his struggles with addiction and his journey toward recovery. Seabrook's vivid descriptions and introspective reflections provide a powerful insight into the challenges of addiction and the complexities of mental health. The book's enduring relevance lies in its honest portrayal of addiction and its exploration of the human capacity for self-destruction and redemption. It remains a significant work in the literature of addiction and recovery.
Furious Hours
Casey Cep
Furious Hours by Casey Cep is a captivating blend of true crime and literary biography. It explores the mysterious murders linked to Reverend Willie Maxwell in rural Alabama and Harper Lee's fascination with the case, which she hoped to turn into her next book. The narrative delves into the racial politics of the Deep South and offers a poignant portrait of Lee's struggles with fame and creativity.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
How to Change
The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Katy Milkman
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
The Odyssey
Homer
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
How can we make real, lasting changes in our lives? Katy Milkman talks with Ryan about strategic methods we can use to overcome barriers to change, examples we can learn from The Odyssey, powerful commitment devices, empathy gaps, and more.
Katy Milkman is a Behavioral Scientist, Wharton Professor, and Co-Director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative. She is the Author of How to Change and podcast host of Choicology.
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