Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor and author of 'Midlife: A Philosophical Guide,' tackles the real challenges of midlife malaise beyond typical stereotypes. He delves into how societal pressures can evoke feelings of inadequacy, and guides listeners through the philosophy of reframing regrets into opportunities for growth. Setiya emphasizes the importance of finding meaning through personal passions and relationships, encouraging a shift from goal-oriented thinking to valuing the journey itself for greater fulfillment.
Midlife malaise encompasses existential questions, missed opportunities, and past regrets.
Engaging in enriching activities like art and relationships combats midlife emptiness.
Acceptance of missing out on certain experiences is crucial for finding life's richness.
Deep dives
The Origin of the Midlife Crisis Phrase and Its Cultural History
The concept of a midlife crisis can be dated back to a 1965 essay by a Canadian psychoanalyst. The phrase became popular in the 1970s, but the idea of midlife difficulties has a long historical background. Philosophically, work demands and societal efficiency pressures in the early 20th century can contribute to midlife anxieties. Despite its cultural prevalence, studies in the late 90s and early 2000s questioned the empirical basis for the midlife crisis, suggesting a more nuanced reality.
Refining the Perception of the Midlife Crisis: Existential Challenges
Recent studies suggest a more subtle understanding of the midlife crisis phenomenon. Research by economists Blanchflower and Oswald indicates a dip in life satisfaction around midlife, termed 'midlife malaise.' This period is characterized by existential questions on life's purpose, missed opportunities, and dealing with past mistakes. The midlife crisis label has evolved to signify a challenging time for individuals to find satisfaction in their lives, rather than a universal crisis.
Navigating Midlife Malaise and Rediscovering Existential Meaning
Individuals experiencing midlife challenges, like a sense of emptiness despite achieving major life goals, can benefit from exploring existentially valuable activities. Engaging in activities that are not solely problem-solving but also positively enrich life, such as art, contemplation, relationships, or meaningful work, can provide a sense of fulfillment. Redefining priorities, making time for self-reflection, and realigning with deeper values contribute to navigating midlife malaise and finding existential purpose.
Dealing with the Fear of Missing Out in Life
The podcast discusses how philosophy can help individuals cope with the fear of missing out in life. It highlights the concept of value pluralism, explaining that in pursuing different valuable experiences, one is bound to miss out on some aspects. The episode suggests that accepting the inevitability of missing out is crucial, as trying to avoid it would require either simplifying the world or diminishing one's interests. By reframing the perspective on missing out as part of life's richness, individuals can find acceptance and appreciation for the diverse opportunities available.
Transitioning to ATELIC Activities in Middle Age
The podcast explores the shift from focusing solely on TELIC activities, which have finite endpoints, to incorporating ATELIC activities, those without a final goal. It emphasizes the importance of balancing both types of activities in life, where TELIC pursuits like writing a book should not overshadow the value found in the process itself. By engaging in ATELIC activities that offer ongoing meaning, individuals can combat feelings of emptiness and aimlessness, particularly as they navigate midlife. This approach encourages a deeper appreciation for the present moment and a more holistic approach to life's pursuits.
When you think about someone having a midlife crisis, you probably think of a man getting divorced, stepping out with a younger woman, and buying a sports car. But my guest today says the often jokey, mockable trope of the midlife crisis we have in our popular culture discounts the fact that the sense of dissatisfaction people can feel in their middle years is quite real, and that the questions it raises are profond, philosophical, and worth earnestly grappling with.
His name is Kieran Setiya, and he's a professor of philosophy and the author of Midlife: A Philosophical Guide. Kieran and I first discuss what researchers have uncovered about whether the midlife crisis really exists, how it might be better described as a kind of midlife malaise, and how Kieran's own sense of life dissatisfaction began when he was only in his mid-thirties. We then explore the philosophical reframing that can help in dealing with the existential issues that the journey into midlife often raises, including feeling like you've missed out on certain possibilities and feeling regret over your mistakes and misfortunes. We also talk about how to shift out of one primary cause of the midlife malaise — the sense that your life is merely about putting out fires and checking off boxes.
