Ryan Bush, a systems designer and author of "Become Who You Are," delves into the nuances of happiness and depression. He introduces an intriguing third dimension of happiness—admiration for oneself—through his virtue self-signaling theory. Ryan argues that recognizing personal virtues can enhance happiness and reduce feelings of depression. He discusses the importance of purpose, self-reflection, and living in line with one’s values, offering insights on how actions, not just affirmations, contribute to true self-esteem and well-being.
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insights INSIGHT
The Missing Dimension of Happiness
Most happiness theories focus on pleasure/pain and gain/loss.
A missing third dimension is virtue, or admirability, which significantly impacts well-being.
insights INSIGHT
Virtue as Admirability
Virtue, or admirability, encompasses traits like courage, creativity, and even humor.
These admired traits are deeply embedded in our psychology and link to our happiness.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Building Your Virtue Portfolio
Identify your "virtue portfolio" by recognizing strengths you value and would be crushed to lose.
Consider your values and what you admire in others to build your portfolio.
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In 'Stumbling on Happiness,' Daniel Gilbert delves into the human capacity to imagine the future and why we are often poor at predicting what will make us happy. Gilbert argues that our imagination is flawed in several ways: it adds or removes details, extrapolates from the present, and fails to account for the psychological immune system that helps us cope with undesired outcomes. The book uses scientific research from psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral economics to explain why we consistently misjudge our future satisfaction and how this affects our decisions. Gilbert also suggests that understanding these biases can help us make better choices and gain more control over our pursuit of happiness.
Feeling Good
The New Mood Therapy
David D. Burns MD
This book, written by Dr. David D. Burns, outlines scientifically proven techniques based on CBT to help readers overcome negative thoughts and develop a positive outlook on life. It addresses common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, guilt, and low self-esteem by identifying and correcting cognitive distortions. The book provides practical advice on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns, handling criticism, building self-esteem, and improving overall mental well-being.
Mind over mood
Dennis Greenberger
This book provides step-by-step strategies to transform lives by applying cognitive-behavioral therapy principles. It helps readers manage depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, and other mood disorders by identifying and challenging negative thoughts. The second edition includes new features such as expanded content on anxiety, mindfulness exercises, and gratitude journals.
Become Who You Are
A New Theory of Self-Esteem, Human Greatness, and the Opposite of Depression
Ryan A. Bush
Ryan A. Bush's 'Become Who You Are' offers a groundbreaking perspective on happiness and self-esteem, arguing that true fulfillment comes from aligning one's actions with personal values rather than external outcomes. The book integrates Stoic philosophy, neuropsychology, and Nietzschean virtue ethics to provide a comprehensive framework for personal growth and flourishing.
Happiness and depression can feel like slippery and befuddling things. We can do the things we've been told will make us happy, while still not feeling satisfied. Or, on paper, our lives can look great, yet we feel depressed. And the advice that's out there about these states doesn't always seem to correspond to our lived experience.
Ryan Bush has created a new map he thinks can help us make better sense of life. Ryan is a systems designer with a long-standing interest in psychology and philosophy, the founder of Designing the Mind, a self-development organization, and an author. His latest book is Become Who You Are: A New Theory of Self-Esteem, Human Greatness, and the Opposite of Depression. Today on the show, Ryan explains the two dimensions along which we usually plot our happiness, and what he thinks is the missing third dimension: virtue or admirability. Ryan then unpacks his "virtue self-signaling theory" which he thinks can heighten happiness and reduce depression, and which is premised on the idea that if you want to live a flourishing life, you have to give yourself reasons to admire yourself. I really think this is a valuable idea that everyone can get something from and recommend listening through.
The Art of Manliness 
