Philosopher Aaron Simmons discusses his book Camping with Kierkegaard, emphasizing intentional living. They explore faith through outdoor activities, challenge success-oriented mindsets, and discuss the concept of assholes. They also talk about the importance of vulnerability and relationality.
Living faithfully involves being open to the possibilities and directions in life, embracing the risk that comes with choosing a certain path, and living with humility, hospitality, and gratitude.
There is a dilemma in balancing professional success and personal happiness, and it is a personal choice that may differ for each individual, requiring a balance that aligns with one's values and leads to fulfillment.
Living a life of reflection and purpose involves asking meaningful questions, challenging assumptions, embracing uncertainty, and finding a balance between personal fulfillment, professional aspirations, and meaningful relationships.
Deep dives
Living Faithfully: Openness and Direction
Living faithfully is about being open to the possibilities and directions in life, recognizing that our plans may not always go as expected. It involves embracing the risk that comes with choosing a certain path and being intentional about living a purposeful life. Faithfulness is not limited to a specific goal or outcome, but rather focuses on living with meaning and intentionality. It requires humility, hospitality, and gratitude as guiding virtues to avoid becoming success-oriented and ego-driven.
The Philosophical Dilemma: Balancing Professional Success and Personal Happiness
The dilemma of balancing professional success and personal happiness is a common challenge for philosophers and individuals alike. On one hand, there is a desire to pursue one's passion and make meaningful contributions in their field. On the other hand, there is the recognition of the importance of relationships, family, and personal well-being. It is a personal choice that may differ for each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some may prioritize their professional lives and accept the sacrifices that come with it, while others may prioritize personal happiness and family life. The key is to find a balance that aligns with one's values and leads to a sense of fulfillment.
Living a Life of Reflection and Purpose
Living a life of reflection and purpose involves embracing the philosophy of asking meaningful questions, challenging assumptions, and living intentionally. It is not necessary to pursue a career in philosophy to live a reflective life. Instead, it is about being open to different viewpoints, critically examining our beliefs and actions, and embracing uncertainty and ambiguity. Living faithfully means recognizing that there is no one right answer or predetermined path, but rather engaging in a continuous process of self-reflection and growth. It requires finding a balance between personal fulfillment, professional aspirations, and meaningful relationships.
The Importance of Adaptability and Flexibility in Life
Being open to revising our plans and directions is crucial in life. Our best intentions and plans may need to be adjusted, and being adaptable is a key aspect of faithfulness. It means recognizing that our goals and priorities may change over time and being willing to flex and adjust to new circumstances.
The Significance of Knowing Who We Are Becoming
Understanding who we are becoming is essential for leading a fulfilling life. The idea that we only ever understand backward, but live forward indicates that we often cannot foresee our future paths. Therefore, it is crucial to proactively consider the person we desire to become. This involves actively shaping our practices and habits to align with our values and aspirations, while remaining open to unforeseen circumstances and the need for personal growth.
Philosopher Aaron Simmons joins us to discuss his new book Camping with Kierkegaard. It's all about living life in a way that is "worthy of your finitude," avoiding becoming an "asshole capitalist," and learning how to value the things in your life with the help of folks like Kierkegaard and Simone de Beauvoir. We discuss living faithfully, being present, living on purpose toward something you've chosen, and a lot more. There's a LOT to unpack in this one, and a couple interesting tangents that didn't make it into the final cut, so Patreon supporters, look out for those.