The Daily Stoic

AJ Jacobs on the Enduring Power of Puzzles and Memento Mori

May 14, 2022

AJ Jacobs, an American journalist and author known for his immersive lifestyle experiments, dives into the fascinating world of puzzles in his latest conversation. He connects puzzle-solving to personal growth and curiosity, sharing humorous anecdotes that highlight its appeal. The discussion also explores the Stoic concept of Memento Mori, emphasizing how accepting imperfection can enrich our perspective on life. Jacobs invites listeners to see challenges as 'cooperative puzzles,' encouraging a mindset of curiosity over conflict.

01:02:14

Episode guests

AJ. Jacobs

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Exploring Unique Perspectives in Writing and Life

3min

Puzzles of Life: Embracing Curiosity and Growth

14min

Cultivating Curiosity Through Puzzles

4min

Embracing Complexity in Thought and Writing

12min

Navigating Regret: A Stoic Perspective on Decision-Making

5min

Embracing Imperfection and Perspective

11min

Language, Agency, and the Power of Words

5min

Navigating Hurt and Time

11min

10.

The Quest for Meaning

5min

Ryan talks to A.J. Jacobs about his new book The Puzzler: One Man's Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever, from Crosswords to Jigsaws to the Meaning of Life, the enduring power of puzzles, the Stoic concept of Memento Mori, and more.

A.J. Jacobs is an American journalist, author, and lecturer best known for writing about his lifestyle experiments. He is a self-proclaimed “human guinea pig” and avid nightly crossworder. He has written four New York Times bestsellers that combine memoir, science, humor and a dash of self-help. AJ is also editor at large at Esquire magazine, a commentator on NPR and a columnist for Mental Floss magazine. His first book is called The Know-It-All: One Man’s Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World (Simon & Schuster, 2004). The memoir — which spent two months on the New York Times bestseller list — chronicles the 18 months Jacobs spent reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica in a quest to learn everything in the world.

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