The Next Big Idea Daily Forget Self-Improvement. Try This Instead in 2026.
54 snips
Jan 7, 2026 
In this engaging discussion, J. Eric Oliver, a political science professor and author, challenges the notion of self-improvement by suggesting we view ourselves as ever-evolving processes. He talks about balancing order and vitality, recognizing our thoughts as transient, and how social connections shape us. Meanwhile, Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor and author, explores coping with hardship by acknowledging struggles and valuing the journey over mere happiness. He encourages meaningful action against injustice and warns against viewing life as a single narrative.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Self Is A Process Not A Thing
- J. Eric Oliver frames the self as a process, not a fixed thing, meaning identity constantly changes.
- Seeing yourself as a verb reveals you can direct your own evolution rather than being stuck.
Purpose Is To Balance Order And Vitality
- Oliver argues life's purpose is to balance order and vitality across your system.
- Too much order stifles and too much vitality wastes energy, so aim for right balance.
Treat Thoughts Like Weather
- Stop identifying with every anxious or petty thought and treat thoughts like passing weather.
- Ask, "Is this thought helping anything?" to gain freedom from unhelpful mental chatter.
