A Bit of Optimism

Life Worth Living with Miroslav Volf

Jun 13, 2023

Miroslav Volf, a Yale professor and theologian, dives deep into the essence of a fulfilling life. He critiques the conventional views of individualism, arguing for the vital role of community in our quest for self-actualization. Volf shares poignant stories, including a moving account of resilience amidst despair, illustrating how hope can thrive even in darkness. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of mutual support and the importance of cherishing the present in crafting a meaningful life.

31:07

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Episode guests

Miroslav Volf

Highlights

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Episode notes

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the Paradox of Being Human

01:08

Reflections on the Impact of Writing and Teaching about Life Worth Living

00:59

Reflecting on 9/11, Human Nature, and the Good Life

01:44

Intro

4min

Reevaluating Maslow: The Paradox of Individualism and Community

3min

Pursuing a Meaningful Life

16min

Resilience Amidst Despair

4min

Exploring Mutual Dependence and the Quest for a Meaningful Life

5min

What does it mean for a life to go well? What matters most in our time on Earth?

These are the most important questions of our lives and yet most of us have no clue how to answer them.

Miroslav Volf is a theologian and professor who has been grappling with these ideas for decades. He is the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture where he teaches a class called “Life Worth Living,” and recently wrote a book by the same name.

It turns out, life worth living is life helping others.

This is…A Bit of Optimism.

For more information on Miroslav and his work check out:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691260/life-worth-living-by-miroslav-volf-matthew-croasmun-and-ryan-mcannally-linz/

https://faith.yale.edu/people/miroslav-volf

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