In *Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come*, Jessica Pan chronicles her year of forcing herself to live as an extrovert. Pan, a self-described 'shintrovert,' was feeling lonely and depressed due to her extreme shyness and lack of social interactions. She decided to challenge herself by engaging in various daunting new experiences such as stand-up comedy, solo vacations, and networking events. The book is a humorous and sincere account of her trials, revelations, and the lessons she learned about human connection and personal growth. Pan's journey involves consulting with experts, facing her fears through exposure therapy, and ultimately forming new friendships and gaining confidence.
In *The Book of Delights*, Ross Gay offers a genre-defying volume of short, lyrical essays written over one tumultuous year. These 'essayettes,' in the manner of Montaigne, capture Gay’s daily observations and experiences, ranging from the beauty of the natural world to the complexities of race and masculinity. The book emphasizes the importance of delight as a bulwark against casual cruelties and as a way to connect with others, highlighting the shared humanity and mortality that bind us. Gay’s essays are both intimate and political, never shying away from the terrors of living in America while celebrating the small joys that make life worth observing closely[1][3][5].
In 'The Upswing', Robert Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett provide a comprehensive overview of more than a century of American history. They identify a significant shift from an 'I' society to a 'We' society during the early 20th century, particularly peaking in the 1960s, and then a reversal back to individualism. The book uses statistical analysis and storytelling to illustrate this 'I-We-I' curve, showing how trends in politics, economics, society, and culture have repeated over time. The authors argue that understanding this historical pattern can inspire a new generation to work towards rebuilding a more communitarian society[1][3][4].
In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.
Dr. Laurie Santos is a renowned psychology professor at Yale University and creator of the most popular course in Yale's history: "Psychology and the Good Life."
This conversation explores why our intuitions about happiness are spectacularly wrong and the mental health crisis plaguing young people. We discuss how our brains mislead us about well-being, the power of negative visualization, and evidence-based "rewirements" to overcome our natural biases.
Along the way, she shares the stark reality among elite students and practical strategies for authentic happiness.
Laurie brings science to humanity's quest for happiness. Essential for anyone seeking genuine well-being. Enjoy!
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