The Good Life Podcast with Sean Murray cover image

The Good Life Podcast with Sean Murray

TGL019: Finding Meaning in the Crisis with John Kaag

Jun 10, 2020
37:55

On today's show, I talk with John Kaag, an American philosopher and writer, and the author of the book “Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James can save your life.” John talks about Covid-19 and how it is both forcing us to ask challenging questions like “What am I going to do with my life?” and “What is my purpose?" while also affording us the time and space to reflect on these questions.

John also shares his experience of recently surviving a massive heart attack at age 40, and what that experience has taught him about living the best life possible while facing mortality. We discuss the connection between emotion and activity, and why the Nike slogan “Just Do It” is more profound than might first appear.

I encourage you to stay through to the end when we get into a discussion about the importance to go “All in” in life, if you want to flourish.


IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

  • Why emotion is tied inextricably to action and what that means for finding happiness
  • The key role that habit plays in both helping us and hindering us from achieving happiness
  • Why the Nike slogan “Just Do It” is more profound than first appears
  • The importance of going “all in” in life if you want to flourish
  • How we create meaning in life through the choices and decisions we make
  • Why we should do something difficult each day
  • Why we’ll never find the “ultimate” answers in books of philosophers


BOOKS AND RESOURCES


CONNECT WITH JOHN KAAG


GET IN TOUCH WITH SEAN MURRAY


HELP US OUT!

Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!

Read the full transcript and show notes here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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