Katie Barclay

Katie Barclay, a historian and editor of The Routledge History of Happiness, dives into the fascinating evolution of happiness. She reveals that while 'happiness' gained popularity in the 17th century, its roots trace back much further. Barclay explores how cultural and societal values shape our understanding of joy, examining forgotten emotions like apatheia and how definitions have shifted over time. The conversation also highlights the historical journey from happiness as fortune to a fundamental human right, intertwining personal fulfillment with societal progress.

In this episode, Katie Barclay, Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in the History of Emotions, discusses her book 'Academic Emotions: Feeling the Institution'. She explores the heightened emotional register of academia, the transformational process of the PhD, and how emotions may have changed post-pandemic. The hosts also touch upon the establishment of the Center for the History of Emotion, the challenges of aligning personal values with academia, and the importance of managing emotions for personal growth.