Kieran Setiya

Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor and author of 'Midlife: A Philosophical Guide,' tackles the real challenges of midlife malaise beyond typical stereotypes. He delves into how societal pressures can evoke feelings of inadequacy, and guides listeners through the philosophy of reframing regrets into opportunities for growth. Setiya emphasizes the importance of finding meaning through personal passions and relationships, encouraging a shift from goal-oriented thinking to valuing the journey itself for greater fulfillment.

Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor at MIT and author, engages in a deep conversation about how philosophical insights can enrich our lives. They explore the debate between objective moral truths and personal happiness. Setiya discusses navigating grief and the ethical dilemmas surrounding emotional pain. The intriguing distinction between 'telic' and 'atelic' activities is examined, revealing how mindfulness and reframing our thoughts can enhance our well-being. Together, they tackle the complexities of regret, FOMO, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

In this engaging conversation, Kieran Setiya, an MIT professor and author, delves into how philosophy can ease the struggles of midlife crises. He explores the intersection of self-help and ethical living, arguing that reflection can navigate life's complexities. The discussion touches on the malaise of midlife, the weight of regret, and the quest for meaning. Setiya also critiques the focus on happiness, advocating for embracing life's challenges and shared experiences over mere self-love. His insights offer a philosophical roadmap for a fulfilling life.

In this conversation, Kieran Setiya, an MIT professor and author, shares insights from his book 'Life is Hard.' He discusses how philosophy can provide practical tools for navigating life’s toughest moments, including midlife crises and feelings of regret. Setiya contrasts philosophical inquiry with modern self-help trends, urging a deeper understanding of happiness and fulfillment. He addresses the importance of embracing life's complexities and fostering genuine connections, all while encouraging listeners to accept both the joyful and painful aspects of existence.

Kieran Setiya, a philosopher at MIT and host of the podcast Five Questions, dives into the complexities of midlife. He shares insights drawn from his book, emphasizing that a fulfilling life relies more on pursuing enriching experiences than chasing goals. Setiya discusses how John Stuart Mill faced his midlife crisis at a young age and argues that regrets can transform into opportunities for growth. He encourages listeners to appreciate the present, engage in meaningful conversations, and embrace mortality as a pathway to a richer life.

Kieran Setiya ist erfolgreicher Philosophieprofessor und glücklicher Familienvater – und hat chronische Schmerzen. Ein Rezept gegen das tägliche Leiden sieht er in der Philosophie: Sie lehrt ihn, dass ein glückliches Leben nicht dasselbe ist wie ein gutes Leben. Das Gespräch führt Barbara Bleisch. In seinem sehr persönlichen Buch «Das Leben ist hart» denkt der Philosoph Kieran Setiya über philosophische Rezepte nach, wie mit Schmerz, Angst und Frustration, aber auch mit Einsamkeit und Hoffnungslosigkeit umzugehen ist. Billige Trostmanöver weist er kategorisch zurück: «Das wird schon wieder!» oder «Alles hat seinen Grund!» hält er für unzulängliche und sogar verletzende Rezepte, um mit den Schwierigkeiten des Lebens zurechtzukommen. Vielmehr plädiert er für eine Praxis des Leidens und Trauerns und für die Einsicht, dass es viele verschiedene Möglichkeiten gibt, ein gutes Leben zu führen – gerade auch angesichts der Tatsache, dass tiefe Gefühle ohne Risiko meist nicht zu haben sind. Barbara Bleisch wirft mit Kieran Setiya einen Blick auf die Grautöne des Lebens und entdeckt darin eine andere Qualität von Farbigkeit.

Kieran Setiya, a Professor of Philosophy at MIT and author, delves into the practical applications of philosophical thought in everyday life. He examines the convergence of philosophy and self-help, proposing their reintegration to tackle life's challenges. Setiya discusses midlife crises and the balance between goal-oriented activities and mindfulness. He critiques simplistic philosophies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing suffering and complexity. The conversation also touches on the philosophy of desire, choice, and the role of introspection in personal development.

Brad is joined by author Kieran Setiya to discuss his new book Life is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way. Kieran discusses navigating a midlife crisis, his mindfulness practice, altruism, social media, telic vs atelic activities, ritual and religion, and the future of philosophy.You can find the episode on:iTunes and Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidStitcherCheck out our exclusive community offers on Patreon here.Kieran Setiya's books: Life is Hard and Midlife (highly recommend!) Get Do Hard Things and The Practice of Groundedness on audible (Or in hard copy: Hard Things here and Groundedness here).Please write a review on Apple Podcasts and help new listeners discover the show!Find Brad and Steve on Twitter: @Bstulberg and @stevemagnessThe post 144 – Life is Hard, How Philosophy can Help (with Kieran Setiya) appeared first on The Growth Equation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life is hard. But drawing on the insights of philosophers ancient and modern, Keiran Setiya has written a witty and hope-filled book chronicling his own realization that, even with chronic pain, while his life may not be perfect, it can still be richly rewarding.

Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor and author of "Midlife: A Philosophical Guide," challenges the popular narrative of midlife crises. He discusses the true nature of midlife malaise, emphasizing profound existential questions and the burdens of regret. Setiya offers a philosophical reframe to alleviate feelings of aimlessness and dissatisfaction, suggesting a focus on meaningful experiences over mere problem-solving. He advocates for reconnecting with personal passions, highlighting that understanding oneself can lead to growth and fulfillment during this complex life stage.