Lives Well Lived

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and advocate for social reform, discusses the crucial need for moral ambition in addressing global challenges. He delves into the founding of his School for Moral Ambition, emphasizing learning from history to inspire modern activism. Topics like universal basic income and a 15-hour workweek highlight pragmatic solutions to poverty. Rutger shares thoughts on finding purpose beyond mere happiness, underscoring the importance of community-driven efforts and the role of political engagement in effecting meaningful change.

Elizabeth Barnes, an author and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Virginia, shares her profound insights on living with disabilities. She discusses her unconventional path to philosophy and the intersection of ethics and disability. Barnes advocates for a deeper understanding of well-being, addressing societal perceptions and ethical dilemmas surrounding disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of personal narratives, self-acceptance, and the role of community in redefining quality of life, showcasing how joy can emerge even amidst challenges.

In this enlightening conversation, Thomas Nagel, a prominent American philosopher renowned for his exploration of consciousness, ethics, and the limits of scientific thought, shares his profound insights. He discusses the intricacies of subjective experience and challenges the materialistic view of consciousness. Nagel also delves into the ethics of animal suffering and the difficulty of reconciling personal loyalties with impartial moral theories. He emphasizes the need for a broader perspective on reality that unites both the mental and physical realms.

Arthur C. Brooks, an author and Harvard professor, dives into the multi-faceted nature of happiness, discussing its essential components: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. He tackles the paradox of the hedonic treadmill and the fleeting joy of achieving goals versus savoring the journey itself. Brooks emphasizes the importance of purpose, self-reflection, and emotional awareness, while also exploring societal views on aging and dignity. The conversation interweaves philosophical insights with scientific perspectives, offering valuable strategies for cultivating happiness.

Antonio Damasio, an acclaimed neuroscientist, dives into the depths of consciousness, emotions, and decision-making. He discusses the dramatic personality shifts from brain injuries, illustrated by Phineas Gage's case. The conversation underscores the vital link between bodily awareness and a fulfilled life while exploring how art and relationships enrich our happiness. Damasio also reflects on the complexities of emotions in music and the moral implications of artificial intelligence, challenging our understanding of consciousness and human experience.

In this engaging conversation, Sigal Samuel, a writer and journalist known for her insights on religion and ethics, shares her approach to navigating moral complexities. She discusses the limitations of optimizing morality within a utilitarian framework and advocates for a balance between moral values and personal fulfillment. Sigal also reflects on her evolution from a scarcity mindset to embracing philanthropy, emphasizing the joy of self-care and the importance of community connections in ethical decision-making.

David Duchovny, renowned actor, writer, and musician, shares his insights on the delicate balance between pleasure and meaning in life. He dives into the complexities of fame and failure, reflecting on his creative journey and the impact of personal experiences. Duchovny discusses the ethics of food consumption, the rise of alternative proteins, and the nuanced differences between empathy and compassion. He also explores how personal history shapes art and literature, highlighting the emotional depth conveyed through storytelling.

Michael Plant, the founding director of the Happier Lives Institute and a research fellow at Oxford, dives into the essence of happiness and global wellbeing. He discusses key findings from the 2025 World Happiness Report, emphasizing how informed charitable giving can significantly improve well-being. Plant shares insights on the emotional toll of infertility, personal anecdotes, and the diverse dimensions of happiness, urging listeners to consider how their actions contribute to a happier society.

Dr. Anna Lembke, a Stanford psychiatry professor and author of Dopamine Nation, dives deep into the world of addiction and the science of dopamine. She discusses how modern technology fuels compulsive behaviors and the ethical dilemmas of free will in addiction. Lembke highlights the importance of radical honesty in relationships and the effects of personal loss on identity. The conversation also touches on navigating the balance between medication and alternative treatments, emphasizing the need for genuine connections in today's digital landscape.

Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky, known for his groundbreaking work on stress and social hierarchies in baboons, dives deep into the mind's intricacies. He explores how stress affects behavior and challenges the concept of free will. Sapolsky's insights reveal striking parallels between baboon social dynamics and human mental health. He discusses addiction's genetic and environmental factors and emphasizes the importance of compassion in understanding human behavior. The conversation highlights ethical dilemmas in animal research while advocating for personal agency in navigating life's complexities.