Asking the Right Question: What is Life Expecting of Me?

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When considering your life's purpose, instead of asking what you want to do, ask what life expects of you. Find a big problem that calls to you, one you are uniquely qualified to solve. Like Swanucker, who decided to tackle education in Africa because of his upbringing and experience. The key is to find the intersection between your passion and a significant need in the world. As Fred Reichner said, find the spot where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need.

For two hours every morning, David Brooks crawls around his living room floor, organizing piles of research. Then, the piles become paragraphs, the paragraphs become columns or chapters, and the process - which he calls "writing" - is complete.

After that he might go out and see some people. A lunch, say, with his friend Tyler. And the two will discuss the things they're thinking, writing, and learning about. And David will feel rejuvenated, for he is a social animal (as are we all).

Then one day David will be asked by Tyler to come on his show, and perform this act publicly. To talk about his love for Bruce Springsteen, being a modern-day Whig, his "religious bisexuality," covenants vs. contracts, today's answer to the "Fallows Question," why failure is overrated, community and loneliness, the upside of being invaded by Canada, and much more.

And though he will be intimidated, David will oblige, and the result is here for you to enjoy.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded May 14th, 2018 Other ways to connect

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