The Difference Between Complicated and Complex Problems

"There are two kinds of problems in life: complicated problems and complex problems," my dad used to say. Complicated problems can be solved with computational horsepower and tech, while complex problems are easy to understand but impossible to solve. Take the example of predicting the winner between the Patriots and the Dolphins - it's a complex problem. Love is also a complex problem, while a jet engine is a complicated problem. We're always unsatisfied because we have complex problems but only complicated solutions like computers and social media. And that's why we're always searching for the wrong kind of solution."

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Brought to you by Wealthfront high-yield savings account, Eight Sleep’s Pod Cover sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating, and AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement.

Arthur C. Brooks (@arthurbrooks) is the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular “How to Build a Life” column. Brooks is the author of 13 books, including the 2022 #1 New York Times bestseller From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life and his newest Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier with co-author Oprah Winfrey. He speaks to audiences all around the world about human happiness and works to raise well-being within private companies, universities, public agencies, and community organizations.

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[07:10] The reverse bucket list.

[13:00] Intention without attachment.

[14:49] Writing Thích Nhất Hạnh’s obituary.

[17:30] Buddhist views through a Catholic lens.

[20:43] Blood occlusion training and physical fitness over 40.

[24:22] Arthur’s semi-mystical teenage experiences in Mexico.

[30:30] Arthur’s academic dad on complex vs. complicated.

[33:35] Happiness hygiene for genetically baseline gloominess.

[36:19] Happiness and unhappiness: hand in hand.

[39:31] Being effective with one’s affects.

[42:53] The three macronutrients of happiness.

[51:21] Identifying (and learning to live with) our idols.