Complex vs complicated problems | 1min snip from The Tim Ferriss Show

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#692: Arthur C. Brooks — How to Be Happy, Reverse Bucket Lists, The Four False Idols, Muscular Philosophies, Practical Inoculation Against the Darkness, and More

The Tim Ferriss Show

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**Complex vs complicated problems **

There are two types of problems: complicated and complex. Complicated problems can be solved with computational power and technology, while complex problems cannot be solved. Complex problems are easy to understand but cannot be accurately simulated or predicted. Examples of complex problems include predicting the outcome of a sports game or understanding love. On the other hand, complicated problems, such as jet engines, can be solved using computational methods. The speaker suggests that people often feel unsatisfied in life because they have complex problems but are offered complicated solutions, such as computers and the internet, which do not solve their underlying issues.

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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.