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In the grand experiment of human happiness, we’ve confused the variables.
Achievement, status, and recognition are merely proxies for what we truly desire.
At what point do we realize that success might be the very thing alienating us from genuine happiness?
My guest today is Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and behavioral scientist who has reshaped our understanding of human happiness. A former French horn player turned happiness researcher, Arthur has become one of the world’s leading experts on fulfillment, blending empirical research with spiritual wisdom. Through his annual pilgrimages to Dharamsala and his deep connection with the Dalai Lama, he has pioneered a unique approach to exploring life’s most fundamental questions.
“Happiness isn’t a destination. Happiness is a direction.”
– ARTHUR BROOKS
Today, we discuss:
- Success Addiction & The Strivers’ Dilemma
- Walking the Camino & Finding Purpose
- Lessons from the Dalai Lama
- The Modern Crisis of Meaning
- Science, Faith & The Power of Love
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Note: ZOE Science & Nutrition Podcast just dropped a new episode featuring my conversation with Dr. Tim Spector (whom longtime listeners will remember from the RRP) to discuss all things gut health and microbiome science. Tune in HERE.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect with Arthur: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
- Podcast: The Art of Happiness
- Book: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier
- Book: From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
- Catalog: Arthur C. Brooks
- The Atlantic: Articles by Arthur C. Brooks
- The Atlantic: To Get Happier, Choose to Read This Column
- Oprah: Oprah and Arthur Brooks Announce a New Book!
- Trinity Forum Conversations: Strength to Strength with Arthur Brooks
- Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast: From Strength to Strength with Arthur Brooks
- CNBC: Harvard professor Arthur Brooks reveals his secret to happiness
- YouTube: How to Be an Optimist: A Conversation with Arthur Brooks
- Wired: Harvard Professor Answers Happiness Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED
- YouTube: Be Happier: The Science & Art of Livin’ feat. Matthew McConaughey hosted by Arthur Brooks
- YouTube: Arthur C. Brooks on the Secret to a Happy Life | In Pursuit of Happiness
- AP News: Rounding life’s second curve a hard road of self discovery
- Fast Company: This is the downside of being a high-achiever at work
- Washingtonian: Arthur Brooks: The Washingtonian Interview
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Dan Drake & Morgan McCrae for video, & editing; graphics by graphics by Alejandro Ribadeneira & Bryan Lawrence; portraits by Davy Greenberg; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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