TGL019: Finding Meaning in the Crisis with John Kaag

On today's show, I talk with John Kaag, an American philosopher and writer, and the author of the book “Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James can save your life.” John talks about Covid-19 and how it is both forcing us to ask challenging questions like “What am I going to do with my life?” and “What is my purpose?" while also affording us the time and space to reflect on these questions.

John also shares his experience of recently surviving a massive heart attack at age 40, and what that experience has taught him about living the best life possible while facing mortality. We discuss the connection between emotion and activity, and why the Nike slogan “Just Do It” is more profound than might first appear.

I encourage you to stay through to the end when we get into a discussion about the importance to go “All in” in life, if you want to flourish.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why emotion is tied inextricably to action and what that means for finding happiness
• The key role that habit plays in both helping us and hindering us from achieving happiness
• Why the Nike slogan “Just Do It” is more profound than first appears
• The importance of going “all in” in life if you want to flourish
• How we create meaning in life through the choices and decisions we make
• Why we should do something difficult each day
• Why we’ll never find the “ultimate” answers in books of philosophers

BOOKS AND RESOURCES

• Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life by John Kaag
• Hiking with Nietzsche: On Becoming Who You Are by John Kaag
• American Philosophy: A Love Story by John Kaag
• Discover CMC Markets, the ultimate platform for online trading on mobile and desktop.

CONNECT WITH JOHN KAAG

• Twitter: @johnkaag
• Website: https://johnkaag.com/

GET IN TOUCH WITH SEAN MURRAY

• Sean's Twitter Account
• Sean's LinkedIn Account
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: RealTime Performance, Inc.
• Weekly Newsletter: RealTime Performance Newsletter

HELP US OUT!

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Read the full transcript and show notes here.

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