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Dr. John Kaag on How to Find Zest in Life

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Aug 13, 2021

Dr. John Kaag, Professor of Philosophy at UMass and author of 'Sick Souls, Healthy Minds,' explores how to infuse life with zest. He discusses William James's philosophy and the importance of recognizing we're not alone in our struggles. The conversation dives into the balance between cultivating new experiences and maintaining commitments, emphasizing how habits can lead us to autopilot living. Kaag also highlights the significance of intentional choices in shaping our existence, urging listeners to discover excitement in ordinary moments.

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INSIGHT

Finding Comfort in Philosophy

John Kaag credits William James's philosophy with encouraging him not to fear life.
James's work offered companionship and validation in Kaag's struggles with suicidal thoughts and depression.

ADVICE

The Double-Edged Sword of Habit

James emphasizes the importance of understanding how habits are formed and broken.
He sees habits as tools for navigating the world but warns against autopilot and decreased awareness.

ANECDOTE

Midlife Crisis and Habits

John Kaag experienced the dangers of habit in midlife, culminating in a cardiac arrest at 40.
This event forced him to confront his unhealthy habits and re-evaluate his lifestyle.

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Dr. John Kaag is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts. He has written extensively on academic philosophy but his work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Paris Review, and Harper’s Magazine.

In this episode, John and Eric discuss his new book, Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life.

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In This Interview, Dr. John Kaag and I Discuss How to Find Zest in Life and …

His book, Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life
William James’s philosophy of sick souls
James’s important message of not being alone in having a sick soul
How having a “maybe” means there is possibility
The theory of emotions and how the body keeps score
Habits are a tool that allows us to negotiate our world in an easier way
The downside to habits is that they can make us less aware and go on autopilot
The danger of midlife
Being able to expand our consciousness and view of the world
Confusing the immediate for the important and meaningful
Realizing that your will can only take you so far
How you can orient yourself to the circumstances you are faced with
Having zest for life is what makes it significant
How we tend to repeat actions when we are in midlife, making it difficult to see the newness
How his brush with death caused him to seek the zest in life
Learning to find zest in the commitment is the task of life
Finding the balance between habit and novelty

Dr. John Kaag Links:

John’s Website

Twitter

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. John Kaag, you might also enjoy these other episodes:

Unsafe Thinking with Jonah Sachs

Making Time for What Matters with John Zeratsky

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