What is a Good Life? #139 - Beyond Problems & Solutions with Simon Höher

On the 139th episode of What is a Good Life?, I’m delighted to welcome Simon Höher—a public designer, researcher, and strategist based in Berlin. Simon works at the intersection of systems, futures, and justice, partnering with public institutions, startups, and cultural organisations to rethink how we design, govern, and live together. He is Systems Change Lead at Dark Matter Labs and currently supports the European Commission’s Net Zero Cities Mission.

In this conversation, we explore big questions about life, governance, and personal evolution: the nature of change, how today’s decisions shape future generations, and the role of resilience and trust in navigating uncertainty. We also look at ways to move beyond the problem–solution dichotomy.

This episode is an invitation to consider what more patience, deliberation, and intention might bring to your life.

For more of Simon's work:
Website: https://simonhoeher.com/
Substack: http://simonhoeher.substack.com

For more from Mark McCartney:
Newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/
Website: https://www.mmcleadership.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markcmccartney

00:00 How do we create deliberate transitions?

04:30 What to do about the state of the world?

08:00 Evolution and transitions

12:00 Shifting from private to public interest

14:30 How do we gauge impact?

19:40 Questioning are we part of the problem

23:50 The impact of trust & hope on resilience

32:45 Trusting yourself through change

37:00 We are incredibly adaptive creatures 

39:30 The significance of openness

42:30 The problem-solution dichotomy

50:00 Minimal intervention

54:00 Summary and what is a good life for Simon?

Keywords: Meaning of Life Interviews | meaning of life conversations | exploring life | big life questions | meaning of life discussions | creating a meaningful life​