The Michael Shermer Show Accomplishment and Happiness (Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker)
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Apr 23, 2024 
Adam Gopnik and Michael Shermer discuss choosing accomplishment over achievement, the secrets of stage magic, the concept of the 10,000-hour rule, and the impact of mentors. They explore the intrinsic value of passion in creative pursuits and reflect on the transient nature of external recognition. The conversation also delves into the interplay between genes, luck, and timing in shaping individuals' lives and achievements.
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The Bullet Catch Lesson
- Gopnik recounts David Blaine's bullet-catch ambition and his son's blunt reply: 'The trick to the bullet catch is catching the bullet.'
- That story illustrates the performer’s moment of confronting real danger and the necessity of facing fear.
Accomplishment Versus Achievement
- Gopnik defines accomplishment as absorption in an activity pursued for its own sake, distinct from externally imposed achievement.
- He argues true happiness stems from such absorption and the steady growth it produces.
Keep A Secondary Passion
- Cultivate secondary passions because they refuel your primary vocation and make flow easier to reach.
- Pursue durable hobbies alongside work to regain absorption and creative energy.