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

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Read the full transcript and show notes here.

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