This podcast features Adam Grant interviewing John Koenig, creator of "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows," a collection of newly coined words describing complex human emotions. The conversation centers on the meaning and implications of several of these words, such as "sonder" (the awareness of the complexity of others' lives) and "swersa" (quiet amazement at one's own existence), exploring their psychological impact and the human experience they represent. Koenig discusses his creative process and the philosophical underpinnings of his work, highlighting the value of acknowledging the vastness of human experience and the limitations of over-analyzing emotions. The interview concludes with a discussion on "tiris," the bittersweet awareness of life's finite nature. Listeners gain insights into the nature of human emotions and the importance of finding balance between reflection and rumination.
