A Field Guide to a Happy Life with Massimo Pigliucci

Nov 24, 2021

Transitions are a reality check. There’s never a better time to step back and examine what we really want out of life than during a period of massive change. But you don’t have to wait for a crisis to take stock of your life.

 

Recently, I came across A Field Guide to a Happy Life: 53 Brief Lessons for Living. It’s an inspiring guide that looks at how we think and what it takes to live our best lives. On today’s episode, I’m joined by the writer of the book. Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster, as well as the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. 

 

His academic work is in evolutionary biology, philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophy. In this episode, he shares why happiness is a process, not an endpoint.

 

We discussed:

 

• The journey of Massimo’s midlife career jump from scientist to philosopher
  
  
• Debunking common myths and misconceptions about stoicism 
  
  
• Why everyone has a philosophy of life (even if they don’t know it yet)
  
  
• The concept of training yourself to accept the reality of loss 
  
  
• How to train your brain to stop focusing on what you can’t control

 

Links

Philosophy as a Way of Life

A Field Guide to a Happy Life: 53 Brief Lessons for Living 

Think Like a Stoic

A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control

How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life