Dr. John Kaag on How to Find Zest in Life

Dr. John Kaag is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts. He has written extensively on academic philosophy but his work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Paris Review, and Harper’s Magazine. In this episode, John and Eric discuss his new book, Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life. But wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you! In This Interview, Dr. John Kaag and I Discuss How to Find Zest in Life and …

His book, Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life

William James’s philosophy of sick souls

James’s important message of not being alone in having a sick soul

How having a “maybe” means there is possibility

The theory of emotions and how the body keeps score

Habits are a tool that allows us to negotiate our world in an easier way

The downside to habits is that they can make us less aware and go on autopilot

The danger of midlife

Being able to expand our consciousness and view of the world

Confusing the immediate for the important and meaningful

Realizing that your will can only take you so far

How you can orient yourself to the circumstances you are faced with

Having zest for life is what makes it significant

How we tend to repeat actions when we are in midlife, making it difficult to see the newness

How his brush with death caused him to seek the zest in life

Learning to find zest in the commitment is the task of life

Finding the balance between habit and novelty

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