How can we engineer a good life?

Engineering a good life involves conscious choices and an authentic expression of oneself. Here are some insights from experts:

1. Align Work with Passion: Dean Rickles emphasizes the importance of pursuing what you would do even without payment. Imagining a positive future and working towards it, despite challenges, is crucial. This process is undeniably challenging but rewarding when driven by personal passion and goals 1.

2. Rethink the Destination: Jonathan Fields argues that a good life is not a destination but a continuous process. Achieving goals might not bring expected fulfillment. Instead, appreciating the journey and living a meaningful life every moment is more fulfilling 2.

3. Live Authentically: Dave Evans highlights the significance of authenticity. He suggests living in a way that exercises personal aliveness and positively impacts others. Authentic living coupled with contributing to the world creates a good life 3.

   Finding Purpose

   Dean Rickles

   Chris Williamson

   Dean shares his approach to finding purpose and fulfillment in life by aligning his work with his passions and envisioning a positive future. He emphasizes the need to make conscious choices and embrace the challenges that come with engineering a good life.

   

   Modern Wisdom

   How To Cope With The Shortness Of Life - Dean Rickles | Modern Wisdom Podcast 568

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4. Understand Yourself: Robert Sapolsky discusses the importance of knowing oneself biologically and contextually. Understanding what drives you and finding pleasure in doing good can help create a meaningful life, even amidst scientific realities that might seem limiting 4.

5. Embrace Exploration and Creativity: According to Edmund Phelps, the good life involves adventure, discovery, and creativity. This dynamic approach leads to personal and societal progress, although achieving it requires a conducive political and economic environment 5.

Given these perspectives, engineering a good life involves aligning your actions with your passions, viewing life as an ongoing journey, living authentically, understanding yourself, and embracing creativity and exploration.