1. My goals in life are mere intentions, not attachments. I will focus on the struggle, the journey.
2. Conformity of thought and deed is more comfortable than freedom. But I will question everything, and think and act for myself.
3. I will turn away the narcotic snares of tech distraction that steal my time and attention in exchange for my freedom o... See more
Arthur Brooks’ lessons from Dostoyevsky
Dostoyevsky identifies one of life’s great paradoxes: Happiness requires purpose; purpose requires a sense of direction; a sense of direction requires goal-setting—but happiness cannot be had by realizing those goals
Good health practices seem not to raise happiness, but rather to lower unhappiness
this helps explain why people with naturally low levels of negative emotion tend to struggle with staying on a regular exercise regimen
the Harvard Study of Adult Development—has shown that four of the biggest predictors of a senior citizen’s well-being are not smoking excessively, drinking alcohol moderately if at all, maintaining a healthy body weight, and exercising. Even more important for well-being is good mental health
True satisfaction comes from progress in the struggle toward the goal.