M.A.G.I.C. Message

Dear Friends,

Please see my Royal Institution talk, where I tried to make sense of the mysteries and origins of the universe. This was a career “bucket-list’ item for me, and, to be honest, I’m feeling a bit of a letdown after ticking this one off. You see, the last few months have been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Engaging in thought-provoking discussions on episodes of Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, Lex Fridman, and Jordan Peterson, speaking at esteemed institutions like Brown University, and being inducted into the San Diego Air & Space Museum Hall of Fame have been monumental milestones in my life.

However, as the thrill of these accomplishments begins to plateau, I find myself contemplating the age-old adage of the ‘hedonic treadmill.’ This concept, rooted in psychology, posits that individuals return to a baseline level of happiness regardless of positive or negative life events. This leads to a sort of ‘happiness saturation’ where the euphoria of new achievements wanes over time. It’s fascinating how scientific literature and real life often intertwine.

A recent Harvard Business Review article titled “Why Success Doesn’t Lead to Satisfaction” from Harvard Business Review seems to discuss the transient nature of satisfaction derived from achieving success. Based on the information available from the search snippet, here are three key takeaways:

1. Transience of Satisfaction: The pleasure derived from achieving goals tends to be short-lived. Once a milestone is reached, the initial euphoria fades away, making room for new desires and goals.
2. Neurological Wiring: Our brains are wired to seek balance from extreme emotional states. Hence, the pleasure of success is quickly replaced by a desire for more success, perpetuating a cycle where satisfaction is continually deferred.
3. Misconception of Success Leading to Happiness: The common belief that success leads to happiness is challenged. Pursuing success as a means to attain lasting happiness can lead to a state of fleeting, scarce happiness.

Now, for me, the question looms large — what’s next? The essence of progress lies in continual growth and exploration. Therefore, I am keen to expand my horizons beyond these upper-echelon platforms and explore lesser-known yet (hopefully) equally intellectually stimulating venues.

So, I am reaching out to solicit recommendations for podcasts, forums, or other venues off the beaten path but centers of robust discussions. Whether it’s a budding podcast or a small discussion forum, I am open to exploring new avenues to engage with diverse perspectives and ideas.

I’m also interested in lending a platform to those voices yet to be heard widely but with a depth of insight and a passion for inquiry. It’s about nurturing a community of critical thinkers and curious minds.

I aslk you to share your recommendations for podcast hosts for me, or guests for The INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast that you believe would resonate with our shared ethos of relentless inquiry.

Feel free to share your suggestions directly & email them over. I look forward to embarking on this new journey with each of you.

Your humble host,
Brian

PS. 🏃 Why did the hedonic treadmill get a promotion? Because it was always running, but never got anywhere 😂 !

PPS. I’ll be in Cleveland from 10/12–10/14 — let me know if you’re around to meet up!