Episode 30: 5 Ugly Truths That Make Life Beautiful

About the Episode

So many people seem to be obsessed with feeling good all the time. They’re always looking for “hacks” to an easier, happier life. But what if the easy way actually makes it harder to have a life full of meaning and purpose?

Today, Drew and I take on the ugly truths that give life its beauty. Some of these might be a little hard to stomach at first. But if you see them through, you might be surprised at what’s on the other side.

Mark Manson Quotes From the Episode

Pleasure is not the same thing as happiness. Highs come from very temporary, short-term, meaningless, pleasant experiences, whereas lifelong happiness emerges out of a consistent commitment or sacrifice or willingness to suffer for some greater cause or purpose.

We tend to choose the benefits of something and pretend like we didn’t choose the costs. And then when the consequences show up, we get really upset and blame somebody else.

Most of this comes down to how we define choice for ourselves. Often, we choose one side of an experience while either denying or remaining oblivious to the other side.

The more certain and closed off we become about what’s right and wrong, the more justified we feel when attacking others and treating people unfairly.

Your definition of yourself is just lines you painted in your head. You can step out of that box anytime you want.

What is useful for description in psychology and personal development is not always useful for prescription.