S3 E61 Freedom to Pursue Happiness

Episode discussion topics

• It has been a while since we discussed the idea of freedom in the United States and this time around we’re marrying it up with the pursuit of happiness. We’re also going to lean into some Stoic teachings to help guide our discussion.
• Freedom is the ability to use one's own agency to affect change in their life. Whether that be to change one's class, profession, companions, or one's own mind. This embodies the freedom to pursue happiness.
• Government acts as the civilian interface between individuals and groups. It mediates the boundaries where our lives intersect. The law is there to bring those conflicts to a conclusion and deconflict our freedom to pursue happiness.
• Together, they should keep others from treading too heavily on our pursuit of happiness and keep us from trespassing on others.
• Now, how best to choose a life for one's self? How shall we make ourselves accountable for pursuing happiness? There is nothing in school or church that truly prepares one to live a fulfilling purpose-driven life. That one is on us to figure out through self-reflection to achieve greater self-awareness.
• Calls to Action:
  • We all have a limited time here on Earth, try not to spend too much of it angry, fearful, or wanting. Look for any reason to be grateful. Focus your energy on what is in your control, not outside of it.
  • Learn more about fulfilling your purpose, something you feel compelled to create, which is all part of the pursuit of happiness. Explore it, grow it, and share it with others for  community's sake.
  • It is up to each of us to find our path in life and seek fulfillment through growth and community building. If we are not building community as we move through our careers and lives, our purpose seems aimless. We will fall short in using our freedom to pursue happiness.
  • Learn more about the history of the United States and philosophy, in general, to get grounded in something closer to fact than fiction.
    • Philosophy, we have a special reverence for Stoicism, teaches us how to think well and develop an ever-growing awareness of things.
    • Learn something new often. The truth is documented, that was done before our time or the time of the internet.
    • Books, magazines, documentaries, podcasts, and online course lectures are good too.
    • Join Citizen Do Good's newsletter and get your FREE Guide to Good Thinking today. It has practical steps to think well, be well, and make better decisions dear citizens. Build beautiful new mental skills today. Check us out and help to form a more perfect union one mind at a time!

Your hosts: Michael V. Piscitelli and Raymond Wong Jr.

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