Episode · Modern Wisdom · 2026-01-08
Chris Williamson & Arthur Brooks: books mentioned on Modern Wisdom #1043
14 Habits for an Optimised Morning & Evening Routine - Arthur Brooks - #1043
Arthur Brooks is a social scientist, professor at Harvard University, and an author. What does it really take to live a fulfilling life?
Chris Williamson recommended Die with Zero by Bill Perkins, and discussed Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz and Don't Trust Your Gut by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz. Arthur Brooks recommended Self-reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Die with Zero
Die with Zero by Bill Perkins is a financial and lifestyle book that advocates for using one's wealth to enjoy life and support family while still alive rather than hoarding money for the distant future.
Recommended“the Bill Perkins archetype, right? The die with Zero need to read Die with Zero like 20 times and learn how to spend some money.”
Where to get it
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Self-reliance
Self-reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a foundational 1841 transcendentalist essay that urges individuals to trust their own inner voice, reject societal conformity, and embrace authentic personal conviction.
Recommended“You've read it but everybody who watches modern wisdom needs to read self-reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson 1841. It's like read it tonight.”
Where to get it
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Everybody Lies
Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz is a data-driven exploration of human behavior that reveals what people actually think, feel, and desire by analyzing anonymous internet search queries and big data.
Discussed“He wrote first book was Everybody Lies. Um and then his next one was Don't Trust Your Gut.”
Where to get it
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Don't Trust Your Gut
Don't Trust Your Gut by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz is a data-driven self-help book that uses unconventional statistics and digital insights to help readers optimize everyday decisions, from relationships to daily habits.
Discussed“Um and then his next one was Don't Trust Your Gut. Oh yeah, I've seen that. Don't trust your gut is money.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“I got a big book coming out in March. Yep. Um, called The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness.”