Episode · No Stupid Questions · 2024-06-30
Books mentioned on 202. Why Can’t We Tolerate Discomfort?
Are we using technology to make ourselves numb? What’s the downside of air conditioning?
Mike Maughan discussed The Sweet Spot by Paul Bloom. Also mentioned: The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter and Twilight of the Idols by Friedrich Nietzsche.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Comfort Crisis
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter is an exploration of how modern comforts and sedentary lifestyles negatively impact human health and well-being, advocating for the intentional reintegration of physical challenges.
Recommended“When you were talking about your students, though, one thought that came to mind: I don't know if you've read Michael Easter's book, The Comfort Crisis?”
Where to get it
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The Sweet Spot
The Sweet Spot by Paul Bloom is a psychology book that investigates why human beings voluntarily seek out pain, suffering, and challenging experiences as part of a meaningful life.
Discussed“he wrote this book called the sweet spot and it really was I think a kind of like Manifesto on how there is a sweet spot of discomfort”
Where to get it
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Twilight of the Idols
Twilight of the Idols is a classic philosophical work by Friedrich Nietzsche originally published in the late nineteenth century that explores the transvaluation of values, critiques contemporary culture, and examines human psychology.
Discussed“Clarkson's 2011 and hit song Stronger parentheses what doesn't kill you is a direct reference to n's famous aphorism what does not kill me makes me stronger from his 1888 book Twilight of the idols”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“Clarkson's 2011 hit song, 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)' is a direct reference to Nietzsche's famous aphorism, 'What does not kill me makes me stronger,' from his 1888 book, 'Twilight of the Idols.'”