Episode · Modern Wisdom · 2026-06-11
Chris Williamson & Arthur Brooks: books mentioned on Modern Wisdom #1109
Something Is Very Wrong With Modern Life - Arthur Brooks - #1109
Arthur Brooks is a social scientist, professor at Harvard University, and an author. Why do some people feel lost while others seem deeply fulfilled?
Arthur Brooks recommended Leisure, the Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper, and discussed The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Leisure, the Basis of Culture
Leisure, the Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper is a mid-twentieth-century philosophical work that examines the true meaning of leisure and its vital role in sustaining human culture against the pressures of modern utilitarianism.
Recommended“Peeper who wrote leisure the basis of culture. Have you read it? Oh, it's great.”
Where to get it
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The Power of Positive Thinking
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is a classic mid-century self-help manual advocating for optimistic faith, mental resilience, and the practical application of religious belief to overcome personal obstacles.
Discussed“He had a very famous self-help book in the 60s called the power of positive thinking.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“That movie, The Matrix, came out 27 years ago.”