Why does chasing happiness often lead to dissatisfaction? This episode explores the paradox at the heart of modern life: the more we pursue happiness as a goal, the more elusive it becomes.

Contrasting classical ideas of virtue and fulfillment with today’s culture of self-optimization and consumption, we examine how social comparison and hedonic adaptation keep happiness just out of reach. Instead, the path to deeper satisfaction may lie in purpose, meaningful relationships, and embracing life’s full emotional range—where fulfillment emerges indirectly, not by force.

This episode includes AI-generated content.