In this brief lecture, Arthur C. Brooks warns listeners against the common cultural script that promises happiness but actually leads to misery. He describes the prevailing formula—"love things, use people, worship yourself"—as a deceptive decoy that encourages self‑worship and objectification. Brooks proposes a simple linguistic and philosophical shift: replace the verbs and nouns to create a healthier formula—"use things, love people, worship the divine." He emphasizes that love should be reserved for people, that worship should be directed toward a higher, divine reality, and that standing in awe of the divine brings true joy and abundance. The core message is that by changing how we relate to objects, other humans, and the transcendent, we can achieve a happier, more fulfilling life.
