17 Dec 2025 · 0 min
Brian Johnson explores happiness as a practice rather than a pursuit, drawing on Thomas Jefferson's philosophy and Marcy Shimoff's "Happy for No Reason." The episode argues that happiness is a state you can cultivate, not just chase.
You're listening to Optimize with Bryan Johnson More Wisdom in Less Time this is a mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. You can find it on Amazon.
The Practice of Happiness Thomas Jefferson declared that we all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That's a pretty powerful statement. But did you know that in Jefferson's day, the pursuit of something didn't mean you chased after it, it meant you practiced it? Like the pursuit of medicine, or the pursuit of law, or the pursuit of happiness. Happiness isn't some elusive treasure we chase after. It's a state of being we need to practice. Little footnote here. I picked this sweet idea up from Marcy Schimoff's great book Happy for no Reason. You can see the Philosopher's note on that, and I think you'll really enjoy the book.
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