Finding Eudaimonia

Mike and Mitch discuss eudaimonia — the Greek idea of human flourishing — and why modern abundance (think Amazon Prime Day) hasn’t made Americans happier. They explore how media, distrust, and polarization feed a cycle of unhappiness despite technological and material progress.

The episode looks at possible remedies: focusing on purpose, meaningful work, and strong relationships. And they have a debate on if wanting less, not just having more actually helps. These ideas are linked to a defense of capitalism by emphasizing the need to rebuild trust in and appreciation of oneself as conditions for prosperity, ultimately making the case for each individual to pursue eudaimonia.