The determinants of happiness are remarkably similar around the world, in countries as different as Afghanistan, the U.S, and Chile. Income matters to happiness but only so much; friends, freedom, and employment are good for happiness, while crime, poor health, and divorce are bad. Paradoxically, however, people in places like Afghanistan can be as happy as those in much wealthier and safer ones like Chile. One explanation is the remarkable human capacity to adapt to adversity and hardship. While adaptation may be a good thing for individual wellbeing, it can also result in collective tolerance for bad equilibrium which are difficult for societies to escape from.
Tags / freedom
Tagged with “freedom”
(7)
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Happiness around the World: the paradox of happy peasants and miserable millionaires
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Guests: Matthew Rothschild: 100th Anniversary of The Progressive & Andrew Cederhahl, “Pastafarian” & South Carolina Student A
Topics include: Why Is Pat Boone Unhappy with FFRF?
The hosts talk about FFRF’s Good Friday state/church complaints, why Pat Boone doesn’t like FFRF, and interview Matthew Rothschild, an atheist and editor of The Progressive Magazine, celebrating its 100th anniversary in May. Also a guest is student activist Andrew Cederdahl, the president of the Pastafarians at the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, S.C. Andrew was recently interviewed for an upcoming article in The New York Times. The show also includes an April Freethought Almanac, about famous freethinkers born this month.
Tagged with ffrf atheism freedom from religion
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Victor Stenger, author of bestseller: God: The Failed Hypotheis
Other Topics: Why Beware of Dogma? & How to Chime in Over New Bus Signs!
Scientist and author Victor Stenger will be Saturday’s guest. Stenger is the author of many books on science and reason, including God: The Failed Hypothesis (2007). The cohosts will relay reaction to the Foundation’s "Beware of Dogma" billboard just posted in Boise, Idaho, and analyze some troubling news developments showing the harm of placing religious dogma over people.
Tagged with ffrf atheism freedom from religion
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Guests: Sharron King, Tennessee Freethinker & Henry Steinberger of SMART Recovery from Freethought Radio
The show will feature 2 interviews: a short conversation with Tennessee freethinker Sharron King about being an unbeliever in the South, and with Henry Steinberger, of SMART Recovery, offering a secular alternative to 12-step and AA-based programs for alcohol and drug use recovery. Also featured: a teaser for Philip Appleman’s newest book of freethinking poetry, "Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie," and the song, "Fleas," Phil Appleman’s classic parody of the poem/song "Trees."
Tagged with ffrf freedom from religion foundation freethinkers atheism
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Guest: William Lobdell, Author of “Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America”
Also: The Current State of State/Church Separation
Reporting on religion for the Los Angeles Times is eventually how journalist William Lobdell lost his religion. His new book, "Losing My Religion," just came out this week so tune in for this interview! The hosts will also comment on current freethought and state/church developments, and debut Brazilian vocalist Sharon Bele’s version of the song, "Beware of Dogma."
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Guest: Matthew Chapman, Author, Filmmaker & Darwin’s Great-great Grandson
Guest: Matthew Chapman, Author, Filmmaker & Darwin’s Great-great Grandson & Updates on FFRF’s "Praise Darwin" Billboard
In honor of Charles Darwin’s bicentennial birthday this past week, the hosts will interview Darwin’s great-great grandson Matthew Chapman, author of Forty Days and Forty Nights, and Trials of the Monkey. Also featured: Susan Hofer singing the jazz love song and ode to science, "It’s Only Natural." The hosts will update the Foundation’s campaign to take pro-Darwin billboards to sites where the Dogma Versus Darwin debate still rages! Listen for an entertaining clip of local coverage of the "Praise Darwin: Evolve Beyond Belief" billboard in Dover, Penn. (site of the intelligent design controversy).
Tagged with freedom from religion foundation freethinking
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Barry Schwartz on the paradox of choice, on TED.com
Psychologist Barry Schwartz takes aim at a central tenet of western societies: freedom of choice. In Schwartz’s estimation, choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.
Tagged with schwartz ted choice freedom options selections money consumerism paradox of choice
Podcast
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