learn from arthur about

Faith and Spirituality

Today’s culture is inherently focused on an escape from the mundane through technology or social media. But escaping from reality doesn’t bring happiness, just a numb, meaningless spiral of depression and emptiness. This is why it is necessary to have some kind of faith or means to transcend the tedium of daily life, to seek greater meaning, and therefore be happier. In Arthur’s particular case, his Catholic faith is the most important part of his daily life, but ultimately, any kind of faith or philosophy is necessary to transcend daily life and be happy. 

“Perhaps not surprisingly, given the strong association between having a sense of meaning and happiness, religion and spirituality have been shown to protect against depression recurrence and anxiety.”

Arthur Brooks

“The point isn’t faith, per se, it’s transcendence. You need to do something that will make you small and the universe big.”

Arthur Brooks

“We’re not just physical creatures, we’re also metaphysical creatures. We have divine in us. And to instantiate the divine in each one of us we actually have to transcend our worldly urges.”

Arthur Brooks

“The key to transcendence starts with a practice, not your feelings.”

Arthur Brooks

“You have to reach for the divine because you have to override your natural animal tendencies so you can become the person that you're supposed to be—truly lifting yourself and other people up and not becoming a victim of your resentment.”

Arthur Brooks

Meaning in Life Questionnaire

Are you a Hopeful Wanderer, a Relentless Seeker, Happy at Home, or Lost in Place? This survey assesses the extent to which you are searching for, and have presence of, meaning in your life.

Begin the Quiz
recommended book

Love Your Enemies

How Decent People can Save America from the Culture of Contempt

Drawing on ancient wisdom, cutting-edge behavioral science, and examples from history’s greatest leaders, Arthur Brooks shows how we can bridge national divides and make progress as a society, all while becoming happier and more effective people.

Get the BookDownload GuideLearn More

“If you're satisfied with our toxic ideological climate, then don't bother reading this book. But if you'd like to rebel against the present nonsense, Arthur Brooks can show you how to do it with joy and confidence—regardless of your political preferences.”

Ben Sasse
U.S. Senator from Nebraska

“Arthur Brooks shows you it’s possible to build a life that really does get better with age”

Simon Sinek
New York Times Bestselling Author

“Love Your Enemies is a handbook for a new generation of leaders who want to bring America together—and anyone seeking to be more effective in a fractious political environment.”

Steve Case
Chairman and CEO of Revolution

“Arthur Brooks offers the practical prescription in Love Your Enemies that could lead to a more peaceful, just, sustainable, and healthier world.”

Deepak Chopra
Author, The Healing Self

“In Love Your Enemies, Arthur Brooks reminds us that we can disagree without being disagreeable, and that everyday citizens have the power to bring our country back together.”

David Axelrod
former Senior Advisor to President Obama

More on

Faith and Spirituality

Type

More on

Faith and Spirituality

Video

Faith and Reason: A Harmonious Relationship

Arthur and Oprah explore the compatibility of faith and science, arguing that both are essential for understanding the world. They use analogies to illustrate how science reveals the marvels of creation, supporting the existence of a higher power.

Video

Reconciling science and faith | Peter Attia & Arthur Brooks

This clip is from 280 ‒ Cultivating happiness, emotional self-management, and more

Video

Daily Stoic: Ancient Strategies for Finding Happiness

During South By Southwest Ryan Holiday sat down with Arthur Brooks to talk about how the Stoics thought about happiness, what the Stoics got wrong, his equation for happiness, and more.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Choose another topic to continue learning

Work and SuccessLove and RelationshipsPoliticsAgingFaith and Spirituality