617: The Power of Wonder with Monica Parker

617: The Power of Wonder with Monica Parker

Finland has been dubbed the happiest country in the world, but in reality Finns are content, not overwhelmed with joy. They have a high GDP per capita, good healthcare, low corruption, and a decent amount of personal freedom - all great things, but not necessarily a recipe for joy and happiness.

Most people claim their biggest aspiration in life is to find happiness. This is a beautiful sentiment, and while we all love positive emotions like joy, laughter, celebration, adventure, and curiosity; these only exist because they are juxtaposed with negative and challenging experiences.

My guest on this week's podcast suggests that rather than look toward happiness for a more fulfilled life, we should focus more on wonder.

Listen and learn:

  • How nature promotes wonder
  • The difference between superficial vs. epistemic curiosity
  • The tyrannical pursuit of happiness
  • Trait openness and its role in wonder

Links

Monica's site

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Monica Parker is a speaker, writer, and authority on the future of work. She is the author of the book, The Power of Wonder, and founder of HATCH, an organization that helps companies with culture change and workplace strategy.

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