Art of Manliness Podcast #135: Inventing an Authentic Life with Eric Wilson

Originally published September 2015. The need to “discover your authentic self” has become an article of faith in the United States. There are thousands of blogs, books, and seminars that supposedly teach people how to discover who they really are. But what if our obsession with uncovering an authentic self is getting in the way of living a truly flourishing life? What if instead of trying to discover an authentic life, we should be focused on inventing one instead? Well, that’s the argument Eric Wilson makes in his book Keep it Fake: Inventing an Authentic Life. Today on the podcast, Eric and I discuss questions of the self that have boggled philosophers for ages and how thinking about ourselves as the authors of our story can help us lead a truly excellent life. Show Highlights Why the way most people define authenticity is misguided How the West’s notion of authenticity has changed over time Does the “self” even exist? Why “be yourself” is terrible advice What actors like Cary Grant and Bill Murray can teach you about creating an authentic life Why embracing “enriching fictitious truths” can make life more meaningful What the heck is Romantic Irony? (And how can it make life more interesting?) How thinking of yourself as the writer of your own story can help you with issues like depression and anxiety And much more! Show notes: https://ift.tt/2ON45ov Follow us! https://ift.tt/1FOPIX2 http://twitter.com/artofmanliness https://ift.tt/YAd15k https://ift.tt/1DUJeqE