@philosophyminis: For a lot of people, there comes a time in life when you realise that getting everything you ever wanted when you were younger did not actually work. In fact, you were happier when you had nothing at all. According to the MIT philosopher Kieran Setiya, the midlife crisis is not defined by age or health or awareness of your mortality. It is about redefining what happiness actually means. Setiya argues that when we are young, we are defined by ‘telic’ activities, which are things done for a purpose, get a degree, get a job, get a house, get a partner, settle down, and so on. Each of these goals gives us direction, momentum, and purpose, but a telic activity destroys itself. Once you have done the thing, it vanishes. And when you finally reach the rainbow and you sit in your Shangri-La, you feel empty. You feel hollow. You feel betrayed. You were promised happiness, and instead you feel disappointed. Setiya argues that the answer is not to set more targets. That only postpones the problem, but instead we should commit to what he calls ‘atelic’ activities, which are those things that you do for their own sake. Take a walk, just because taking a walk is nice. Spend time with your loved ones and learn, because learning is good. These things are not aimed at anything. The point is just to do them and to enjoy them. The midlife crisis is not a crisis, it is a valuable change in perspective. It is when you realise that life is not about ticking off a to do list, and happiness is not about productivity. It is when you realise that happiness is about enjoying the race without any care whatsoever for the finish line.

fishPookie :

Young me: happiness is playing video games. Middle age me: happiness is playing video games.

Bri‼️💗 :

I grew up poor and can confirm as a well off adult, things are better with money

Mike Webber :

I think it depends on what those things are. Sure basic possessions can have a fleeting effect. However becoming a husband and a father has become such a large part of my identity that I wouldn’t consider those telic activities.

kazzablanca🇦🇺 :

I’ve got the biggest salary I’ve ever had now that I’m retired. My life is the best it’s ever ever been.i definitely don’t miss the days when I had next to nothing. Never

steel haze :

privileged take. it's easier to not want anything desperately when you're not in constant survival mode

lawdpheto :

I’m 21 and going through a midlife crisis rn

Popo :

The scariest two words in life are, “now what?”

Sașa Ch :

i hit the mid life crisis at 23 lol

The root of all evil :

happiness under capitalism isn't realistic

Karimi :

Well said, 'Enjoying the race without caring whatsoever about the finish line.' The journey really is the destination

- :

“Life is not useful” - Airton Krenak. Not pointless. Experience, enjoy and exist uselessly. That’s the point.

LauraBz7 :

happiness is freedom

Bo’az Kwartelai Quartey :

Detach from outcomes

🍅 toematoe :

“There is no prize to perfection, only an end to pursuit” - Viktor

sanadbenali222 :

Jasmin❀ :

The experience is the purpose

aimlessarrow00 :

The day I graduated from uni was the day I felt the most empty

stoicmando :

We’re always optimising and developing. It’s exhausting

Molly :

It’s hard to enjoy the race when you’re barely making ends meet. I don’t want a mansion or a fancy car or swanky holidays, but I do need enough money to be able to relax and actually enjoy being alive and make the most of this world. Sadly can’t do that right now. We aren’t allowed to enjoy the race for what it is because we are forced to work and slog for a pittance, we work full time and still can’t enjoy the race.

yeye_valverde :

you the only person who i’ve thought omg he needs to do a podcast

dracava :

You’re amazing, love the videos!

ladykinski :

False. I do believe the way that I dreamed when I was a child was very close to what I wanted in life. I think that is because my dreams didn’t include having a family or friends. It was everything about me and what I wanted and be realistic at all times

Karolexas :

I don't think I would be hollow if someone bought me a house, I would instead be able to cut down on my work hours and actually spend them with my people and help others.