Emergent: May 2018
Emergent is my monthly newsletter that features the ideas, writing, podcasts, and other things that are capturing my attention. Subscribe here.
This month, as winter lets go its grasp and hints of spring poke through the ground, I’m thinking more about happiness and what steps I can take to improve my own. In rainy Oregon, more sunshine always helps, but I can’t control that just yet. Instead, I’ve found a few resources and some music that might help.
Do you have a favorite thing, article, tool, or site you want to share? Hit me up on Twitter: @noahparsons.
Thanks for reading!
Noah
1. This month’s most intriguing online course
There are a lot of things that we think make us happy — and then there are the things that actually make us happy. Yale psychology professor Laurie Santos has packaged this knowledge into a course — a course that has set the record as the most popular class ever at Yale. The course doesn’t just explain the “whys” of happiness, but teaches how to actually put that learning into practice. Thankfully, you don’t need to pay Yale tuition to take this course. It’s now free and you can sign up here.
2. This month’s best thing to increase happiness
The internet has made shopping, researching, and buying stuff insanely easy. You can buy stuff in bed, during your commute, and while you wait in line. But is this easy consumption really the ticket to happiness? My hunch is “no.” After reading “Let My People Go Surfing,” the story of Patagonia and their mission to make the world a better place, I decided to try to reduce my consumption. And, you know what? It is making me happier. This actually gels with research that shows that if you can buy back your own time by hiring a house cleaner and if you spend money on experiences instead of stuff, you’ll be a happier person. If you’ve changed your buying habits, I’d love to hear from you about how it’s impacted your life.
3. This month’s favorite listening
Kendrick Lamar + Dr. Dre Mashup
I was discussing this year’s Pulitzer prize winner in music, Kendrick Lamar, with a co-worker and he turned me on to an amazing mashup from DJ Critical Hype. It’s a fantastic listen if you’re a fan of either artist, or just want to hear some new creativity in hip hop. It also reminds me of one of the great mashups: The Grey Album. Here, DJ Danger Mouse blends the Beatles White Album with Jay Z’s Black Album for a fascinating result. Listen to that mashup here.
Like what you read here? Feel free to subscribe. I’d also love to hear about the things that are capturing your attention. Add a note in the comments or find me on twitter @noahparsons
