It's Worse Than You Think (But That’s Actually Good News)
This week's interview is with Greg M. Epstein.
It's Worse Than You Think (But That’s Actually Good News)
“It’s worse than you think.”
I’ve just finished reading Oliver Burkeman’s latest book, Meditations for Mortals, and that’s one of the chapter titles. I love the black sense of humour.
You may recognize Oliver’s name—he went from B-list to A-list in a single bound a few years ago when his book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, went big.
You’ll have heard the common word in those book titles: Mortals.
Yes, this is what it means.
Yes, we’re going to die.
Burkeman’s point is that we’re finite beings and that our suffering—quoting now from Zen teacher Mel Weitsman—”is believing that there’s a way out.”
So our job isn’t to escape but to make the most of this extraordinary, messy, confusing, and delightful opportunity of life.
And for that, do you have a teacher? Do you want a guide? Who are you walking with?
📕 My Guest: Greg M. Epstein
Greg M. Epstein is a humanist chaplain and author dedicated to building inclusive, secular communities. As the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT, he has spent over two decades supporting non-religious students and thinkers in their search for meaning, connection, and purpose.
Greg is the author of Good Without God, a book that really speaks to the heart of humanism, and he’s got another on the way—Tech Agnostic, which explores how technology and humanity collide and, ideally, coexist. Deeply passionate about empathy and social justice, Greg works to create spaces where everyone can explore life’s big questions.
🎧 De-numbing from Tech
Greg reads from two essays: first, E.B. White’s Once More to the Lake, and then Madeline Ostrander’s How Do You Decide to Have a Baby When Climate Change Is Remaking Life on Earth?
In our conversation, we discuss:
The Power of Micro-Regrets
Every small decision adds up. Even “micro-regrets” shape us, inviting a mindfulness that allows for course-correction. Paying attention to these moments brings more awareness and purpose to daily life.
Grounding in a World of Endless Growth
In a world obsessed with growth, finding purpose beyond constant achievement becomes essential. Staying grounded in what truly matters offers a healthy counterbalance to the pressures of relentless advancement.
Vulnerability as Strength
Being vulnerable is an act of courage, not weakness. Acknowledging feelings of sadness, regret, or fear deepens our connections with others and allows us to live more authentically.
Legacy Through Connection
True legacy isn’t defined by material achievements, but by the quality of relationships. Investing in meaningful connections enriches life and provides a lasting sense of fulfillment, far beyond traditional measures of success.
Navigating Future Anxiety
In a world of rapid change and climate uncertainty, staying present becomes an act of resilience. Embracing joy in the present moment rather than letting future anxieties take over is key to a grounded, purposeful life.
Read the Interview
If you’d rather read than listen, no worries.
Thanks for listening and being part of 2 Pages with MBS.
You’re awesome and you’re doing great.
