November Digest: The Good Life

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."

- Epictetus

We have a universal desire to live the good life, but culture has distorted what the good life is.

Intertwining our self-worth with our net worth and counting each day as a chance to hustle harder, getting closer and closer to realizing a temporal victory; we strive to achieve a life of luxury from a tirelessly appropriated Slim Aarons photograph.

But often (almost daily), we need a friendly reminder that the good life has little to do with material wealth. Living a good life means valuing the pursuit of truth (let alone acknowledging the existence of truth). Living a 'good life' means pouring time and effort into meaningful and mutually empowering relationships. Material success can complement the good life, but we should never mistake it for pursuing what truly matters.

This month, we invite you to leave those empty gilded pursuits and consider topics that spur a desire for something better.

~Slow down, think well, and enjoy The Good Life.

Film: Punch Drunk Love (2002)

Adam Sandler stars in Paul Thomas Anderson's dark arthouse rom-com about an awkward entrepreneur whose life is saved by true love. The greatest moment in the film is when Barry Eagan (Sandler) faces off with the scummy Dean (Philip Seymour Hoffman), declaring, "I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine." Enough said, Barry. Stream on Prime Video.

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Listen: The Good Life by Tony Bennett

Forget Sinatra's version for a moment, which has its merits (Count Basie, of course). Tony Bennett's recording captures the longing we all feel to live a meaningful and authentic life. He sings of the better life waiting to be lived by exploring the unknown, taking chances, and opening your heart to love. A song that's better every time you listen. Stream on Spotify.

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Read: WB Yates - A Dialogue of Self and Soul

I resist the urge to summarize this brilliant and provocative poem from Yates. Every person should read it free of preconceived notions. But, it speaks of the duality of the human condition - living for the self, and living for something more significant than the self. It's the perfect piece for one striving to live the good life. Read at the Poetry Foundation.

Documentary: The Last Movie Stars (2022)

Ethan Hawke weaves together films, footage, and personal letters to tell the story of Old Hollywood's most remarkable duo. We get a glimpse into their idyllic moments and unpleasant truths alike. A heartfelt theme throughout the series is how little their accolades measured up to moments of truth and love. Streaming on HBO Max.

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Book: The Discourses and Enchiridion of Epictetus

Epictetus is an architect of the art of living. The Greek Stoic inspired the likes of Marcus Aurelius, thinkers of the Enlightenment, and even our founding fathers. A study of the Discourse and Enchiridion is a masterclass on the good life and a reminder that principles are timeless. Buy from Bookshop.org