Podcast episode about lifelong learning and intellectual development with Zena Hitz

Kamen works as a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness as a speaker, author, and positive psychology expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Lisa has impacted millions of people around the world.

LISA CYPERS KAMEN

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Lifelong Learning and the Pleasures of Intellectual Development

Original Air Date Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Socrates is credited with saying, “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Yet, our contemporary world of results-driven work leaves us very little time for ponderance.

To unearth the benefits of growing our inner worlds through examination and contemplation, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with author and founder of the Catherine Project, Zena Hitz.

Zena shares examples of individuals, real and imagined, who enrich themselves with life-long learning to discover the pleasures of intellectual development. She also shares key elements of her book, Lost in thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life.

Tune in:

Lisa Cypers Kamen · Lifelong Learning and the Pleasures of Intellectual Development with Zena Hitz PhD

Meet Our Guest:

Zena Hitz Intellectual Development podcast episode

Zena Hitz earned her PhD at Princeton and is a Tutor at St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland. Her book, Lost In Thought, has been widely discussed, including in Wall St. Journal, Chicago Tribune, El Mundo, and Irish Times. A Spanish translation has just appeared from Ediciones Encuentro, and translations into six more languages are on the way. She received the Hiett Prize in the Humanities in 2020 and is the founder and president of the Catherine Project.

Book: Lost in thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life

Zena Hitz — The Pleasures of Intellectual Development:

Zena references the movie, The Hedgehog, to describe her learning for its own sake concept. {2:26}
After years of schooling and work, Zena joined a religious community that focused on manual tasks, which gave her the opportunity to enter into the intellectual life of those around her. {10:49}
Zena recognized that anyone, no matter their walk of life, can find these spaces and tap into that capacity to contemplate and learn. {14:34}
In her book, Lost in thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life, Zena shares the benefits of considering the so-called useless things in life. {15:59}
If all tasks are results-driven people won’t have a chance to connect with their humanity. {20:15}
Contemplation allows us to discover who we truly want to be in life. {23:14}

Follow Zena Hitz:

Shareables:

“I was thinking about all of the trouble we have with the busyness of contemporary life.” @ZenaHitz on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “There is something in just thinking about the “useless” things.” @ZenaHitz on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “If we honored quiet contemplation more, we could help all of us to value what really matters in ourselves and in others.” @ZenaHitz on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Learning for its own sake is a refuge from the world.” @ZenaHitz on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.