Unlocking Happiness: The Power of Lifelong Learning and Curiosity with Zena Hitz PhD

Think briefly for a second about the excitement of learning something new as a child. That sense of curiosity, wonder, and accomplishment when you first figured out how to write a bike, solve a puzzle, or read a book. That joy doesn’t have to end with childhood, and in fact, lifelong learning is the secret to maintaining that spark of happiness throughout our lifetime.

To find out the art of unlocking happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the founder and president of the Catherine Project, Dr. Zena Hitz PhD.

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

Original Air Date Wednesday, August 7, 2024

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Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Zena Hitz PhD, is a scholar of classical philosophy, especially questions about law, character, friendship, and the human good. She writes about freedom, education, happiness, the decline of institutions, faith, hope, and love, advocating for lifelong learning as a key to intellectual and personal growth.

Her book, Lost in Thought: Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life, has received positive media recognition in periodicals such as The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, El Mundo, and The Irish Times. She received the Hiett Prize in the Humanities in 2020 and is the founder and president of the Catherine Project, a tuition-free online learning community.

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

Dr. Zena Hitz PhD — Unlocking Happiness:

Like what you’re hearing? Lifelong learning is central to much of the discussion.

WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

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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? Lifelong learning can help you find new joy.

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. Embracing lifelong learning can enhance this journey.

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