The Craft of Living

The question in the podcast title was prompted by an article in the Guardian that addresses that very question. Here I briefly touch upon it by offering a couple of points of agreement before suggesting a particular practice that might be helpful to us without running afoul of the criticism the piece lays out.  EPISODE MATERIALThe Guardian ArticleCONNECT WITH ME✩ Website✩ Facebook✩ Twitter✩ "In Media Res" Podcast (co-hosted with Oliver Glanz)* * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST? Hi, I am Ante Jerončić, and on this podcast, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of flourishing life.Support the show

In this episode, I continue discussing some key insights from Günter Figal's lecture series "Heidegger in Modernity" given at the University of Freiburg. Again, the themes of reduction, the simple, and the essential are stressed, including Heidegger's conception of philosophy as a type of wakefulness.* * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of flourishing life.Support the show

A couple of years, I came across Günter Figal's lectures "Heidegger in Modernity" given at the University of Freiburg. In this episode, I begin some of the insights I have gleaned from them, in particular, focusing on the essentializing motif in Heidegger, i.e., the stress on the simple and the essential. As in other instances, my take on Figal's take on Heidegger is refracted through the theme of the craft of living.UPDATES00:32  The Craft of Living review04:47  Rich Roll's Interview with Scott Barry Kaufman on TranscendenceEPISODE11:32  Figal's Heidegger Lectures14:16  Heidegger's Influence18:55  Heidegger's Rejection of Academic Philosophy23:42  Heidegger's Influence Outside the Academy26:33  Heidegger as Modern Philosopher35:33  Figal contra Habermas on Defining Modernity40:02  Heidegger's Hut41:42  Thoreau's Hut; Walden Quote45:42  Heidegger's Quote on Winter Night and PhilosophyREFERENCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIALBarry Scott Kaufman, TranscendGünter Figal, Heidegger in der ModerneRich Roll Podcast Interview with Scott Barry KaufmanCONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email✩ Website - https://thecraftofliving.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving  * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of flourishing life.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

In this episode, I briefly engage some key insights from Erich From on the art of loving. On a more technical note, I want to apologize for the relatively bad audio quality. I am working on rectifying the issue and hope that things will be better in the future as far as that is concerned.UPDATES00:58 - Update and Insight #1: Cold immersion - benefits and lessons learned04:20 - Update and Insight #2: Morning ritual and identity values- how they are integrated10:59 - Main theme: The Art of LovingREFERENCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIALErich Fromm, The Essential Erich FrommErich Fromm,  The Art of Loving_____________________Episode 002: "A Mind-Altering Conversion"CONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://thecraftofliving.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving  * * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this podcast, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of flourishing life.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

It's good to be back after a year! As I explain in the episode, a lot of things happened on my end that led me to set aside recordings for a while. In any case, I am picking here where I left off, posting presentations that consist of two parts: Craft of Living bites with various updates, insights, and experiences, often with a personal take. Following that, I focus on a particular theme, here the dialectic of radical integrity and radical compassion, a hallmark of perfection.EPISODE06:56 - The Way of PerfectionREFERENCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIALSayings of the Desert FathersCONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://thecraftofliving.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving  * * * * * NEW TO THE PODCASt? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of flourishing life. More than a theoretical exercise, I see this endeavor as a personal quest, haltingly as it might be, to “live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life” (Thoreau).Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

In my previous episode, I broached the topic of mental fortitude, stressing its importance and manifoldness. Mental fortitude, in other words, is not just one thing but is something that is comprised of different elements. Here I advance the discussion by offering some important qualifications.EPISODE REFERENCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIALLane, "Backpacking with the Saints": https://amzn.to/2MxD7XeClimacus, "The Ladder of Divine Ascent": https://amzn.to/3a9VDxKDiviney, "The Attributes": https://amzn.to/39VqKwR______________________AJ Blog Post, "Mental Toughness: Adding some Precision": https://bit.ly/2N2wOdOAJ Blog Post, "The Therapeutic Power of Stoic Techniques": https://bit.ly/36Oo4z9AJ Blog Post, "D. Brunner, My Role Model": https://bit.ly/3q1LM2ESupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Mental toughness, mental fortitude, self-discipline, resilience,... you name it. We all have a basic idea of what it means. This essential ingredient to the craft of living that helps us stay the course, face setbacks with dignity and equanimity, persist when things don't feel right, hope in the face of repeated failure, control impulses to take the easy route - if we could only have more of that. In the life updates, I share insights about reading and context, time tracking, and how to talk to "unreasonable" people.LIFE UPDATES SECTION13:44 - Episode start: examples of mental toughness, its essential role31:00 - My take on mental toughness (self-control; resilience; flexibility; grit; courage; growth-mindset; life-affirmation)EPISODE REFERENCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIALLane, "Backpacking with the Saints": https://amzn.to/2MxD7XeLane, The Solace of Fierce Landscapes": https://amzn.to/3cObTGmVanderkam, "168 Hours:" https://amzn.to/2N5RMc4Diviney, "The Attributes": https://amzn.to/39VqKwRVanderkam time tracking how-to: https://lauravanderkam.com/manage-your-time/Grant article, "The Science of Reasoning With Unreasonable People": https://nyti.ms/39QyvnH______________________AJ Blog Post, "Mental Toughness: Adding some Precision": https://bit.ly/2N2wOdOAJ Blog Post, "The Therapeutic Power of Stoic Techniques": https://bit.ly/36Oo4z9AJ Blog Post, "D. Brunner, My Role Model": https://bit.ly/3q1LM2ECONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://thecraftofliving.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving  * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of flourishing life. More than a theoretical exercise, I see this endeavor as a personal quest, haltingly as it might be, to “live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life” (Thoreau).Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

In this episode, I discuss some additional aspects of Stoicism and its practical significance via Ross Edgley's "The Art of Resilience." I begin by sharing a couple of updates about things happening on my end (insights, readings, lessons learned, etc.).LIFE UPDATES SECTION00:18 - McRaven, Make Your Bed02:08 - Wilson, How to Become an Epicurean05:31 - Personal Take: Cold Water ImmersionTHEMATIC SECTION09:24 - Setting the Table: Stoicism Today11:06 - Stoicism and the Secular Age (via Charles Taylor)12:33 - My Encounter wit Stoicism (via Pierre Hadot and Paul Tillich)18:12 - Ross Edgley's Lessons on StoicismEPISODE REFERENCESAJ Blog Post, "Engaging Stoicism"McRaven Graduation SpeechMcRaven, Make Your BedWilson, How to Be an EpicureanHadot, Philosophy as the WayTillich, Courage to BeEdgley, The Art of ResilienceLISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Apple PodcastsSpotifySUPPORT THE CRAFT OF LIVINGPatreonCONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://thecraftofliving.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving  * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of flourishing life. More than a theoretical exercise, I see this endeavor as a personal quest, haltingly as it might be, to “live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life” (Thoreau).Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

[YouTube Channel Episode]One of the more interesting cultural developments in recent years, and least fear, has been an increased interest in Stoicism. Here are I share a few ideas on the issue, including things that I find congenial in the Stoic approach to life.EPISODE SECTIONS00:05 - Updates03:53 - Episode Start08:24 - Lesson 1: Commitment to Reality10:17 - Lesson 2: Understanding what Is in Our Control 13:03 - Lesson 3: The Trichotomy of Desire16:24 - Lesson 4: Life According to Virtue18:55 - Lesson 5: The Importance of Spiritual ExercisesEPISODE REFERENCESAJ Blog Post, "Engaging Stoicism"Pigliucci, A Handbook for New StoicsPigliucci, How to Be a StoicIrvine, The Stoic ChallengeHoliday, The Daily StoicHoliday, Lives of the StoicHoliday, The Obstacle is the WayEdgley, The Art of ResilienceCONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://artisvivendi.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving ✩ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AJeroncic * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore the overlapping spaces where philosophy, wisdom traditions, spirituality, and self-development literature meet on the question of the flourishing life. More than a theoretical exercise, I see this endeavor as a personal quest, haltingly as it might be, to “live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life” (Thoreau).Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Productivity, the very term, grates people the wrong way. In this episode, I explore why that often is the case. And to be honest, I get it. I don't like the term either. On the other hand, there is a way to think about productivity, especially personal productivity, as an attempt to get in touch with reality. Or to put it differently, it is an intentional effort to come to terms with our finitude and the limits of time, resources, and energy that brings with it.REFERENCED RESOURCESAnte Jerončić, Principles of Life-ChangeCal Newport, On ProductivityCONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ The Craft of Living Website ✩ Facebook✩ TwitterSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

This is the fifth and final episode in the New Year's Resolutions mini-series. Among other, I offer specific examples of my morning and evening rituals to illustrate important principles such as habit stacking and automaticity. Not in a prescriptive sense, of course, but merely as an attempt to concretize fundamental concepts.The blog post that I reference in the episode can be found here.Referenced Material:Wendy Wood, Good Habits, Bad HabitsCONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://artisvivendi.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving ✩ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AJeroncicSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

The title of the podcast references Plato's famous chariots allegory in the Phaedrus, where two horses are jostling for supremacy. One of the horses refers to our rational or cognitive sides, while the other to our passions and habits. The previous episodes kind of set up the discussion for this one in which I pull different thematic strings together and offer some suggestions for listeners to consider.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Why is it that most of our decisions and goals often come to naught? That is a complex question that takes us straight to fundamental issues of human nature and agency. In this episode, I offer a crack at this conundrum by focusing on two essential realities connected to transformational aspirations: affective forecasting and the plateau of latent potential (James Clear). Personally, I cannot overestimate the role these two aspects play in the pursuit of the art of living.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Here I follow up on some of my reflections on the nature, purpose, and obstacles of life-transforming resolutions. Without a doubt, the theme of self-knowledge is central in that regard. I offer three specific takes on that issue:07:47 - Cognitive Illusions10: 43 - Self-examination journaling exercise15:30 - Life audit: habits and timeSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

New Year's resolutions, despite being a regular staple of dismissive jokes, are a fascinating feat of human desire. They express, at times, our deepest dreams and intentions, and more importantly, a deep-seated aspiration to become different people. In the coming weeks, I hope to explore this theme, getting right down to practical insights. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Understanding, dialogue, interpretation, attention, and openness are essential ingredients of meaningful interpersonal relationships. They also happen to be central themes in one of the most important contributions to contemporary thought - H. G. Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics. In this episode, I relate some of the ways in which he has influenced me.EPISODE SECTIONS00:05 - Updates, Insights, and Announcements06:18 - Episode Start09:26 - Interpretation20:29 - Language23:45 - Dialogue28:58 - David Brook's article "Nine Nonobvious Ways to Have Deeper Conversation"EPISODE REFERENCESJ. K. A. Smith, On the Road with St. Augustine: https://amzn.to/36HqcsJAJ interview on dialogue I: https://bit.ly/3lIxz7qAJ interview on dialogue II: https://bit.ly/2JF3SY1David Brooks, ""Nine Nonobvious Ways to Have Deeper Conversation": https://nyti.ms/2VAmR8JSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

That Nietzsche should be an influential voice in my life, might come as surprise to some. But then again, perhaps not. After all, isn't he an individual singularly devoted to the craft of living, of turning our lives into a work of art? Here, though, I am focusing more narrowly on his view of truth, or rather, the will to untruth, and the way his perspective on the issues has challenged me personally.EPISODE REFERENCESDeep Questions podcastC. Newport, Deep WorkHidden Brain podcastThe Rich Roll podcast R. Roll, Finding UltraJ. K. A. Smith, Who's Afraid of RelativismCONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://artisvivendi.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving ✩ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AJeroncic * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore different matters existential. Thus, the name: Artis Vivendi—The Craft of Living. I am interested primarily in the overlapping spaces where theology, philosophy, wisdom traditions, literature, behavioral sciences, and self-development literature meet on the question of the good life. I teach ethics, philosophy, and theology at Andrews University.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

For a while now I have reflected on the significance of imagination for human flourishing, both societal and personal. Here I tackle just some aspects of this important topic, including some suggestions as to how one might be more intentional about honing imaginative skills. I should add that the audio quality of this recording is not quite up to standard. My apologies on that front. I faced some difficulties this week, so I had to scramble by going into a plan B mode. Please accept my apologies on that front.EPISODE REFERENCESMy "Imagination" bench in CroatiaYouTube Episode, "How I Use Evernote for the Craft of Living"Todd Herman, The Alter Ego EffectWalter Bruggemann, The Prophetic ImaginationSusie Neilson, "How to Survive Solitary Confinement"CONNECT WITH ME ✩ Email - thecraftofliving@gmail.com ✩ Website - https://artisvivendi.org ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecraftofliving ✩ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AJeroncic * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore different matters existential. Thus, the name: Artis Vivendi—The Craft of Living. I am interested primarily in the overlapping spaces where theology, philosophy, wisdom traditions, literature, behavioral sciences, and self-development literature meet on the question of the good life. I teach ethics, philosophy, and theology at Andrews University.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Here I build on my last episode by sharing some additional life-insights, emphasizing, in particular, the nature and significance of habits. I am also introducing a new introductory segment "Miscellanies" during which I hope to share in the future significant things that I stumbled upon in the preceding week: questions, insights, resources, etc.EPISODE SECTIONS00:05 - Updates and Announcements00:49 - Miscellanies: Noreen Khawaja on Existentialism08:36 - Today's ThemeEPISODE REFERENCESNoreen Khwaja, The Religion of Existence James Clear,  Atomic HabitsCharles Duhigg, The Power of HabitsWendy Wood, Good Habits, Bad Habits * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore different matters existential. Thus, the name: Artis Vivendi—The Craft of Living. I am interested primarily in the overlapping spaces where theology, philosophy, wisdom traditions, literature, behavioral sciences, and self-development literature meet on the question of the good life. I teach ethics, philosophy, and theology at Andrews University.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

In this episode, I share some of the insights that I would give my younger self if I had a chance. The advice mostly centers on issues of values, productivity, habits, and life lessons. EPISODE SECTIONS 00:05 - Introduction and updates03:43 - Episode start08:40 - Key insights in common packages14:04 - Grace and moments of clarity17:50 - Choices, actions, and identity20:13 - Disciplines equals freedom21:53 - Craftsmanship attitude23:42 - Mini habits30:57 - Keystone habitsEPISODE REFERENCESJames Clear,  Atomic HabitsJames Clear on the UK cycling teamCharles Duhigg, The Power of HabitsNir Eyal on progressive extremismJocko on Rome * * * * * NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore different matters existential. Thus, the name: Artis Vivendi—The Craft of Living. I am interested primarily in the overlapping spaces where theology, philosophy, wisdom traditions, literature, behavioral sciences, and self-development literature meet on the question of the good life. I teach ethics, philosophy, and theology at Andrews University.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

As I state it in the recording, the idea craft implies decisions, knowledge, competency, and purposiveness in its various aspects. It is the last aspect that I focus on here, tentatively as it might be, by discussing my ten fundamental identity values. For me, they are the driving force behind this channel. The chapter markers list them in the order discussed.Those visually inclined may want to check out the episode on YouTube. Of course, there is the Spotify option too.Related podcasts: Five Ideas Behind "The Craft of Living"; Elements of the Craft of Living* * * * *NEW TO THE PODCAST?Hi, I am Ante Jeroncic, and on this channel, I explore different matters existential. Thus, the name: Artis Vivendi—The Craft of Living. I am interested primarily in the overlapping spaces where theology, philosophy, wisdom traditions, literature, behavioral sciences, and self-development literature meet on the question of the good life. I teach ethics, philosophy, and theology at Andrews University.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Another video in the "What I Have Learned From" series. Of course, it is impossible to do full justice to a complex thinker such as S. Kierkegaard, so what I offer instead is a personal take in the spirit of what the channel is about.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

As I make it clear in the video, it is somewhat obscene to talk about the positive outcomes that COVID-19 brought us. There is just too much misery and loss in the midst of it to end up sentimentalizing the whole thing. And yet, I have to admit that the lockdown experience has taught me some new lessons and reminded me about old ones, including the importance of gratitude, attentiveness, and the nature of happiness.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

What strikes me about Augustine's "Confessions" is their expansive notion of divine grace. He portrays it as a power of serendipity, to borrow from M. Scott Peck, one that is continuously at work in human lives in ways that often elude our notice. In this video, I briefly discuss this theme as refracted through Augustine's experience. Specifically, I will share his serendipitous encounter with Cicero's "The Hortensius" as a young student, and how that event changed the course of his life.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Here I am introducing a new series where I will share, engage, discuss, and dialogue with thinkers that have shaped my life-outlook and identity. So, this is meant both as a kind of tribute and taking stock of things. In this video, I explain what my approach to the upcoming videos is going to be, best illustrated by the following Michel Foucault quote:“I prefer to utilize the writers I like. The only valid tribute to a thought such as Nietzsche's is precisely to use it, to deform it, to make it groan and protest. And if commentators then say that I am being faithful or unfaithful to Nietzsche, that is of absolutely no importance.”-Michel Foucault, Power/Knowledge, 54-54.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

In my last episode, I explore, through an autobiographical lens, five ideas that form a part of a backdrop to the focus of the channel. Here, in turn, I discuss some of the basic elements that comprise the craft of living. As I will suggest, any vision of life needs to be clear about the following questions: What does it mean to be human? What is the good life? How can we know about it? What kinds of practices lead us to it? And how does all of that relate to God or a transcendent framework?Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

It was a tall order to name all the ideas that have influenced my channel. So, without overthinking, I rolled with the first five that came to mind. By the way, do they make sense? Was I able to get the gist of them across? Let me know!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Here I offer a very condensed story of my conversion experience as one leading to a broadening of mind and interests. It is during those teenage years that life trajectory was set.Thanks for the privilege of sharing my story with you! Stay well!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)

Here it is! The first episode of "The Craft of Living." Thi is one a table-setting of sorts, explaining some of the reasons behind my channel. And what better place to start than with an actual dream? Seriously, that one rattled me good.As this is still in a fine-tuning stage, it will take some time to get the channel to the level it needs to be. So, constructive feedbacks are more than welcome. You will note that this was first recorded for my YouTube channel, thus the reference to videos.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thecraftofliving)