322. Talk Back: Why Arguing With Yourself Can Help You Flourish
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322. Talk Back: Why Arguing With Yourself Can Help You Flourish

September 10, 202621 min
  • Interview
  • Relationships & psychology

“What you think is not gospel.” Can arguing with yourself make you happier? Martin Seligman, positive psychology pioneer and author of Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress, says our negative thoughts don’t have to dictate how we feel. By recognizing our internal narratives and challenging them with evidence, we can change our outlook and build a greater sense of agency. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seligman and Matt Abrahams discuss flourishing, optimism, and the power of self-talk. They also examine why celebrating other people’s successes takes more than saying “congratulations,” and how active...

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Matt Abrahams: Arguing with yourself may be the best way to flourish. My name's Matt Abrahams, and I teach Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Welcome to Think Fast, Talk Smart, the podcast.

0:15

Today, I'm excited to speak with Martin Seligman. Marty is a world-renowned psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He's the director of the Positive Psychology Center.

0:25

His groundbreaking research has fundamentally reshaped how science understands human wellbeing. He has authored more than 30 books, including Flourish, Authentic Happiness, and his latest, Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress.

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