How to be perfect (with Michael Schur)

Podcast Summary

• Preparing for moral dilemmas like a game show or basketball shot: Understand moral philosophy, practice critical thinking, and approach moral dilemmas with humor and curiosity to navigate life's confusing moments

  Life presents us with moral dilemmas that can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Mike Schur, the TV showrunner and writer behind popular shows like The Office, Parks and Rec, and The Good Place, encourages us to prepare for these moments by understanding the philosophical underpinnings of morality. In his TED Talk, Schur compares dealing with moral dilemmas to preparing for a game show or a basketball shot – we need to educate ourselves and practice thinking critically. His new book, "How to Be Perfect," delves deeper into this topic, providing insights from the history of moral philosophy and practical advice for applying these concepts to our daily lives. Schur believes that approaching moral dilemmas with humor and curiosity can make the process less daunting and more enjoyable. So, instead of avoiding introspection and questioning our values, assumptions, and relationships, we can embrace the opportunity to learn and grow.

• Learning and growth are valuable experiences for people of all ages: Mike Schur's book and the Who Smarted podcast encourage continuous learning and self-improvement through relatable and enjoyable content, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge and ethical behavior is a lifelong journey.

  The Who Smarted podcast, despite being marketed towards kids, offers valuable learning opportunities and entertainment for people of all ages. Mike Schur, a television writer and producer, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement in his book "How to be Perfect." He shared his approach to understanding complex philosophical concepts by relating them to familiar things like music, novels, or movies. Schur's book, like the Who Smarted podcast, encourages listeners to engage with new ideas and concepts in a relatable and enjoyable way. Additionally, Schur emphasized the importance of acknowledging that no one has all the answers and that the pursuit of knowledge and ethical behavior is a lifelong journey. The podcast and Schur's work serve as reminders that learning and growth are valuable and enjoyable experiences for people of all ages.

• Understanding the Interplay of Inherent Traits and Learned Behaviors: We're all unique combinations of inherited traits and learned behaviors. Our experiences and passions are shaped by this interplay. Understanding these influences is a lifelong journey.

  Our lives are shaped by a complex interplay of innate traits and learned behaviors. The speaker, who is a rule follower with a creative side, uses personal anecdotes and relatable examples from film, television, and literature to explain abstract concepts. This approach makes complex ideas more accessible. The speaker's rule-following behavior, which started in childhood, may seem contradictory to a creative career, but our experiences and passions are influenced by a multitude of factors. In comedy, the desire to understand and enforce rules can lead to humor, as seen in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld. Ultimately, we are all unique combinations of inherited traits and learned behaviors, and trying to understand these influences is a lifelong journey.

• Understanding the role of rules and luck in comedy writing and life: Learning the rules in comedy writing and life is essential, but the true art lies in breaking them and recognizing the impact of luck on our experiences and ethical decisions.

  Both comedy writing and life's journey involve learning the rules before breaking them, and the role of luck in shaping our experiences and ethical choices is significant. Comedy writing requires mastering story and joke structure, but the true art lies in subverting these rules. Similarly, in life, understanding the importance of luck and the privileges we're born into can help us make ethical decisions. The speaker's own career path, filled with lucky breaks, is a testament to this idea. A compelling example comes from Robert Frank's story, where his survival from sudden cardiac death was a matter of luck, and he realized the vast impact luck has on our lives. By acknowledging the role of luck, we don't diminish our achievements, but rather gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our personal journeys.

• The Impact of Luck on Success: Success in life is influenced by both individual efforts and random events. Acknowledging the role of luck helps us understand the interplay of decision making, work ethic, and chance in reaching our goals.

  Success in life is not solely determined by individual efforts, but also by the role of luck. According to Mike Schur, people often underestimate the impact of luck on their achievements, leading them to believe they don't deserve their success. However, Schur argues that this is not the case. Instead, he encourages acknowledging the role of luck in our lives, while still recognizing the importance of hard work, talent, and acumen. He uses Bill Gates as an example, highlighting how the Microsoft founder's success was a result of both his abilities and fortunate circumstances. Schur emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their success or failure, has been influenced by luck to some degree. By recognizing the interplay of decision making, work ethic, and random events, we gain a more accurate understanding of how we reach our goals.

• A minor car accident leads to deep introspection on ethics: A seemingly insignificant event can inspire profound introspection and a newfound interest in ethics and moral philosophy

  A seemingly insignificant event, like a minor car accident, can lead to profound introspection and a newfound interest in ethics and moral philosophy. The speaker, a TV writer and comedy person, was initially outraged by an unreasonable demand for car repairs after a minor accident. This incident sparked a viral fundraising campaign and ignited a deeper curiosity about ethical dilemmas. The speaker reached out to moral philosophers for guidance and began exploring these concepts in his work, ultimately leading to a newfound understanding and appreciation for the importance of ethical considerations in everyday life.

• Encountering ethical dilemmas and questioning beliefs: Understanding ethics can help us make better decisions and reevaluate beliefs, guiding us in examining ethical dilemmas and promoting personal growth.

  We all encounter ethical dilemmas in our daily lives, often without realizing it. These situations can leave us feeling disoriented and unsure of our beliefs. The speaker's experience with a car insurance dispute led him to question the ethical implications of his own convictions and sparked his interest in ethics. He realized that having a solid understanding of ethics could help him make better decisions and reevaluate his beliefs when necessary. The philosopher's fundamental questions of "what should I do and why?" or "what kind of person should I be?" can guide us in examining our ethical dilemmas. Overcoming the barrier of thinking that it doesn't matter is essential to engaging in ethical decision-making and personal growth.

• Consider Aristotle's question: What kind of person should I be? when making decisions: Making ethical choices, no matter the size, reflects our character and values, and can lead to being the kind of person we want to be. Practically, acknowledge ethical issues, determine right answers, and expand understanding through ethical theories.

  Each of us has the power to make ethical choices in our daily lives, no matter how small the issue may seem. According to the speaker, Aristotle's question, "What kind of person should I be?" is a valuable one to consider when making decisions. Even if our individual actions may not solve larger, systemic problems, they can reflect our character and values. Practically, we can put ethics into our lives by acknowledging the ethical component of everyday problems, trying to determine the right answer, and reading about different ethical theories to expand our understanding. By consistently making ethical choices, we can strive to be the kind of person we want to be, contributing to a better world, one decision at a time.

• Seeking advice for ethical decisions: Consider various perspectives, seek advice from trusted sources, and act with authentic intentions when making ethical decisions.

  Making ethical decisions involves considering various perspectives and seeking advice from trusted sources. The 9-hour audiobook, featuring famous actors like Ted Danson, offers a straightforward overview of different philosophical theories on ethics. However, the speaker suggests that seeking advice from friends, loved ones, or experts can provide valuable insights. The speaker shares a personal example of canceling a bank account due to its involvement in funding terrorism, emphasizing the importance of standing up for what's right, even if it's for public consumption. However, the speaker cautions against performative behavior and encourages genuine intentions. In summary, ethical decision-making requires thoughtful consideration, seeking advice, and authentic intentions.

• Speak out against unethical practices: Individuals have the power to inspire change by standing against unethical practices, encouraging others to do the same, and prioritizing ethical behavior.

  Individuals have the power to make a difference by taking a stand against unethical practices, whether it be a bank funding terrorism or a business treating its employees poorly. This decision to speak out can encourage others to do the same and create a ripple effect of positive change. It's important to navigate each situation carefully, considering the reasons for speaking out and the appropriate forum to do so. As someone with a platform and influence, it's crucial to lead by example and prioritize ethical behavior in both personal and professional settings. It's not always easy, and we may stumble, but the ultimate goal is to strive for good and inspire others to do the same.

• Creating ensemble shows with a message: Mike Schur merges personal values and interests into his work, evolving comedy to include social issues and marginalized groups, emphasizing respect and kindness, and valuing collaboration.

  Mike Schur, the creator of popular TV shows like "The Good Place" and "Parks and Recreation," merges his personal values and interests with his professional work to create ensemble shows with a message or theme. His love for comedy, which stems from suburban boredom and silliness, has evolved over time to include social issues and marginalized groups. Schur emphasizes the importance of respect and kindness in comedy and values collaboration with others to create friendly and thought-provoking content. Ultimately, his work reflects who he is and what he cares about.

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