In a story from ancient Greek philosophy, Hercules faces a choice between two paths: one promising pleasure and ease; the other, hardship and struggle — but also growth and greatness. According to today’s guest, this ancient parable is more relevant than ever.Dr. Paul Taylor, a psychophysiologist and the author of the new book <a href="https://amzn.to/48WYf0G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Hardiness Effect</a>, returns to the show to argue that comfort has become our default mode — and it’s making us mentally and physically sick. To reclaim health and meaning, we must actively choose the path of arete — a life of effort, engagement, and challenge.Paul first outlines the four traits that define a psychologically hardy person and how we grow by embracing and even relishing discomfort. We then dive into the physiological side of hardiness. We discuss how intentionally seeking stressors can strengthen both body and mind and some of the practices and protocols that lead to optimal health. We end our conversation with what tackling heroic, Herculean labors looks like today.Resources Related to the Podcast<ul><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-941-how-to-avoid-death-by-comfort/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paul's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #941 — How to Avoid Death by Comfort</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/podcast-1087-why-you-need-the-good-stress-of-socializing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AoM Podcast #1,087: Why You Need the Good Stress of Socializing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/new-science-of-metabolism-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AoM Podcast #793: The New Science of Metabolism and Weight Loss with Herman Pontzer</a></li><li>The Choice of Hercules&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-1004-the-sunscreen-debate-are-we-blocking-our-way-to-better-health/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AoM podcast on the benefits of sunlight</a></li><li><a href="https://www.twopct.com/p/dont-die-eat-more-small-fish" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">"Don't Die: Eat More Small Fish" by Michael Easter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/natures-prescription-the-20-5-3-rule-for-spending-time-outdoors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AoM Article: Nature’s Prescription — The 20-5-3 Rule for Spending Time Outdoors</a></li><li><a href="https://lifehacker.com/health/what-is-norwegian-4x4-workout?test_uuid=02DN02BmbRCcASIX6xMQtY9&test_variant=A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Norwegian 4X4 HIIT Protocol</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/zone-2-training/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AoM article on Zone 2 Cardio</a></li><li><a href="https://omegaquant.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Omega-3 testing</a></li></ul>Connect With Paul Taylor<ul><li><a href="https://www.paultaylor.biz/books" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paul's website</a></li></ul>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

Podurama

Home

Trending

Personal

Your Podcasts

New Episodes

My Files

Favourite Episodes

Tags (Folders)

Recently Played

Bookmarks

Followed Playlists

Hercules at the Crossroads — Choosing the Hard Path That Leads to a Good Life

The Art of Manliness

AI Chapters

AI Insights

Reviews