How (and how not) to be Happy w/ J. Budziszewski 

Wow! Wow! Wow! Literally the most thought-provoking, interview on RU-vid. This blew my mind. I'm watching this twice!

What a surprise this conversation has been. What a gifted thinker and speaker J. Budziszewski is. What clarity of mind he has to express rather complex ideas, definitively the sign of intelligence. However, what has struck me the most is the hope and joy he reflects. Please, have him back again! I would love to hear a conversation with him and Jordan Peterson about happiness and like a hundred things more... Matt, great conversation. You make your audience happy :)

Amazing talk! Again I'm gonna recommend having Dale Ahlquist, Founder of Chesterton Academy, on the show. He is the world's foremost expert on Chesterton and a great guy!

Well well, I pop on for my regular Pints with aquinas fix and my uncle J is the guest! What a treat!

I think you should have this gentleman back on. Possibly with regularity. He’s very intellectual and easy to listen to. Thank you.

I was captivated by this conversation right from the start. He has a wonderfully clear, open, and thoughtful way of expressing himself and so much wisdom in his words.

1:24:18 made me break down in tears. I'm so alone and can't hardly ever get to Church (no money, no health). No one speaks to me when I go there. But it's literally the only option. Only authority. "It's probably me that's wrong." I feel you, brother.

This interview, and the recent interview with Ralph Martin, are the best content I've found in recent months. Both interviews were inspiring and contributed to my growth in holiness. Thank you.

I’ve been waiting for one of the younger Catholic media figures to host this man for a long time. Thanks for arranging this-I’m really looking forward to it!!

I had Budziszewski as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin back in the early 2000s. Great class. Neat to see him here all these years later. It was awesome to see how he so easily and unapologetically popped the intellectual ballon of so many secular progressives in class. “But, but…”. After a while most just got quiet and listened. It all made too much sense and was too obvious to deny. Brilliant thinker.

Thank you thank you thank you for having Professor Budziszewski on! One of my favorite thinkers of this age.

It was such a blessing to have him as a professor in college! I am now in law school and I re-read his books often and constantly recommend his books to my friends. I also still regularly check his blog posts and look back at my notes from class to reference things. What a great interview! Loved it!

That seems to me the task of philosophy: they question common sense, they examine all the structures underneath things, and then you realize that common sense is correct. But it is a very worthwhile project.

Great interview, Matty. I always learn so much from articulate, (usually formerly atheist) converts. He connected a lot of dots for me in understanding their inner-dialogue, and the games they play with them selves in order to self affirm their stance. Thanks as always, brother. 🙏🏻

Thank you for talking about the struggle with believing. It’s often ignored

I was listening to St. Teresa of Avila's interior castle and it reminded me of a couple of moments I've had where in contemplation I was taken out of myself and experienced bliss. Time seemed to disappear. This was a few years ago now but the memory stays. For me it is like a taste of heaven. It felt like being in the presence of love. For me since I still have life challenges. I'm not a saint, just more aware of my sinfulness and recognising the ongoing need to be awake and wanting to understand and reconcile. It is hard to describe just know there is an ongoing call to move towards this aliveness.

CS Lewis’ “Surprised by Joy” is all about how the Joy he felt from certain beautiful things always pointed him towards God, but it took him 20 years to even realize that

When Dr. B talks about how one desire can enhance the other. When I see my kids doing something adorable my love for them swells and then it sends my heart aches. I desire as a dad to protect and provide for them but I know that ultimately only God can provide as abundantly for them.

You know what’s funny? I was raised as a Protestant, my mom is a lapsed Catholic, I was given Dr. J’s book “How to Stay Christian in College,” as a graduating high school senior, 7 years later I become a Catholic by “coincidence” and gift this same book to my younger brother who’s starting college now and now I find out that Dr. J is Catholic and a Thomist too 🤯🤯🤯. What a great influence he had on my decision and perseverance to remain Christian in an ever secular environment and society 🙌🏾

Professor Budziszewski was tough, but he challenged all of us to think harder and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who better understands natural law philosophy. Excellent educator for UT.

J. is one of the clearest and articulate Catholic thinkers out there currently.

Matt I am finishing up my Exodus90 journey right now and it has totally changed my view on fasting and suffering. I highly recommend it for men who feel like they are too attached to worldly pleasures.

"How to Stay a Christian in College" is an excellent read for the young person at that stage of life. Protestant viewer here, and long-time appreciator of J. His college book was so good, when I discovered he'd become Catholic, it's the first occasion that gave me insight into Catholicism as something other than what I'd heard. Oh and the satisfaction discussion reminds me of C.S Lewis, "If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world."

There are so many moments that make this a next level, stupendous conversation! Seriously, one of my all time favorite Pints episodes (and of any podcast for that matter).

Matt, pretty much, the best interview you've conducted! I've got to search out everything J.Budziszewski has written!! I need to incorporate his insights and make his conversations my own. He so clearly verbalized what lives in my heart and mind, which I often had difficulty formulating within me and ultimately sharing with others. Great thanks!

Underrated conversation. This is one of the best program in the channel. Congratulations, Matt.

I pray for more work so I can be able to afford all the books you recommend on this channel.. 💜 This is such a healing episodd for me especially about spousal happiness.

I have one, tiny complaint. Just a little one. I wish y'all would have discussed his book "The Revenge of Conscience." I heard Dr. Budziszewski interviewed about this book on Catholic radio one morning years ago and went out and bought it. Really helped me to understand more of the inner dynamics of those who fight against Christian civilization, and are so adamant and angry in their justifications. I'm forever grateful to Dr. Budziszewski for this.

This talk was simply fantastic! I really appreciate this guest! Thanks Matt!

Wonderful! Great that he found his way back! he is a witness where he is.

I feel like i say this all the time, but this is one of my favorite guests of all time

Oh Matt this is one of my favorites. Stretched my spiritual muscles. Thank you

Amazing interview. I’m so grateful you posted it.

Thank you for the great conversation

Wow did this discussion open my eyes to an even deeper understanding of natural law and morality. Thank you so much for this!

He gave the BEST answer ever to the problem of suffering/evil. Same answer I like to give. Laughed out loud when he said he used that female student as an example of why the Founders distrusted passion as a basis for politics! I was blessed to have a high school education where I wrote a thesis based on Budziszewski's book _Written on the Heart: The Case for Natural Law_. I remember a difficult but interesting part of the book was about the ways the knowledge of the natural law can be obscured from the individual.

Love J. Bud! Going to be a fun talk to listen to.

Amazing interview Matt! Watched this about a year ago and thought it was fantastic, 2nd run through was just as good. Definitely need a return of this man.

One of the best episodes of Pints. Thank you.

Absolutely great talk, what a wonderful and articulate man, you can tell he has a passion for teaching.

Love your show. I love the interviews. I love the lofi.

His book is absolutely beautiful and compelling! ❤️

1."THE HAPPY PERSON IS USUALLY CONFIDENT AND SHE/HE FACES LIFE WITH A WHOLESOME MENTAL ATTITUDE; HE/SHE HAS A SOUND, EMOTIONAL OUT LOOK, AND IS NOT EASILY UPSET BY DISTERBANSES" HE/SHE IS NOT CONCERNED WHEN NEW HURDLES ARISE" - Dr. CLYDE M. NARRAMORE, ED. D. 1958) 2. "HAPPINESS IS WHAT U THINK, WHAT U SAY, WHAT U DO ARE IN HARMONY" - M. GANDI 3. "THE KEY TO HAPPINESS IS HUMILITY" - ANONYMOUSE) - By Saba K. And I was born in Middle East, now Christian CATHOLIC & Canadian

Great conversation!

The discussion around 2 hours on desire is very reminiscent of C S Lewis's The weight of glory and Sehnsucht.

A very satifying and rewarding listen. The interview intelligently and compassionately explores the discipline of philosophy and the world of ideas as these affect the real world and vice versa. A truthful and intelligent talk. My kudos to the interviewer and the interviewee for bringing such clarity for me to our human condition.

great program again (listening to this a year and a half later)... I'm not a beautiful, attractive, intelligent supporter, but at some point, I'll give you money... you're earning it.

Really great conversation. Was this a prototype for Catholic ASMR? His voice is so soft and bassy 😂

Matt, your face at 8:24 😮🤣🤣🤣 Praise God for you and your wife Cameron and the work that you do! Keep doing what your doing and calling on the Lord!

Truth and love united!!!

I sure wish I'd crossed paths with this guy at UT. Thank you.

He is so bright!

Wonderful description of Nietzsche.

A thought provoking conversation. I dislike it when he assumes he knows when someone is using a ploy or trying to be manipulative.

Thanks!

I wish I had the professor’s equanimity and ability to think on his feet. Thank you!

Really excellent.

It goes back to Humanae Vitae of Pope Paul VI in 1968, he outlined where this would go. Also mention the people destroyed by abortion - the children and the women.

Nice intro!

Budsiszewski is amazing! (Even though spelling his name is not)

Enjoyable talk.

Loved reading his articles as a young man

Wonderful interview. I have found that the ONLY worldview that is completely coherent and consistent with reality is Roman Catholicism especially when one considers Aquinas' Final Cause.. what.. Who.. moves us to truth, beauty and goodness. The good professor is excellent at these matters. At what matters.

Sin, going against the natural law, eventually becomes ridiculous. That's the stage we're entering now.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, Barrys Bay, ON

Would love to hear J Bud on Schopenhauer though!

Also, they mention how different temperaments are more open to this idea of greater longing. I wonder if people who have greater susceptibility to the principle of reciprocity feel this more. That when they're given something good or beautiful people who feel reciprocity more are perhaps aware of the good itself or the beautiful itself.

I love Hallow

About common sense, one might say that the purpose of philosophy is to dismantle common sense, and then to show that common sense is actually correct, to establish the foundations of common sense.

Wkoncu Polska krew.... od razu widać że Polak 🙂

It kind of reminds one of Goethe's Faust - he makes a bargain with the devil: "If I ever think this world is enough, you can have my soul."

Patricia Sandoval! Please have her on the show!! People need to hear her story!

Yes, the consequences take a while to set in. But we're going more and more in that direction, and picking up speed.

45:46 @Pints With Aquinas it is very important to understand that regardless of your view on its ethical implications transgenderism isn't new, intersex people, people who claim not to live as either a man or as a woman, and people who perform a sex idenitity other than the one they were born with have existed basically forever. Their entrance into mainstream culture is new, sure, but that can be explained by the fact their genuine desire to be treated like people has been hijacked by both sides of American politics (and sadly some Church leaders) for culture war purposes. It is a difficult issue and a real problem but acting like a bunch of wokesters invented gender dysphoria for fun last weekend is just disingenuous.

his frequent long pauses make me think my speakers went out haha

The way Matt says Kant is really borderline.

you can find the full splendor of god in this life, but bliss is hard to maintain, easier and arguably.. even better, mere peace to be cultivated, but thanks for talking about this

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

I am reaching out from a foundation that would like to support your ministry. Are you a 501c-3? Where do we mail a donation?

Hey Matt. How much is the houses in Ohio? anyways great guest.

Hey! My old professor from, let's see... about 1995. As I recall, I got a B.

I was raised Catholic ,attended Catholic school and ALL my relatives were Catholic...I left the church in 75. All I ever witnessed was rejection, guilt, physical abuse and lies. In 1999 I started attended a protestant church and found love,acceptence, and in Jesus Christ, and redemption. I went to a Catholic funeral 7/21/23 . We were asked to pray to the saints and Mary for the child who passed away. I prayed to Jesus instead. At communion, only Catholics were able to recieve this most holy sacrement. If Jesus was standing in for the priest, He would have said, " Come, all of you ,and taste the glory and love of my Father through me. ALL are welcome at my table. The priest said," You can come up to the altar, but you aren't good enough to recieve the Body and Blood of Christ here but I will bless you if you do come up." ... I walked out and prayed for a big revelation in the Catholic churches.then I prayed for everybody, and to forgive and take away my anger and sadness for being rejected again. PS. great piece though. ..nuff said.loveya

This is really great stuff! I tell you, Jesus is Lord. I need not elaborate, but I can brag about it!.......

@2:48:50 biological or clinical depression doesn’t really work that way. That’s like telling someone with a broken leg, “ok, I think you can walk now.” Mental illness doesn’t just stop out the blue for people who have a chemical imbalance. It can take years to figure out the right medications that restore or balance out a person’s brain chemistry.

I accept the logic of the natural law argument about the functions of body parts to an extent, but where it seems to fall down is the assertion that not using them strictly according to purpose is necessarily harmful. It's like telling someone who was born without arms that it would be wrong and harmful to use their feet to pick up things because then they'd just be treating their feet like an inferior version of arms. It seems to me that even if procreation is the core function of our sexual organs, there may be cases where using them in other ways is still better than not using them at all (or trying to force yourself to use them the "correct" way if you're not physically or mentally/emotionally oriented that way). Thoughts?

BUD-ZISS-ZOO-SKI? BOO-GEE-SHEF-SKEE!

He’s the only one to debunk Darwinism in a few minutes.

At about the 2 hour mark there is a discussion about the love between spouses cannot fulfill the deeper desire for the eternal because we are not the eternal. But wait! We are eternal souls and we will indeed live forever, either in heaven or hell, but eternal nonetheless. So is it another possible answer that the unfulfilled longing is the knowledge that we are not the PERFECT eternal, which God puts the awareness of that into our souls?

A fellow Pole! ❤️

Could you make that Seinfeld conversation (~42 minutes in) a clip? I'd like to share it.

Another idea - I don't have to worry about trying to be happy, since God wants me to be happy, wants to make me happy. As long as I choose to stay close to him.

On the question of desire, and specifically the unfulfilled desire that points beyond the world. As I think about it from the opposite view (the atheist / materialist view) I can imagine an atheist posing this objection, and I think this is what the off-camera guy is trying to get at... Having an unfulfillable desire could be an evolutionary benefit because it could drive you to never stop trying to achieve. All desires that can achieve satiety eventually stop driving you. You reach a moment when the desire is fulfilled and you are no longer driven. If a desire is never satiated though, it could drive you indefinitely and thus you may achieve much more than you would otherwise. In response to that point, I would posit the following two points... 1. it is not clear that this would actually be an evolutionary benefit because such a desire is just as likely to cause despair and depression, leading to lethargy at best, and suicide at worst. 2. In order for this to actually be a benefit, it would require a belief that the desire can be satisfied. Thus, in this case, the atheist argument essentially simply means that Religion is an evolutionary imperative that is necessary to the proper functioning of the human animal / species. This would mean that being an atheist then is actually essentially immoral even from the evolutionary stand point because it is harmful to the survival of the species. From the Christian point of view, I would posit this question... The speakers have been talking about achieving final happiness as a state of complete satiation of desire in which there is nothing more to be desired. in light of an infinite God, and the fact that our very nature as humans seems to suggest that happiness is linked to fulfilling desires, is the idea of final satiation with no more desire actually valid? Is final happiness a state in which there is nothing more to be desired, or is it a state in which we are constantly desiring, and yet also constantly having that desire satisfied? If God is infinite can we desire him infinitely, and be infinitely satisfied? Also, I think my answer to the question of "in what does Happiness consist?" would be "in the fullness of being." or stated another way, in becoming fully and perfectly who and what you were meant to be.

"why didn't Nietzsche just write 'there is no God's rather than 'God is dead'"? Because Nietzsche was one of the most penetrating and influential writers in history whose writings will be influential and useful for a long time. even religious thinkers find him useful, for example, Pastor/Professor Carl Trueman and the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.

We just think the grass is greener on the other side 😬

I am probably the only one here who can pronounce Budziszewski's surename correctly, hahaha I'm Polish

The new supreme court justice has not agreed that she acknowledges natural law. Scary.

Could be Chesterton.

He got guppies breading completely wrong though

Still, even if truth works, one wants to know if it's really true.

Yes, the birth control pill, though it was discovered by a Catholic doctor, I believe, to help women medically. He didn't know what it would be used for.