Work and Faith Integration

Lessons from Arthur Brooks

Take a moment, think of someone authentically bringing their religion into their work. If you are like me you think of someone who works for a non-profit or a church or someone who renounced all possessions and became a monk.

I didn’t think of a Harvard Business School professor, PhD social scientist or Columnist at the Atlantic.

Then I heard Arthur Brooks on the Tim Ferris Show podcast.

I have listened to a majority of the nearly 700 episodes of the Tim Ferris Show. I am certainly not alone as it is one of the most popular podcasts in the world.

In this episode, Arthur engages in a thoughtful conversation highlighting his work and recent book on the science of happiness. As I expected there were many tactics and tips on how to change my mindset in how I approach and seek happiness.

What I didn’t expect was a master class on work - faith integration.

I don’t believe that Arthur was intentionally sharing his faith. However, it is so intertwined with who he is and what he works on that it came forward a dozen times over the two hour conversation.

In his work on the science of happiness, Arthur points to the seeking of the divine and a serious spiritual practice as the solution for the fleeting dopamine hits of modern world. He shares his experience with the Catholic mass, praying the rosary, studying Saint Thomas Aquinas, visiting Our Lady of Guadalupe and references multiple scriptures as he points the listener toward his experience as a Catholic.

Arthur also never passes judgement. He recognizes the cognitive benefits of other practices in Stoicism, Buddhism and time in nature with a focus on directing your energy and thoughts beyond your self.

In a time when many people are fleeing organized religion I truly appreciated the example that Arthur brought to one of media’s largest stages. He showed a clear example of what living an authentic Catholic faith looks like.

As I finished the episode, I was left with the feeling that if a HBS professor and Atlantic columnist can so publicly be living his faith then I need to be seeking out opportunities to bring my faith into my work as well.

I encourage you to give the episode a listen and join me in checking out his new book.

Have a great week!