Curiosity Beats Conservatism

Shaan Puri and Sam Parr discuss how people tend to become too conservative as they age, arguing that maintaining a childlike approach to life and taking more risks leads to better outcomes and happiness.

• Most people play life too safe rather than too risky

  • The real risk isn't being too adventurous, but becoming too cautious
  • People tend to get more practical and responsible with age, losing their sense of adventure

• Maintaining Childlike Traits is Valuable:

  • Curiosity about the world
  • Looking to have fun and play, not just work
  • Not assuming they know everything
  • Less focused on practical concerns like retirement savings

• Decision Making Philosophy:

  • Ask "Would my younger self think this is awesome?"
  • Don't just do what your younger self wanted, but make choices they'd respect
  • Focus on having fun and doing "awesome things" rather than being overly practical

• Signs You're Playing Life Too Safe:

  • Becoming out of shape
  • Complaining frequently
  • Overly focused on saving money for later
  • Losing sense of adventure and fun

• Key Takeaway:

  • Life needs to be "way less serious" than most people make it
  • The majority need more fun, silliness, and adventure
  • Being "known well" is more valuable than being "well known"
  • Most people need to take more risks, not fewer

• The Solution:

  • Inject more silliness and fun into life
  • Take more risks
  • Maintain childlike curiosity
  • Focus on playing and having fun, not just working and grinding