Gretchen Rubin is a New York Times bestselling author and happiness expert who explores human nature and habits. She’s a highly acclaimed writer, host of the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin and the founder of the award-winning Happier app.
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The big takeaway
Gretchen Rubin—bestselling author and host of the Happier podcast—joins Dan to talk about the surprising power of short, memorable phrases. She she shares why aphorisms can help us cut through the noise and remember what really matters—especially when we’re stuck in old habits, facing tough decisions, or trying to show up better in our relationships.
Aphorisms for a happier life
Gretchen Rubin makes a case for the power of short, sticky phrases:
They’re memory tools. Aphorisms act like “earworms”—they pop into your mind at just the right moment and help you act more intentionally.
They clarify your thinking. Condensing a truth into a sentence or two forces precision—and makes that truth easier to apply.
They spark insight. Even disagreement with an aphorism can sharpen your perspective.
They help you remember what matters. The hardest part of self-improvement is remembering to do all the good stuff. Aphorisms solve that.
8 aphorisms to make life a little better:
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