272. Understanding Depression VI: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

The OptimalWork Podcast

#272: In this episode, Sharif and Kevin continue their exploration of depression, burnout, and low energy—this time uncovering a remarkable bridge between neuroscience and classical wisdom. Kevin reveals how adenosine’s “good tired” and “bad tired” states map directly onto Aquinas’ ideas of tristitia and acedia, showing that what medieval thinkers called “weariness of soul” may be the same state modern science calls burnout or depression. Together, they unpack Aquinas’ five treatments for sadness—pleasure, friends, contemplation, sleep, and tears—and show how each one perfectly targets a modern neurobiological pathway of vitality, meaning, effort, and attention.

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