Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Is modern self-care actually making us happier? In this Open to Debate clip, Jeffrey Rosen and Oxford philosopher Roger Crisp debate whether happiness comes from virtue, self-mastery, pleasure, meaningful work, relationships, or something else entirely.

The conversation starts with a challenge: if the Founders talked about the "pursuit of happiness," are they really the right source for modern wellbeing? From there, moderator Nayeema Raza brings the debate into today's culture of boundaries, quiet quitting, self-care, burnout, and "you do you" thinking. Rosen argues that happiness requires self-mastery and resistance to immediate gratification. Crisp argues that the real sources of happiness are not mysterious: meaningful work, enough income, family, friends, and long-term enjoyment.

Watch the full-length YouTube episode: youtube.com/watch?v=EHfqUdHQfZY
Open to Debate site: opentodebate.org

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Featured links:
Jeffrey Rosen: https://x.com/RosenJeffrey
Roger Crisp: philosophy.ox.ac.uk/people/roger-crisp
Nayeema Raza: instagram.com/nayeemaraza
Helen Russell: instagram.com/mshelenrussell
Nancy Sherman: https://x.com/drnancysherman
Monica Parker: linkedin.com/in/monicaparker
Emily A. Austin: emilyaaustin.com