Why You Feel Overwhelmed All The Time (and how to fix it) - David Epstein - #1121

David Epstein explores why unlimited freedom often makes us feel overwhelmed rather than free. He makes the case that self-imposed constraints—whether in creative work, learning, or decision-making—can be a superpower. The conversation covers the 'Green Eggs and Ham' effect (how severe limitations unlocked Dr. Seuss's most iconic book), the doomed genius of the General Magic team, why fewer options can feel harder to choose from, and the point at which optimization tips into obsession. Throughout, Epstein argues that deciding what not to do is often more liberating than chasing more options.