The Lesson: Although we often attribute the invasive nature of new technology as the reason for our anxieties, we shouldn’t be so quick to condemn it—because if these same feelings also existed 100 years ago, during a quieter and simpler time, then perhaps technology is not the root cause of this feeling.

Notable Excerpt: “Maybe that rushed feeling is an aspect of the experience of ‘today’ for many adults; while we assume that it’s the new gizmos (whether that’s the locomotive, automobiles, telephones, email, or Twitter) that make us feel that way, it’s really always ourselves.”

The Host: Dubbed a “Happiness Guru”, best-selling author Gretchen Rubin shares in this two-minute podcast the fact that even in 1925 cultural critics were noting that people looked harried on the street—food for thought in our own culture when we assume it is technology that is making us feel like there is “no time” or no peace.

Podcast: Her top-ranking, award-winning podcast, “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” which discusses happiness and good habits.

Books: Rubin is the author of “The Happiness Project”, which spent two years on the New York Times bestsellers list. Her books, including “The Four Tendencies”, “Happier at Home”, and “Better Than Before”, have sold almost three million copies worldwide in more than thirty languages. Additionally, Rob Lowe has published an autobiography called “Stories I Only Tell My Friends” and a collection of romantic memoirs called “Love Life”.

(LISTEN to the quick psychology challenge below) – Photo by Robert Couse-Baker, CC

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