Curiosity and gratitude are really what motivates me. Even the most boring topic, something stereotypically dull like accounting… has fascinating elements. It’s about humans, it’s about dreams, passions, rivalries. – A.J. Jacobs.
A.J. Jacobs is a best-selling author and participatory journalist, best known for his immersive, experiment-driven projects that push the boundaries of immersive learning. From living according to the Ten Commandments to exploring radical honesty, A.J. dives headfirst into his experiments, bringing humor and insight into everything he does.
A.J. is no stranger to this podcast—this is his second appearance, and if you missed our previous conversation, I highly recommend checking out Life As Experiment: A.J. Jacobs. It’s one of my favorites, offering a deeper dive into A.J.’s wild approach to self-experimentation.
In his latest book, The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning, A.J. documents his year-long quest to embody the Constitution in its original context. From carrying a musket in New York City to using a quill pen, he immerses himself in the mindset of the Founding Fathers, bringing history to life in ways you’d never expect.
In this episode, A.J. and I talk about his experiences, the surprises he encountered, and why curiosity is more vital than ever. Whether you’re fired up about politics or just curious about how the past continues to shape our present, you’ll love this conversation.
Our conversation includes:
- The role of curiosity in A.J.’s life and work, and how it has led him to explore diverse topics.
- A.J.’s immersive journalism.
- Past experiments like practicing radical honesty.
- How acting “as if” can lead to new ways of thinking and behavior.
- Developing curiosity can be key to personal, and professional growth.
- A.J.’s experiences living by 18th-century standards for his recent book.
- Rights and responsibilities as understood by the Founding Fathers.
- The original intent of free speech, historical limits on sedition, and modern implications in the age of social media.
- How the office of the U.S. president has evolved beyond what the Founding Fathers envisioned.
- Strategies for engaging in productive conversations with opposing views and framing discussions for cooperation.
- Epistemic humility—recognizing no one is always right.
- The future of society and existential risks, with insights from A.J.’s participation in the Longview Conference.
I hope this episode inspires you to be more open and curious, and question your assumptions. Life is one big experiment—full of choices, tests, and lessons that help us grow and adapt.
Keep exploring!
Enjoy!
Resources / Links
- ajjacobs.com
- I Think You’re Fat
- AJ’s Amazon book page
- The Puzzler: One Man’s Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever
- Checkout some of A.J.s Ted Talks
