The Elephant & The Rider w/ Joe Szalkiewicz
Joe is a husband, father and devout Catholic who brings his faith into nearly all aspects of his life – including his work as the Owner and President of an entrepreneurial media company. In this talk, Joe borrows the concept of of an Elephant and a Rider, a concept presented in Jonathan Haigtd’s book , The Happiness Hypothesis. Simply put, the Elephant and Rider metaphor seeks to describe the human experience in the following way: the Elephant represents the power and weight of our emotions and impulses; the The Rider on the other hand represents the one’s reason – that is how we calmly and more rationally choose a course of action. What makes Joe’s talk compelling is that by borrowing this metaphor, and with it, the tension that develops as our emotions collide with reason, and our reason seeks to control our emotions, Joe arrives at a key question for the believer. How are we, called by God to grow in virtue, to do so not in denial of this tension between Elephant and Rider, that is between our emotions and our reason, but by bringing these aspects of ourselves under the authority of God’s grace. Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and his own experiences, Joe bridges us from the Happiness Hypothesis of Jonathan Haight, to the Summit of our Faith, present on the Altar, which is the Source of our deepest Joy. Joe’s talk was recorded live with a small prayer group on John Paul the Great Catholic University: we hope it blesses you as much as it did us. Discussion Questions1. Consider the following from the Catechism (#1803): "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions. What stands out to you from the Catechism quote above? 2. Pray about the following scripture Psalm 16:11You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. What stirs in your heart as you ponder this invitation from God? 3. Jesus taught the following to his disciples at the Last Supper: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:10-11). How does our growth in virtue lead to lasting joy and happiness? Editing by ForteCatholic.com
