Episode 213: What does it mean to live a meaningful life? That question is at the center of the latest episode of The Ethical Life podcast, hosted by Richard Kyte and Scott Rada.
The conversation begins with the story of a young kayaker who saved a stranger from drowning. Afterward, he reflected simply: “I was useful.” For Kyte, that statement underscores how rare it is for people to feel their actions truly matter. A sense of usefulness, he argues, is often more central to a fulfilling existence than money, entertainment or personal advancement.
The hosts extend the discussion to professions such as teaching and nursing. Many who enter these fields do so not for financial rewards but out of a desire to make a difference. The gratitude of students or patients can provide daily reinforce