Callings

The Office and the Soul: Rainn Wilson

Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education Season 3 Episode 10

Rainn Wilson—best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on the sitcom The Office—is an actor, comedian, and the author of the recently published Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution. While sharing funny and wise insights about his career and experiences in life, Rainn reflects on the intertwining of one’s artistic and spiritual journeys. He also explores the nuances in words such as joy and happiness, and walks us through how failure can also prepare you for a breakthrough—even if you bomb on Broadway (as he claims he did). Rainn believes that education should be about learning widely and deeply, which speaks to his commitment to what he calls “otherishness”—replacing “selfishness” with care for others and curiosity about the world.