Ideas On Trial

Do your most hidden desires say something about the worth of your character?In this episode of Ideas on Trial, Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto join together to examine the notion of the 'dark side' of human nature. Does such a thing exist or can we understand it from another framework? Why is it common that our desires get in the way of our convictions? And how can philosophy help us harmonize thought and feeling?Check out our courses: https://learn.novelphilosophy.academySupport the show

What is the link between Luxury and Lucifer? And, does Luxury escapes reason, and if so, why do we need it?Nicolas Chemla joins Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto to explore the role of luxury in the human experience. Join us as we explore questions of great interest, such as whether there are standards for evaluating what is luxurious, the difference between ostentation and true luxury, and how material comfort is linked (and perhaps essential) to our character.Nicolas Chemla is a writer, novelist, and brand consultant with a background in anthropology and twenty years of experience working for global brands and agencies. His first book, Luxifer, was voted "best essay on luxury" by BFMTV in 2015, and his second novel, Murnau des Ténèbres, was finalist for the Renaudot Award in 2021.Support the show

Our modern technology and its comfort would make us the envy of past generations, but would they really want to adopt our way of living? In this episode, Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto talk with Jamil Asfour about technology and how it helps or hinders our most basic humanity. Are we better off because of our technological progress? Or at some point did we forget to reflect on our purpose and empathy? Jamil Asfour is an international business and investment professional with 20 years of experience in technology and innovation. Engineer by training, he's worked as an executive for companies such as IBM, Apple, HPE, and Ernst & Young. He is also the Managing Partner at Artelligence.ai You can watch Jamil TEDx Talk here: https://youtu.be/FO1dJagP4DoShifting Paradigms - A Witness Of Change | Jamil Asfour | TEDxAlAbdaliCheck out our work with Novel Philosophy Academy: https://learn.novelphilosophy.academySupport the show

Claims of rights are very prominent in the current news: some adopt the language of rights to express pride, whereas others use it to voice their moral outrage against injustice.But what do we mean by rights? Is everything a right simply by making it law? Are rights inherent in human life or part of human dignity?Or maybe, there's a perspective (a philosophical one) that can help you navigate even the most contentious debates of rights at the deepest, most fundamental level.In this episode, Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto take you through a framework and methodology for thinking about rights. Whether you want to become an active advocate of certain rights or an informed, responsible citizen, this episode is designed to give you the tools to become an effective communicator and thinker of the pressing issues of the day.Support the show

Music expresses that which is inexpressible, or so the saying goes... Yet, in this newest episode, we managed to express so many things about music and its value in human life in the company of none other than Edmond Redd, whom you may know as the author of our Podcast Music.Edmond joins us in an exploration of what goes into creating a great musical composition. In what ways are an author's intention and thinking central to crafting the musical experience? And what role do emotions play and how can one use them to gain more appreciation for music?Edmond Redd is a composer for film, TV, and other media and an educator. His music genre is primarily focused on creating cinematic orchestral music that easily fits in movie trailers and has a flavor of adventure to it. He's always looking to evoke certain emotions and to underline and support the visuals at hand. A firm believer in education, he also teaches audio production, and audio and music composition for video games.Learn more about Edmond's work and listen to his compositions on his website: www.edmondredd.comLearn more about Novel Philosophy Academy and check our educational content on Instagram. Do you want to advance your creative thinking using your daily conversations? Enroll in Supersonic Creativity Program. Do you want to master the art of Public Speaking? Save your seat at the Critical Speaking Bootcamp Support the show

When it's time for children to pick up their first book, what should we expect them to learn from it? Should children's books be confined to stories and themes that deal only with the familiar? Or can one take the risk of challenging children to think about more complex issues? And what does this all mean for their character development and success?Our guest this week is Sara Ghannoum, the author of the children's book series Tom Alien, who discovers life on Earth and all the issues that come with living here.Sara spends her days managing the emotions of her two little aliens, Maha and Saif, which inspires her creations. Previously, she worked in the medical and nanotechnology fields and has been published in various scientific journals. She grew up between Australia and Lebanon and currently resides in Dubai.Discover more about Sara's work and Tom Alien at: www.tomalien.com You can also watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LddWefIuoxQLearn more about Novel Philosophy Academy and check our educational content on Instagram. Do you want to advance your creative thinking using your daily conversations? Enroll in Supersonic Creativity Program. Do you want to master the art of Public Speaking? Save your seat at the Critical Speaking Bootcamp  Support the show

You can also watch it on YouTube:https://youtu.be/KKNBKtV7Y10Are etiquette and manners indispensable for one's moral learning? If you go by how they are taught and perceived in our culture, certainly not: knowing which fork to use or how to properly sit in certain special situations may be important, but hardly essential.However, our guest this week is here to challenge this view. Join Samira Hammadi for an insight into etiquette and manners you've never heard of, where you'll not only discover what's in etiquette beyond the fork and the social convention but a new framework that grounds it within vital moral principles and self-knowledge.Samira Hammadi is a writer, life coach, etiquette consultant, and LSA pilot. She is the founder of Modern Etiquette Consultancy, where they consult, train, and coach individuals and organizations on the art of etiquette.Samira's passion is writing children's and teenagers' books about kindness and manners with life lessons, making the young readers reflect and question how to make mindful choices that will significantly impact their lives and the future.You can learn more about Samira's work and her company, the Modern Etiquette Consultancy, at: www.themodernetiquetteacademy.comLearn more about Novel Philosophy Academy and check our educational content on Instagram. Do you want to advance your creative thinking using your daily conversations? Enroll in Supersonic Creativity Program.Do you want to master the art of Public Speaking? Save your seat at the Critical Speaking BootcampSupport the show

You can also watch it on YouTube:https://youtu.be/7Fbg3-3oqFMHave you ever felt that you lack the words or the method to fully appreciate the art you know you love? Have you found yourself wandering around a museum not knowing what to do, what to look at and how?Our guest in this episode is author and art expert Luc Travers, who not only joins us to put art appreciation on trial but will take you through a live experience where he will show you a unique and simple method to personally enjoy and connect with art.You can find the link to the artwork here:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ADaQaKxpBKWTwSlgwdTD8EpZPy7Qy_ukpLK06IYMK5g/edit?usp=sharingContemplate the artwork in the link above and follow Luc's Instructions so you can enjoy the experience :) Luc Travers got into art through his interest in philosophy and history, which led him to pursue a degree in art history. Still, he felt he was missing out on something, so he set out to design a method that would help people live the artistic experience as exciting as watching a movie or reading a novel. Since then, he's taught art appreciation to elementary and junior high students at the VanDamme Academy and has authored two books: Touching the Art (2010) and the forthcoming Stories in Paint.Intrigued to learn more about art? Check Luc's website to view his work and announcements, and pre-order his upcoming book: www.touchingtheart.comOnly when you finish listening to the episode, then you can read more about the artwork discussed: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/435621If you want to learn more about what we do, and our training programs  at Novel Philosophy Academy, check our website: https://learn.novelphilosophy.academySupport the show

Design is everywhere: from the chair you are sitting on to the phone you are holding. But do we truly understand it?Is design just a skill you need for solving a job's problem, or is it primarily a way of learning and living? How can design help us understand and develop our moral character?Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto, with the show's very first guest, Jonathan Steingiesser, as they put the idea of a design on trial. Jonathan Steingiesser is head of design at Omnipresent, a fast-growing startup where he and his team are maturing the product design practice. He is also the founder of The Human-Centered Design UAE meetup and an experienced strategic advisor for many organizations all over the Middle East and Australia. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

One of the most important factors that can help you build a resilient character to face adversity and the uncertainty inherent in the future is the confidence that whatever facts you discover about yourself—flaws, errors, failures, basic struggles—you have the capacity to deal with that knowledge as it is without the need of pretending things are otherwise.For someone who is investing in their life and wants to see significant change for the better, truth—more specifically, what is irrevocably true about yourself—is not an enemy to distance yourself from, but a reality to welcome and embrace.There is a popular idea in the culture that seems to side with this view. “Accept yourself” professional psychologists recommend, as well as less sophisticated personalities in social media. But you often find an extra statement to that injunction: “You are already good enough.”Is it true? Is it right to think that self-acceptance means accepting the whole of your character as a positive net, whatever flaws you discover? How is that different from complacency? And what should be our attitude towards those things in ourselves that we know we can improve? Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in discussing how getting self-acceptance right or wrong can influence the way you lead your life.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Excited for Season 2 of Ideas On Trial?This season's central theme is: How to build a character that helps you think, reason, and be confident about the future.For that purpose, we are taking topics from moral philosophy, art, music, creativity, A.I., physical fitness, and many more – that will help you uncover opportunities for building greater self-knowledge and resilience.Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in this first episode, as they grapple with the question of: Why is it relevant to start having a conversation about moral character today more than ever?Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

This episode ends season 1 of "Ideas On Trial".Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto take a listener's suggestion on what is their process for putting undisputed ideas on trial. They accepted the challenge, and to do so,  reduced the process down to the two most essential questions to ask. Plus they explore a related undisputed idea that is critical to confront in order to reclaim ownership of our minds. Thanks for listening to our podcast and see you in a couple of weeks. Below the discussed references: • Supersonic Creativity Program: (use this code for 50% Off): IOT50https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativity• Richard Feynman's Letter on What Problems to Solve:https://fs.blog/2014/08/richard-feynman-what-problems-to-solve/• Edmond Redd - Music Composer:https://edmondredd.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

How important is failure? If you had to hear it from the voices of many successful athletes, businessmen, and other high achievers out there, you would get the impression that failure, apart from being quite unavoidable, is a fundamental learning experience in life.We've probably all been through failure, but is it really that central to your story? Do we risk losing a valuable lesson if we celebrate failure as such?Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto to have a wide-ranging conversation about failure, albeit from a largely unexplored perspective grounded in the lessons of philosophy.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Were you ever told to be a good listener? Such innocent idea is instilled in us from a young age, but we seldom hear anything substantial about the specific actions required to become a better listener.Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto couldn't stay still with this idea in front of them, so in this new episode of {In-Focus} mini-series,  they set up a broad conversation about what state of mind and practical steps are involved in engaging your senses (and intellect) in conversation.And don't forget to enroll in Supersonic Creativity (online course and mentorship):https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativityUse the code upon checkout to get 50%OFF:   IOT50EnjoySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Remember the principle of 'show,  don't tell'? As a didactic activity, most of us have fond memories of it, so much so that today we see the technique applied everywhere to areas as diverse as writing, sales, and storytelling.But is it possible that we've misconceived it this whole time? What if we've missed one crucial point that, without it, the principle fails to deliver? In this new episode of the In-Focus miniseries, Leopold and Ricardo go through a wide-ranging conversation about the peaks and falls of 'show don't tell' as we learned it. And if you're interested in hearing more about our take on it, don't forget to check our course + mentorship program, Supersonic Creativity: https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativity(And psst! here's your code to save 50%: iot50)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

We continue with our In-Focus mini-series. This time, we have a broad-ranging discussion on a neglected aspect of conversations: their role in nurturing self-respect.How many times have you let a conversation ebb and flow without being sure what the other person means by certain concepts? Does the fact that we both use the same word imply that we know it?Join us in discussing this hot epistemological topic, as we consider the practical and psychological consequences of not challenging the conventional notions of our culture.Here's the course 'Supersonic Creativity'https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativityAnd here's your code to save 50%: iot50 (apply the code upon checkout).Enjoy and see you in our creative community!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

We are launching a new miniseries called In-Focus where we'll be sharing with you some of the creative tools and practices we're learning and developing in our work at Novel Philosophy Academy. In this episode, we ask ourselves whether the most trivial conversation can give us any value for our creative thinking. If so, what practices does it entail? And what can we do concretely to make the most of any discussion?Here's the course 'Supersonic Creativity' https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativityand here's your code to save 50%: iot50 (apply the code upon checkout) Enjoy and see you in our creative community!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

What are the forces that accelerate and retard cultural change? What causes a society's demise? And more importantly, in the face of oppression, what can you do to promote a better direction?These are some of the questions taken by Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in this new episode of Ideas on Trial. Join us as we reflect on our lived experiences in Lebanon and Venezuela and discuss the issue of what one can do beyond merely voicing opposition to a regime.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

What is the mark of a good leader? According to many influential thinkers in business, a leader's impact should not be measured on self-interested traits such as individual talent, ambition, or productivity. Rather, his primary value lies in how much he places himself to the service of his team. What premises drive this idea of servant leadership? Why has it become so popularized? Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in this episode to investigate the philosophical origins and lasting impact of servant leadership.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos' recent space flights mark a significant milestone that brings us closer to a new industry that was once a science-fiction dream. Yet, both prominent personalities and social media critics have reserved nothing but denunciation, hatred, and mockery towards Bezos and Branson.What explains this response? Do they deserve blame or celebration? If so, on what grounds? Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in this episode to explore the ideas and the framework that explain so much of the backslash against these businessmen.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

We often hear that everything in life should be taken in moderation. Indeed, so much of our planning and decisions seem to aim for a perfect balance, whether it's between work and life, in our exercise routine, or our sugar intake.But is moderation always the best policy? What can that mean? And if there is some good in it, what does it first depend on?Join  Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in a wide-ranging conversation about moderation, its appeal in the culture, and why treating it as a virtue or not truly matter.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Speaking up demands having self-clarity about your needs and goals in a conversation. But once you make up your mind, by what method can you then proceed?Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in this new episode of Ideas on Trial as they discuss ways in which you can build your assertiveness by asking questions, so you can turn an "I don't agree" into an opportunity to express your voice and articulate your reasons.This is the  program we mentioned:Supersonic Creativity: an online + mentorship program to help you boost your creative thinking using your conversations. Check it out here: https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativityWe are offering our friends and listeners 35% OFF. Simply use this code upon checkout: NPA35OFF Enjoy it :)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

>> (In this episode, we announced the launch of our program: Supersonic Creativity: an online + mentorship program to help you boost your creative thinking using your conversations. Check it out here: https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativityWe are offering our friends and listeners 35% OFF. Simply use this code upon checkout: NPA35OFF) Enjoy it :)To speak up or not!Have you ever regretted not speaking up in a critical situation?We've all been in that resentful place: nobody likes being a coward. This is why today we see a push towards more honest communication, the idea that one should always say something, no matter what.Both Leopold and Ricardo are somewhat sympathetic to that idea. But is it of any help? Does simply telling yourself you "have to speak up" give you any guidance when your throat is in a lump, and your legs are shaky?Listen to this episode of Ideas on Trial, where we discuss the ongoing challenges to becoming more assertive, as we try to figure out the first conversation you should be having.Don't forget to check out our programs here:https://learn.novelphilosophy.academySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

First job interviews are often a terrifying event for the inexperienced--and for many, a source of stress that never goes away. Why is that?Contrary to popular wisdom, problems with job interviews don't just happen because of an awkward situation or something you say during the interview. The trouble occurs much earlier: in our expectations of what we hope to get out of the interview itself.Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in an open discussion about this topic to learn about the not-so-obvious ways you can turn a job interview from an interrogation into a conversation.Some of the techniques discussed are from our online course: Supersonic Creativity. Check it out here: https://learn.novelphilosophy.academy/courses/supersonic-creativityWe are giving our listeners a special coupon code for 35% OFF. Just apply this code upon checkout npa35offSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

The era of borders is over: today, many of us can realistically plan to (and do) choose the country where to live our best future.But changing cultures is a whole different matter. We often hear that, for better or worse, your country of origin "marks you" for life. In customs, values, and even the very way you eat, you cannot disengage yourself from your birthplace. Can you really hope to do it?However, what if you come to realize that there is something fundamentally wrong with your culture? What responsibilities (if any) do you have towards your country, and to what extent is it right to criticize it without doing anything to improve it?Join this conversation with Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto, both immigrants ambivalent about their countries of origin, as they engage with the topic of leaving your culture and the value of marrying rational conviction with a proper sense of cultural identity.If you are interested in discovering more about what we do at Novel Philosophy Academy, check out our website: http://novelphilosophy.academySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Why is it so hard to find the right words to connect with someone going through a great loss, such as a death, illness, or losing a job?In this episode, Leopold and Ricardo address the topic of grief and discuss some of the challenges that many people (including themselves) experience when trying to support someone in pain.They go on to assess the conventional view on this subject and ask whether empathy really calls for seeking connection through a feeling of sorrow--or whether, instead, we can learn to trade on values.If you want to learn more about what we do at Novel Philosophy Academy, go ahead and check our website:  https://learn.novelphilosophy.academyReferenced in this episode:Jean Moroney's "What is empathy?" https://www.thinkingdirections.com/faq-what-is-empathy/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

You've heard the notion that creative people are crazy—that creativity is touched by madness. Have you asked yourself why?Then, who cares? Creative people tend to be flamboyant anyway and the worlds they recreate come close enough to being crazy. Let yourself go and add a little craziness to your work. Or so we think. But is this a fair description of the creative process? And what's more important, don't we risk detaching ourselves from our creative goals when declaring that all we need is to be more crazy?Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto  in bringing sanity and reason to this episode, "Here's to the (Non-)Crazy ones!"  as they explore the connection between creativity and madness.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

You've heard it said: Consistency is the key to success. Or at least, that's what hundreds of thought leaders claim, particularly Simon Sinek. He's persuasively argued for consistency as the fundamental factor separating success stories from their counterparts, going so far as to say that intensity, while valued by most, is overrated.(check out this short animated clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5OV3RmXhbg&t=94s) But what if we misconceived the whole subject? What if we are trapped in the middle of a false alternative that may ultimately undermine our success? Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto in putting the idea of consistency on trial as they try to make sense of the creation of consistent habits while looking for best practices to live with intense focus and passion.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

In tough times when things don't seem to go our way, many thought leaders, influencers, and business gurus advise us to reflect on those little things we can be grateful for.Every day, we come across inspirational social media posts that invite us to "always look on the bright side of life" and "count our blessings." But beyond the fuzzy, warm feeling that these ideas are meant to cause in us, have you ever stopped to reflect on whether this push for gratitude rests on a solid, rational foundation?In this episode, we put the current trends of gratitude on trial, going beyond the metaphorical to evaluate the merits and low points of the "attitude of gratitude." We explore those aspects of gratitude that appeal most to people, the real-life value of being grateful to others, and most crucially,  the hidden benefactors that the gratitude movement tends to leave forgotten and unrecognized.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Episode #001: "Stop being so judgmental!" "Who are you to judge?"We launch our first episode by challenging a tenet that has been taught to us since we were kids: the notion that one should not judge other people's lives.We explore the meaning of this idea to untangle some of the major confusions around this topic. We draw out the key (but often blurred) distinctions between being judgmental and making an objective moral judgment. And finally, we close the discussion with a central question: Why should I morally evaluate other people, and what is at stake for me?If you'd like to learn more about this topic or suggest ideas for future episodes, head to:http://ideasontrial.live/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Episode #002: Honesty is one of those virtues that everyone pays lip service to. From childhood, we are taught to tell the truth no matter what, as we are warned about the bad consequences of being caught lying.Despite this, we've all fantasized at least once about the possible benefits of getting away with a lie. What's the worst that could happen by tweaking things a bit on your resume? Why not tell a white lie if that way you can avoid hurting others?But is truth-telling all there is to honesty? In this episode, we survey common attitudes towards honesty and explore why lying seems so tempting from time to time. The core of our discussion centers on how we understand honesty as such: what does it really mean to be honest,  and what if everything we've been told about it is just wrong?Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)

Welcome the undisputed champions of the world. They won their battles a thousand years ago; then they shut down the championship. How come?Well, you see, these are particular kinds of fighters. They are not merely people; they are ideas — undisputed ideas that claimed victory over our minds without a fight. They are values taken for granted that they come in fashion now and then in a new robe even after reigning for centuries. They are concepts we live by yet declare “immoral” anyone who dares to challenge their livelihood. Their claim over our minds has been uncontested for far too long. But, what if we changed the rules? What if we pick a fight, not in the ring, rather an intellectual one that can help us become better at forming our philosophy of life?Join Leopold Ajami and Ricardo Pinto from Novel Philosophy Academy in their quest to explore and challenge undisputed ideas by putting them and themselves on trial. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LeopoldAjami)