Intellectual Freedom

The news headlines are admittedly ugly. War, hate, anger, and division, unfortunately, represent the interactions of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. But, if we deeply read the texts of these three great religions, there is deep wisdom to be uncovered. For many, it may be shocking to see that the shared values and common ground of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are more numerous than the differences. At the heart of these Abrahamic religions lie powerful messages of compassion, love, and justice that can guide us toward a better tomorrow.By exploring these faiths' commonalities, we can discover a unifying message that transcends the boundaries of religion, race, and culture. Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve deep into the timeless teachings of these Abrahamic religions. This week we focus heavily on Islam and the "Final Prophet," Muhammad. In the end, you will discover that in a world of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, the Abrahamic positions, together, can serve as a force for good in our world today. Also, receive more, way more, by joining the Intellectual Freedom Substack page.  It is 100% free, and you will receive additional articles, access to free resources, and engage in a community to discuss every topic more deeply. https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

The world is in a state of chaos, and one of the main reasons is the loss of a unifying system of justice and morality. It can be argued that long before the flowering of democracy and the idea of freedom sprung to life in the West, Thomas Aquinas' Natural Law Theory laid the foundation. However, this foundation is eroding in our post-modern era. Aquinas believed there was an immutable natural order to the world and everything in it. This natural order unified all people. Furthermore, he argued that certain moral principles were inherent in this natural order and were accessible to reason. In other words, anyone could discover natural law through rational inquiry. But today, the natural law theory is being eroded by the waves of post-modern thought crashing against Aquinas's traditional philosophical and theological views. Instead, we live in a world where morality is relative, and individual rights are constantly redefined. Unfortunately, this has led to a world where justice is often arbitrary, and people are left grasping to understand the rules of the game. Join me as I deep dive into Thomas Aquinas, his life, theories, and specifically the Natural Law Theory, and where society is and potentially where it will go if we don't carefully evaluate our trajectory in America today. FOR MORE--SUBSCRIBE TO THE SUBSTACK PAGE: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

TikTok, a seductive digital vortex, has been a source of amusement for many and terror for others. The app's algorithmic power to draw in users, particularly the impressionable young, has been a cause for deep concern as it exposes them to harmful and inappropriate content. From sexually explicit dances to harmful challenges, TikTok has created a breeding ground for toxic and hazardous trends. In addition, the app's blatant disregard for user privacy and data protection has led to several alarming breaches, putting personal information at risk. TikTok may seem like harmless fun, but beneath the surface lurks a danger that can cause irreparable damage to its users' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Yet, the most dangerous characteristic is Chinese ownership of ByteDance, the parent company of Tik Tok. Due to Chinese ownership, BytDance must, when asked by the Communist Party of China, provide all data at any time requested, putting the data of over 140 million Americans at risk. On the surface, a ban on Tik Tok in America should happen for national security. But is this true? Is a ban really such an obvious eventuality? For every decision, there is the potential for unintended consequences. At stake in the debate over banning Tik Tok is a cornerstone of western democracies for over 200 years--freedom of speech. Safety from foreign adversaries comes with a cost to every single American whenever the government steps in to restrict or deny anything through legislation. In this case, the right of individuals to express their opinions and ideas without fear of persecution or retribution is at stake.Whether or not to limit free speech with a Tik Tok ban is contentious, with proponents on both sides arguing fiercely for their stance. Ultimately, it is up to society, and you, to decide on the delicate balance between preserving the right to free speech while ensuring that it does not lead to harm or pose a national security threat.In this episode, we explore Tik Tok, the limits of personal freedom, and the RESTRICT Act, which would potentially ban Tik Tok and other bad actors across our digital landscape. However, to say the RESTRICT Act goes far beyond banning Tik Tok is a grand understatement. Government overreach is a descriptor that aptly describes this Act, and all Americans should understand the details behind the headlines spouted by politicians in 30-second sound bytes. Join the Intellectual Freedom Substack Page for additional free resources and content!  https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

For an atheist, faith seems to be an impossibility. For a practitioner of Christianity or any religion for that matter, it is hard to maintain faith. But why?We live in a superficial world. In many ways, the religious institutions of the west mirror this superficiality. It has created lukewarm Christians—the Christmas and Easter-type practitioners of Christianity are a prime example. All religions appear to be facing similar problems. A deep reverence for the immutable power of God is replaced with a mechanical and quasi-robotic going through the motions at best. Or, at worst, charlatans and deviants take advantage of their congressions sexually or monetarily. Atheists refuse even to consider anything from religious institutions. To say faith is in trouble is an understatement. In the middle of the extremes are a group of pastors and priests with self-righteousness, judgemental, and hypocritical lifestyles, causing an entire generation of young adults to relinquish their faith. They see the actions and attitudes of the devout and simply don't want to be a part of it. The proof is irrefutable, and Gen Z (aka the Zoomers), our youngest generation, is the least religious generation yet, with a whopping 34% entirely unaffiliated with any church or religion. (1)The Medieval Mystical TraditionOur modern calamity in the death of faith, in many ways, could be reversed or at least minimized by understanding and implementing the wisdom from the great mystical traditions of the Christian church. In this episode, we evaluate the fantastical and metaphysical when mystics in the Christian tradition left the baby pool of spirituality and dove into the deep water of Christianity to emerge with insights and ideas for revival at the personal and institutional levels. We will evaluate their teaching and incredible stories of other-worldly experiences. There is a hunger by so many for profound and meaningful messages of hope, love, and community that requires a perspective closer to the medieval mystics than the mega-church pastor with polished white teeth and a 10,000-seat church with rock music playing in the background. This episode helps shine a light on why humanity is losing faith in religion and those metaphysical aspects of religion beyond the typical culprits of science and materialism. A profound yearning for more is still embedded inside the psyche of us all. The medieval mystics can illuminate ways to tap into it. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST SUBSTACK PAGE!https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

We have all been there—bad decisions. Making bad decisions triggers negative consequences, such as financial loss, relationship damage, or missed opportunities. As we go through life and accumulate lousy decision after lousy decision, the baggage we carry around gets heavy—embarrassment, regret, anxiety, loss of self-confidence, and even fear that can paralyze us from stepping out of our comfort zone emerge. We really only have two choices. Make bad mistakes, curl up in a ball, and give up. Or, we can challenge ourselves to leave the past in the past and have the discipline and determination to tap into our minds and learn to make better decisions. I choose the latter, and I hope you do too. This episode explores a three-step process to avoid bad decisions and hopefully make high-quality decisions. We will get through analyzing a medieval intellectual and theologian that lived a life of high drama, bitter confrontations, and more than his share of bad decisions. From these very difficult life experiences, he grew exponentially and became one of the most respected and influential figures of the medieval era. His name is Peter Abelard, and his view on sin, thinking, individualism, and personal responsibility was centuries ahead of the traditional mindset of the time. As we always do, we will attempt to connect the dots from a set of wisdom literature and philosophy to the postmodern world we live in today. I hope you will listen in and study as we explore Peter Abelard and how to make more effective decisions in life. JOIN THE INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM COMMUNITY!  It's free and gives you access to much, much more content and material to further your journey.  https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

A recent YouGov survey found that only 30% of Americans overall believe in the American dream and see it as very or somewhat attainable for themselves. It is cliche now to say the American Dream is dead. You can read innumerable articles on the topic. The surface reasons for the death of the American Dream are obvious, too—rocketing inflation, student loan debt, housing costs, medical costs, income inequality, and endless wars are apparent culprits. But what if the American Dream wasn't just an illusion that emerged in the 1930s, but rather the concept is even more sinister? What if the American Dream was designed to enslave, not elevate, and provide a lifetime of happiness? Could it be that the American Dream, as conceived during the Industrial Revolution, was the wrong dream, to begin with? In fact, it could be argued that the American Dream is a nightmare that everyone, ultimately, is guaranteed to fail.In many ways, this idea is like going to Las Vegas to gamble and expecting to get back on your plane for home with a healthy bag full of money. It rarely happens. It is time to look at the American Dream differently. In this episode, we study the life and teaching of St. Augustine. We will connect the dots of his philosophy and theology from the 4th century CE to the American Dream. In our wisdom literature of the week, we will review The Confessions and City of God and St. Augustine's doctrine of why the materialistic strivings of humankind, such as the American Dream, are doomed to fail every time. We all need to reimagine a new dream, a more concrete dream, that can lead us to a life of purpose and fulfillment.  St. Augustine will be our guide on this journey. The reasons for our current discontent and disillusionment with life in our post-modern world will become apparent by looking back at the teaching of this great and influential teacher. Afer listening, go deeper!  Subscribe to the Intellectual Freedom Podcast Substack page for free resources to take your understanding of this topic and more to a deeper level: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

Subscribe for Free: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Examples are everywhere—social media, political soundbites, and cable TV demonstrate that ignorance is trending globally. We have all seen it. It is scary to watch. Politicians boast, “I'm not a scientist,” or that people are “sick of the so-called experts.” Rather than expertise, lack of experience is explained as a positive thing, better than any credential. Healthy skepticism is important—but denying basic facts of the obvious sort is dangerous and breeds extremism. In this climate, misinformation or fake news is on the rise, and flagrant lies by those in positions of authority are accepted and spread without question by both sides of the ideological divide- these lies shape beliefs, foster mistrust, and breed anger among the population.The irony is that although we live in the information age, we do not appear well-informed at the minimum, or at worst, society is becoming downright ignorant. For all the benefits the information age has given to society, it surely has some unintended negative consequences. But there is a solution to combatting society's rising tide of ignorance. Ignorance is dangerous. When we lack knowledge or understanding but, with arrogance and bluster, claim to possess knowledge, bad things happen—division happens. Evil happens. In this podcast, we look back to a great theologian, philosopher, medical doctor and writer for a clear answer to combat ignorance in any era. His wisdom transcends generations, and we should all consider his teachings. His name is Moses Maimonides. Join me for a deep dive into his life, works, and practical knowledge we can all use to become more intelligent and wise in our lives. Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

Just twenty-two percent of the youngest adults describe themselves as Protestant  –  a more than fifty percent decline from the 1950s and 60s.  A cataclysmic decline if things do not change.  Gen Z is the most likely generation yet to say they don't believe in God. They are also the least religiously affiliated and the least likely to attend church.Meantime, their rates of depression and anxiety are soaring. The Centers for Disease Control recently published a report stating that “almost 60% of female students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year, and nearly 25% made a suicide plan.”This is a stunning collapse. Any way a Christian may slice it, the current theology and institution are not working. Period. In this episode, we contrast maybe the most corrosive element of Christianity—prosperity gospel preachers against some very stoic and hardcore followers of Christian theology often referred to as the desert fathers and mothers. What a stark contrast and the disparity shines a bright light on the differences between a postmodern world of ease versus a life of pain, suffering, and ultimately one of deep fulfillment outside the umbrella of materialism. In this podcast, we primarily focus on St. Anthony, an incredible individual who shunned all material and personal wealth and fame for a life in the deep, mystical desert, hoping to live out his best life as close to the teachings of Christ as possible. Whether you are a Christian, Jew, or of any faith, the hard-fought lessons learned by the desert fathers and mothers illuminate shortcomings in our lives that we can work on to become a better version of ourselves. Join the conversation & get more free resources by subscribing to the podcast substack newsletter! https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

There is no easy way to slice it; religion is a challenging topic. This week we take on one of the most influential spiritual leaders to ever walk the planet earth and, arguably, one of the most influential people in the history of the world. That person is Jesus Christ. In this episode, we discuss the person, the history, and most importantly, the wisdom to live life to the fullest. If you think this is only for Christians, I would challenge you to listen to this episode and read from the selected texts below.  Push yourself outside of your comfort zone!  I will ask Christians to do the same thing when we study other atheistic philosophers and non-religious Christian figures. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Theist, or even an Atheist, there is wisdom to be uncovered by reading through the teachings of Jesus Christ that apply to all people, in all eras, and all backgrounds. The goal today is to unpack and disentangle the theology from the universal wisdom that Jesus spoke about during his time on earth. Ultimately, we will boil down the teachings of Jesus Christ to five core teachings that repeatedly recur in the Christian doctrines that transcend religiosity and provide a framework for living life to the fullest. Be sure to join the Intellectual Freedom Podcast Substack page for additional free resources and study aides that correspond with this episode: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.comFollow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself? It is a fair question. It is a tough question. The 21st century has been labeled as “The Age of Anxiety,” “The United States of Stress,” “The World of Worry,” to name just a few of the unflattering descriptors. The implication is that what we are experiencing—political extremism, deep cultural divisions, pandemics, terrorism, and economic turmoil, existential angst to name just a few. It's enough to drive anyone to a bottle of whiskey and xanax. Yet, if we would all slow down for just a minute, there is a solution to so much that is causing the stress level in life to go off the charts. A potential answer that may change your life is a philosophy from the 3rd century BCE—stoicism. In this episode, we analyze the very simple and practical application of stoicism in our lives to flip the script and change our perspective to focus on the things that we control. If we learn to do this, very real and very substantial life change can happen for you after listening in on this episode, as we march through the genre of wisdom literature. Come along for the journey!Also, be sure to subscribe to my substack page of the Intellectual Freedom Podcast, and gain access to free texts from original and vetted sources, as well as access to ask me any questions you may have on this episode or anything else we have discussed!https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

If there ever was a Donald Trump-like figure in Greek philosophy that evoked both love and hate it is probably Epicurus. He had a legion of fervent followers, but probably had equally as many detractors. Often he is over-simplified down to a person interested in little more than pleasure. This would be a mistake. In the success-driven, outcomes-obsessed world we live Epicurus is often painted in a negative light. Yet, his approach to life may be a perfect antidote to much of the anger, frustration, anxiety, and fear that is plaguing the modern world today if only we would pause to listen to his teachings. The reality is Epicurus' thinking was highly advanced and nuanced, leading to his ideas becoming a powerful influence in modern thought in many regions of the world today. There is much we can learn from his teachings we can use every day to improve all facets of our life. He was one of the first Greek philosophers to develop a strong tradition that avoids superstition as a core ideal. His simple and straightforward philosophy of avoiding pain, leading a simple life, and attaining knowledge has made his philosophy both attractive and influential to many. In this episode, the goal is to understand his philosophy, and nail down practical real-world ways to integrate the best of his teachings into our intellectual, spiritual, and daily lives. ---Subscribe today and follow every episode on our journey through the genre of wisdom literature where we discuss the greatest minds and movements in the history of the world!  https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

One key characteristic of an independent mind is not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.” This podcast discusses skepticism and the practical application of this ancient philosophy in our modern lives to make us better thinkers. We go all the way back to Pyrrho, Sextus Empiricus, and other ancient Greek philosophers to look at the emergence of skepticism from around 360 BCE to the 3rd century CE. Skepticism often gets a bad rap. It is much more than some cooky denying anything, and everything exists. There is so much more to analyze. Albert Einstein hit the nail on the head when he said, “blind belief in authority is the enemy of truth.” When properly applied in our daily lives, skepticism helps us to question and doubt superficial or ideological dogma. Also, practicing skepticism fosters humility, which seems in short supply across modern culture. In our discussion today, we dive deep into the pros, cons, and, more importantly, how you, in your life, can use skepticism to think more clearly and effectively to make better decisions in life!Beyond this podcast, join me free to take your understanding of this topic to an entirely different level and become a subscriber to the Intellectual Freedom Podcast on Substack.  It is FREE! https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/. Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

American happiness has reached an all-time low.  I doubt too many are surprised when a random google search on 'happiness in America' yields horrifying results. Right now, America is about as angry, anxiety-riddled, stressed-out, and drugged-up as at any time in our history. In this episode, we deep-dive into Aristotle's monumental work: Nichomachean Ethics.  Specifically, we will break down happiness. What it is and how to achieve it. You will walk away from this episode with incredible insights into living your best life. The great news is happiness is within the grasp of everyone. I hope you will come along on this journey as Aristotle can teach you how to find peace, fulfillment, and happiness in this crazy, messed-up world we live,Beyond this episode, I hope you will check out (for free) the Intellectual Freedom Podcast substack page for even more resources that go way deeper than our discussion in this episode. You can also engage with me personally. So click HERE to check it out.     https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

So excited to dive into Sophists in this episode of the Intellectual Freedom Podcast. We will analyze the philosophies and impact the Sophists have had on modern culture. Especially, looking at moral relativism which has reared its head in modern culture with a vengeance.  Moral relativism has set in so deeply that the upper crust of society has become incapable of discerning right from wrong. Everything can be explained away. Life is one great moral mush . Along the way analyzing the Sophists we will also look at the rise of the teaching class, as well as the idea of paying for education not for the sake of learning but to acquire the skills and intellect to make money!Join me on this journey exploring the Sophists, moral relativism, the 'culture wars,' and the beginnings of corporate education.  Be sure to find even more resources on this podcast by subscribing to the Intellection Freedom Substack page. It's always 100% free!https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

We do not like the idea that we are not in control of our life. However, what if the choices we make are an illusion created between those with power and those without?  It is a hard and difficult question to wrestle with. In this podcast episode, we continue our march through the genre known as wisdom literature by analyzing the great philosopher Plato. Specifically, we will be talking about his seminal work The Republic and the powerful and relevant "Allegory of the Cave." Come along to connect the 4th century BCE with 21st-century post-modernism as we dig deep into what is real and what is not real in life. We will even connect the dots with the great movie trilogy The Matrix. Insights here can alter your perspectives on life. Be sure to check out even more detailed study & reading material on Plato, along with free access to post comments about the episode, or contact me directly on my Substack page.

Us humans are fickle creatures. We are prone to error, bias, irrational emotions and are easily duped.  We need to question everything. This episode analyzes cornerstone philosophical concepts of Socrates.  Socrates, pound for pound, was probably one of the greatest minds ever to walk the planet earth. He challenges us to think deeply and live of life of fulfillment. He lived in the 4th century BC, but his wisdom still strikes at the heart of so many problems in society today. Through his writings, we will analyze how to be the master of our own minds first and why the unexamined life is not worth living.  Come along for our brief journey into Socrates. I invite you to subscribe and follow along on the podcast substack page for more opportunities to explore Socrates beyond the podcast, access even more resources on Socrates, and interact with me regarding anything from the podcast today!  It is always 100% free.   

“The smaller the mind, the greater the conceit.” Is just one of the great one-liners from the genius Aesop. This podcast discusses the fables, Aesop, and finding wisdom to navigate an insane world. Go even deeper by joining the Intellectual Freedom course for free!

Subscribe for free to my wisdom literature talks!   We live in uncertain times. If we understand peace is within us which we can tap into for strength, life changes dramatically. Conversely, if we expect or believe that an external thing, whether a politician, law, job, or material thing from culture will make us happy, we will end up disappointed. Its almost guaranteed. This is just one piece of wisdom we can learn from studying Siddhartha Gautama, more commonly known as the great Buddha. Everyone can benefit from studying the path of Buddhism regardless of faith, race, or background. Buddha's path from a child prophesized for greatness, to prince, to giving up all his material wealth, to a wandering nomad, to ultimately creating a way of life that billions have followed for centuries is a profound journey and transformation that can teach us all much about living a full life. Listen in to the podcast and take advantage of the reading materials below! We analyze Buddha's birth, life, and key teachings in this talk.

Check out additional resources: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/    Mencius was a Chinese Confucian philosopher who has often been described as the Second Sage after only Confucius himself. He is part of Confucius' fourth generation of disciples. Mencius inherited Confucius' ideology and developed it further. A positive, strong undercurrent moves through his writings we can all embrace—all humans have innate but inborn tendencies toward benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and propriety. He teaches us how to foster the goodness and promote it in our lives, a wonderful tool in our divisive world.

In this lesson, you genuinely get a treat! We are studying an intellectual heavyweight considered the pinnacle of Chinese sages. His name is Master Kong, more commonly known as Confucius. Confucius's teachings and philosophy underpin East Asian culture and society, remaining influential across China and East Asia to this day. Confucius had was obsessed with the practicality of philosophy in both moral and ethical behavior. This lesson we deep-dive into how we can use his sage wisdom in our every day life. Beyond the podcast, you can join the course for free: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/  Also, you can register for more articles and content: https://daviddhopkins.com/    #confucious #intellectualfreedom #podcast #wisdomliterature 

Laozi was one of the greatest minds to ever live. He wrote the venerable Tao Te Ching meaning "The Classic Way of Virtue." This work is the basis of the long-lost religion of Taoism (also known as 'Daoism' in Chinese), an official religion of China's Tang Dynasty in 500 BCE. The lesson covers the deep philosophical and political influence in humanity that still resonates today. Feel free to join the Intellectual Freedom Course for an even more detailed analysis and dive into Laozi, Daoism, and many great minds in the genre of Wisdom Literature.  Also, feel free to comment below or contact me directly on my website.  

It has been a very tough week, with yet another mass shooting in the United States. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted. I won't even pretend to understand the pain of loss. It is perfect timing to be evaluating wisdom from indigenous cultures. There is so much we can apply to our current situation. A thriving civilization living, interacting, sacrificing, solving problems, celebrating success, and getting through loss and tragedy together is powerful. A dying civilization is characterized by distrust, greed, anger, hostility, and hate. It is pretty safe to say, the United States of America fits the description of a dying civilization in many ways.  We need to look no further than the political reactions to the shooting in Texas. Ted Cruz's solution to the gun violence-we need more guns in the schools. The Democrat solution ban guns. Will there be a middle ground compromise? I doubt it.  Both point blame and demonize each other. It's pathetic. It will solve nothing. It is time to take a serious look at the constant assault we wage against each other in our political and cultural wars.  Nothing is free. Every action, word, and attack against each other has repercussions…eventually.  To search for solutions, this week we dive into the ancient wisdom of indigenous tribal stories.  Join the FREE Intellectual Freedom Course for even more analysis of this topic and deep dive into the genre of wisdom literature. 

No one is born with the Warrior Ethic. It is taught through training and discipline. The warrior ethic is for everyone, whether winning on the battlefield or beating inner demons. Learn how to tap into it.  This podcast dives deep into the warrior ethic from our readings in Moral Wisdom Past and Present.  I invite you to listen in to the podcast and join our 100% free Intellectual Freedom Course where we read, study, and discuss some of the greatest wisdom texts to ever be written! https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ 

There is so much sound and fury from preening peacocks in the public sphere it takes wisdom to wade through the swamp of BS. The great thing is moral wisdom has been preserved in so many amazing shapes and forms across history. We just have to explore and use it. Proverbs, across many cultures, give us a bedrock of wisdom we can all use every day to stay grounded, make wise decisions, and be effective in all aspects of life. Follow, read, and interact with the wisdom text and podcast by joining the 100% FREE course!   https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ 

Lesson #1 Join the course for free! https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/  We start our study thousands of years ago. The ethics of the tribal traditions, based on custom, found expression in many cultures as customary laws. We are going to study many of the earliest. A legal custom is the established pattern of behavior that individuals can objectively verify within a particular social setting or civilization. A person can carry out a claim to defend "what has always been done and accepted by law." Customary law exists where: specific legal practice is observed and the relevant individuals consider it to be law Most customary laws deal with community standards that have been long-established in a given locale. These laws have often been passed down verbally for thousands of years in ancient civilizations.  The customary laws we will study in this lesson had a religious and a secular facet and, in the Babylonian case, provided an early example of recognizable civil government.  The primary impetus for a formal government apparatus appears to come from the development of cities, which conceptually take the form of collections of strangers (i.e., unfamiliar people).  This development is essential because it means that the people in cities not naturally bound together by the ties and obligations of the family can reach a consensus on ethical behavior.  We will evaluate the development of customary law in the Code of Hammurabi and the Torah. 

I'm back after a lengthy respite.  Life can be a winding road, and it was.  Health problems, work projects, etc., et., I don't need to bore you with my details.  However, I am happy to be back!   Every podcast I am now releasing is simultaneously being published on Substack as part of an Intellectual Freedom Course.  I would love to have you subscribe.  https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/  You will get the most out of these podcasts following along the book I am reading from called Readings in Ethics: Moral Wisdom Past and Present, but hey, it isn't necessary, as every topic will stand alone. My podcasts are going to align to this book, but transcend the chapter and take on an interesting piece of the writings relevant to your life and world today.   

Intermittent fasting could be a transformational technique to boost your health.  Ben Tanner, a Physician Assistant, has been counseling patients needing to make lifestyle changes for years.  He discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating fasting into your life style.  You will be amazed how simple it is to take a couple baby steps that can have a huge impact on your health. 

If you died today, and everything, I mean everything you ever viewed, posted, or commented online, is compiled in a book, how would you be remembered? It is an essential question because, first of all, you will die. And second of all, your digital footprint will be substantial. As a result, many will know more about you from your online impressions than your actions in the real world. No matter what you do or how you do it, you leave a tiny footprint with every action. Those actions will become your legacy. Online, those actions are permanent. This podcast discusses your digital legacy, how to manage it, and ultimately how to make it an accurate and positive reflection of you and your life.    You can read an article on this topic HERE. 

I had the privilege to speak with Deborah Driggs in this podcast. From her start as a Playboy Centerfold and Covergirl to her life as a Screen Actors' Guild member.  Later, she achieved success by being in the Top 5% in the real estate industry as a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable.  Deborah Driggs has cleared many hurdles in life. While it may seem like Deborah's success came easy to her, nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, she has had to overcome a number of serious obstacles and challenges in life to get to where she is today. What is true - and a part of her character - is her willingness to take risks, maintain a positive attitude, and never take ‘No' for an answer. Tune into the podcast to hear her incredible life story. 

I recently heard a story about a wealthy student on campus. He got busted parking in a handicap-accessible parking spot. His rationale was, "It's not illegal for me to park in handicap spaces.  It only costs $250 if I get caught.  I'd rather pay the money and not deal with the rain today."  My first thought when I head this is how despicable.  There has always been a segment of the wealthy and affluent who believe in their superiority over the rest of society.  It most often manifests itself in the purchase and display of luxury goods--cars, designer clothes, expensive mansions, or extravagant vacation homes.   Luxury beliefs are different.  They are more dangerous.  For those unfamiliar with the term, luxury beliefs are ideas and opinions that confer status on the rich at minimal cost. But these beliefs have the potential to wreak havoc on the lower class. This podcast discusses four luxury beliefs the affluent and wealthy push out in their public lives and social media. Beliefs are the new status symbol of the affluent. The beauty for the wealthy is they don't have to act on those beliefs. They only have to signal their acceptance. Luxury beliefs are perfect for social media. With little energy or effort, the affluent can rage against trendy social ills. They gain street cred with no risk.    

I had the opportunity to speak with the Top-Rated MMA podcast host, which is the #1 rated podcast in this genre, Erik Allen.  Beyond his success in business, his personal story of perseverance is incredible.    From a broken home, beaten by mom's boyfriend, jailed at 18, bankrupt by 21, and battled addictions, his life was on a downward spiral quickly. Yet, he had the internal drive and discipline to break the chains of abuse and addiction.    Eventually he gave his life to Christ, now married for 16+ years, and is now a successful entrepreneur not only as a podcaster but as a consultant helping others realize their goals.     Erik knows that sometimes having the opportunity to meet someone and hear his story and how he managed to overcome could provide the courage needed to find new strength in their personal and professional battles.   Erik might have been dealt a rough hand, but with the help of his Heavenly Father and a humble heart, Erik is taking each day as it comes and making it count.  

Fun fact of the day, Gallop conducted a poll and uncovered that out of the world's one billion full-time workers, an astronomical 85% are unhappy in their jobs.  The usual suspects are present in the survey: domineering boss, annoying colleagues, type of work sucks, the commute, or no opportunity for growth.  We have heard all of these before.  Most of us have experienced them firsthand.  In Episode #74 of the podcast, I don't discuss shedding one crappy job for another crappy job. Instead, I want you to deep by considering one very Stoic-Esque philosophy question.  WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL DAY LOOK LIKE?  Once you nail down an answer to this question, then you can boldly proceed from there and take practical steps to live out your ideal day in your career.  It is incredible what can happen once you clarify what you truly want to do, as after you do this, you can put an action plan into place to make it happen.  Maybe it is a brand new shiny 9-5.  Possibly it involves some combination of part-time, freelancer-type gigs, or maybe even one of the crowds of nomadic workers. But, you can do it!   You are limited by two things: (1) owning your future and (2) investing the mental energy to solidify what you genuinely find rewarding.  Then you can map out the career path.     

I can still see the TV public service announcements in my brain. "This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs," as the camera sweeps to an egg sizzling in a frying pan. I was an 80s child, and this was the message we were all taught.  It has been 50 years and well over a trillion dollars spent since President Nixon declared war on drugs. Yet, drug problems have intensified and proliferated. In 1973, illegal drug use was largely an American sport; now it is global. The current approach by democrat and republican presidents alike has not worked, and if we are honest, has never worked. In this podcast, I had the opportunity to speak to a self-proclaimed ethical drug dealer. He discusses the failed 'war on drugs,' distinguishes between bad drugs and good drugs, legalization of drugs, and the promising science of psychedelics in treating everything from schizophrenia to stopping smoking.   One thing is certain, what we have been doing is simply not working. This podcast takes on the topic of drugs, especially hallucinogens, in a new light. We leave behind preconceived dogma to evaluate this issue from the perspective of a person who has used and sold drugs for 50+ years. 

Someday is not a day of the week. For the chronic procrastinator, this may come as a surprise. Yes, it is easy to joke about that certain person in your life being 'time-challenged.' Sure, some claim that without the stress of a looming deadline they simply can't perform. Some believe they are genetically predisposed to be a procrastinator--its Mom or Dad's fault you can't hit a deadline or stay focused to get important things done. All of us suffer from procrastination in varying forms. If we are to be brutally honest. Studies of chronic procrastinators are beginning to reveal a correlation between procrastination and bad mental and physical health outcomes. In addition, procrastination is a killer of dreams, goals, and ambitions. Procrastination will stop you from becoming your best self. Thus, we shouldn't treat it as a joke, justify it, or discount the impact on the teams you work with, and your family & friends.  This podcast discusses the problems and provides three easy-to-implement actions to minimize procrastination.   #mentalhealth #podcast #procrastination #personalgrowth

When a conversation turns to issues of race or identity politics things can heat up in a hurry. It doesn't have to be that way. The conversation is bigger & more nuanced than over-simplified, snide memes on critical race theory.  It is possible to have an honest conversation, move past the emotion and negativity to racial healing if only we will put down the emotions and walls and listen to each other. In Episode #71 of the Intellectual Freedom Podcast, I speak with a 20+ year expert on race and racial relations Milagros Phillips. We discuss a wide range of topics from racism to critical race theory, and most importantly how all people can come together to heal the racial divide. The narrative constantly attempting to separate society based on the color of the skin can be rejected. It just takes people of all colors and backgrounds to reject the divisive rhetoric.  The great thing about our conversation is although we didn't agree on everything, especially some of the core tenants of Critical Race Theory; yet, we were able to walk away from a hard conversation with a greater understanding of each other's perspective, the issues, and ultimately we agreed on many more things than we disagreed. I hope you will check out the podcast!

You need to 'do you' or 'focus on yourself first,' are common calls in society. This is true, to an extent. We may have reached the tipping point where it isn't healthy any longer. This podcast describes a sort of cultural suicide going on right now with a nearly obsessive, egotistical drive to satisfy personal wants at all costs, and without question.  I recently read an article in the journal Public Discourse by Carl Trueman titled, "The Rise of Psychological Man" which discusses this phenomenon.  The traditional mindset of deferring personal ambitions for the family, friends, community, and even the country is declining according to many indices.  The rise of psychological man is dangerous. This is a world where a person's emotions and feelings are ALWAYS right, because, well, they feel it. There is no objective fact outside of, 'you can't contradict me because I feel X, Y, or Z.'   If we are not careful, the very society that allows free-spirited individualism will get so extreme it may eat itself alive from the inside. Sometimes deferring personal gain, goals, or even desires for things bigger than the self are not just a nicety but a requirement to be an ethical and upstanding human being in an efficiently functioning society. 

Over 75% of Kelly's body was severely burned in a freak accident when she was two years old. Her life was forever changed at that moment. It led to over 40 painful surgeries. Because her scars were so profound and visible, she was often bullied, shunned, and avoided.  People were uncomfortable around her.  As she grew up, this lead to not feeling wanted, needed, or even loved.  The scars ran deep physically and psychologically.  Her story is one of overcoming immense obstacles, but ultimately a self-discovery of learning to love herself to become the person she was meant to be.  She learned not to be defined by external appearance or the tragedy that happened to her.  Instead, she now uses her tragedy to bring light and hope to others.  In this podcast, I discuss her journey from a near-death experience and burn victim-survivor to a 5x best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and life coach that has helped thousands to overcome their own limiting beliefs and challenges. 

On the windswept southern face of the Parnassos Mountain in Greece are the remains of the Temple to Apollo at Delphi. In the 7th century BC, it would have been a glorious sight to see. Once carved into stone at this temple were two simple words, "Know Thyself."  It is easy to flippantly dismiss the words as we all think, "of course I know myself, I'm a father, mother, brother, sister, with X occupation, etc, etc." Yet, to truly know yourself beyond the image projected to society is not so easy. In the book, "The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates," by Xenophon, I recently read a Socratic dialogue that caught my attention. A very arrogant and full of himself young man, Euthydemus, who thinks he has life all figured out, comes into conversation with Socrates and ultimately realizes he doesn't actually know much at all. I think our younger selves can all relate to Euthydemus, thinking we got it all figured out, then realizing later in life we don't.   For me, it is a reminder of the significance of humility, and the power of humility to lead us in the right direction in discovering ourselves. This podcast discusses how humility can lead to truly uncovering the age-old question of 'know thyself.' 

In May Colombia erupted in protest, in June Peru elected a self-avowed Marxist as president, and in July, Cuba erupted in protests against the communist regime. Much of Latin America is in a state of serious political unrest.  Most already know the outcome of Venezuela's socialist revolution. Extreme poverty, destruction of infrastructure, a health care system in complete shambles, unemployment at extreme levels, and crime & violence so shocking it would make the most violent American city look like a peaceful utopia.   This podcast discusses the current state of affairs in Colombia specifically, and in general Latin America. I talk with Ricardo Vargas who lives in Bogota', Colombia. He is a lawyer who has practiced in many economic sectors over his career and is well-versed in the history of socialist encroachment in the region, and the current situation in Latin America.  It would be wise for all Americans to pay attention to our neighbors to the South. As China and Russia are paying attention. Over the past twenty years, socialist and communist leaders have made major inroads in South America while the United States has sat idly by and watched. This is a dangerous strategy we should all be aware of.    #podcast #latinamerica #riots #cuba #colombia #venezuela

The famous philosopher Taylor Swift in her song, "Shake it Off," made the profound statement, "haters gonna hate, hate, hate." She was not wrong.   The phenomenon, known as CRAB MENTALITY, where people react negatively, in terms of their thoughts, statements, or actions, to those who get ahead of them, even though there is no direct benefit to doing so is something everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. The term crab mentality comes from observing crabs in a bucket, and all of them failing to escape the bucket because they kept pulling each other back the second one managed to get to the top of the bucket. Humans have the proclivity to do the same thing. This podcast discusses how to identify the very toxic crab mentality in others. Sadly, the problem often comes from those closest to you: friends, family, or loved ones. Let alone the negativity many endure from social media, co-workers, or the public at large.   However, more importantly, this podcast discusses how to transcend the negative talk, actions, and limitations to achieve your best self.

The famous Shakespearean character Othello once lamented a disgust with people who are, "mere prattle without practice."  We all know that person who is all talk and no action, well, today on the podcast, there will be none of that with my guest, Deven Rodriquez.  Deven is an ultra-marathon runner, active duty Army Officer, and motivational speaker among many other endeavors.  Deven embodies the discipline, mental toughness, positive attitude, and never-quit mentality we should all aspire to.  We discuss his life journey, running 105-mile ultra-marathons, bullying, racism, overcoming failure and disappointment, and what it takes to achieve your best self no matter what circumstance you find yourself in.

Words matter. Words may reflect reality, but they also have the power to change reality - the power to uplift and to belittle. In politics, it is important everyone understands the ideological dogma the left and right attempt to imbed in their respective tribes through language.  In a world where the attention span of the masses is short, the ability to concentrate small, and personal bias strong, never has the power of propaganda been more evident.  We have arrived at a point in history where effective political propaganda is limited to a very few over-simplistic, overly-emotional points. Politicians harp on the slogans incessantly until every member of the tribe regurgitates the slogan on-demand with verve, vigor, and anger. In this podcast, I break down the rhetoric and propaganda utilized by politicians to manipulate public opinion. Nearly all of it lacks critical thinking and is rife with fallacies in reasoning.  Specific examples from Donald Trump and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez blowtorching proper discourse, and committing multiple fallacies in reasoning are reviewed. They alone are obviously not guilty, but this podcast shines a light on fallacies in reasoning politicians deploy to sway opinion from both the left and right.

The most important thing you can do to improve your brainpower is not enrolling yourself in a graduate program at the university.   Instead, head down to your local Gold's Gym or Powerhouse Gym, hang out with some of the bodybuilders and powerlifters, then pump out some intense sets.   If the local 'bro' gym isn't your thing any Planet Fitness or Curves will work just as well.  We all know the physical benefits of exercise, they are numerous.  Yet, now the impact on the mind is becoming more and more compelling.  The fact is study after study is pointing to the fact if you want to keep your mind clear, sharp, and focused you must exercise.  It isn't an option.  It is a requirement for mental health and clarity.  Recent studies are now showing that even moderate, consistent exercise will actually grow new brain cells.  This is powerful and life-changing.  This podcast discussed the research and practical application of implementing a system that could have a life-changing impact on the quality of your life over the long term.    #mentalhealth #exercise #mentalclarity #personalgrowth 

On June 22, 2021, House Bill 233 was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida and takes effect July 1, 2021.  The legislation includes requirements to protect the expression of diverse viewpoints in higher education. It goes so far as to prohibit institutions from shielding students, faculty, or staff from protected free speech. Since my podcast, "Intellectual Freedom," has been speaking on this issue since its inception, and I have been teaching in colleges and universities for 20+ I believe this legislation to be a good thing.  However, as with most legislation, the devil will be in the details and how institutions implement, enforce, and follow both the letter and spirit of the law.   To say I am skeptical this bill will result in any real change would be an understatement.  Instead, our intellectual freedom must be driven by internal mental strategies to ensure we live to our highest standards of critical thinking, reasoning, and yes, not being trapped by dogma, political propaganda, or other pre-conceived limitations. This podcast discusses SIX characteristics of an individual practicing intellectual freedom in their life you can adopt today.    #freespeech #intellectualfreedom #rondesantis #criticalthinking

What if I were to tell you from a historical perspective things are better now than they have ever been in the history of the world? My guess is you may think I am either drunk or delusional. I get it. We are bombarded every single day with negative news.  Plus, there are always bad things happening we need to improve upon, and to deny that fact would be delusional. Couple the negative news with the natural human instinct to mitigate risk by drifting towards negative bias, and we have a perfect concoction for being over-dramatic and fearful of the future.  It is so bad some people have REM's 90s hit "It's the End of the World As We Know It," on a playback loop in their brain all day long. This podcast does two things: (1) discuss the amazing accomplishments of humanity over the past 150 years, and (2) discuss key instinct biases, driven by the scandalous and shameful news media, that cloud our judgment to create fear and pessimism on about everything.  There are many things to worry about; yet, we shouldn't let ourselves fall into that ugly trap of fear, anger, loathing, and negativity to the point we lose the ability to think clearly and effectively address real problems.

The cost of higher education has risen by 1,640% since 1963. This is absurd. Few would argue the quality has improved. Oh but wait, it gets even better, more than half of all American students go into debt to get through college, and the average is $37,500 in 2020. Collectively, students owe nearly $1.6 trillion. There is plenty of blame to go around: ineffective politicians, money-focused and politically motivated school administrators, poor faculty.  I know as I a part of this system.  In this podcast, I want to talk to students, parents, and concerned citizens about how to navigate the landmines of higher education, as there is a way to not only survive but thrive in this mess.  The "modern" American education system was formed almost 170 years ago--slavery was still legal, electricity was not widely available, and having an indoor washer and dryer were considered luxuries.   The system is antiquated and is breaking down before our eyes and the reforms administrators are focusing on will do little to nothing to fix real education problems, so students and parents need the right mindset to overcome the problems and get value from college--economically and intellectually.

As a Humanities instructor, I have sadly watched the cancer of cancel culture take root in America. Driven by political rhetoric from the extremes, amplified by mass media propaganda, the cancel culturalists lead a militaristic march, using language mirroring extremist fervor.  Without critical thinking or even basic common sense, far too many people are too quick to slap labels on fellow Americans, "ooh they must be a racist, sexist, misogynist, or must be snowflake socialists, or hate America if they don't agree with me" with a simple goal to remove their opinion from the public sphere. Nobody is immune to the onslaught. People in media, teachers, actors, comedians, corporations, or everyday people have been ousted. How did this happen? Why are we playing with fire in regards to our free speech? This podcast traces cancel culture from a philosophical perspective comparing the Enlightenment ideals from the 17th and 18th century, and one of its cornerstones--freedom of speech & expression to our current post-modern worldview with a vastly different perspective about free speech, power, and social hierarchies that not only accepts but embraces cancel culture.

One of the greatest sculptors and artists of all time Leonardo da Vinci once said, "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."   Our post-modern technological age has ushered in massive improvements in technology, efficiency, ability to fight disease, and extend life.  Yet, the more complex and technologically advanced society becomes the temptation to be duped by complexity bias gets greater and greater.  Complexity bias is a logical fallacy that leads us to give undue credence to complex concepts. Faced with two competing options, we are likely to choose the most complex one. That's usually the option with the most assumptions and regressions. As a result, when we need to solve a problem, we may ignore simple solutions — thinking “that will never work” — and instead favor complex ones. This is a dangerous trap as often to reach greater physical health, improve our mental outlook, and even our overall happiness, what we really need is not complex solutions, but nearly brain dead simple solutions, as often the path to success is not the complicated route, but the most simple.   This podcast discusses the nuances of complexity bias, and how to avoid it in all aspects of life. 

On the Joe Rogan Podcast #1208 with guest Jordan Peterson, they discussed the idea that pain, for all intents and purposes is a GOOD thing. In fact, we need it to grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually.  Pain is worth exploring because all of us experience pain. You may be going through it right now.  Modern culture tends to avoid pain, hardship, and challenges. We often blame others. Some sedate through all types of physical and psychological pain. The avoidance of pain will at best lead to continued stagnation, and at worst, degradation into more intense levels of pain.  Not all pain is equal. There is the pain of loss when someone dies, which requires a grieving process to emerge on the other side. This is different than say the pain of rejection, physical pain from disease, or trying to change your diet or kick an addiction.   However, all manifestations of pain (yes all), if approached properly will lead to growth. Where the mind goes, is how life goes. Perspective is everything.  This podcast discusses how to get the proper perspective on pain, and why we should embrace a little pain and discomfort in life to catapult us to a better version of ourselves. 

The Yin and Yang is an ancient Chinese philosophy dating back to the 3rd century BC. This philosophy describes how seemingly opposite or contrary forces actually complement each other, states of physical and mental health are interconnected, and meaning in life is really interdependent. The Yin and Yang teach us we will have a much deeper appreciation of life when someone close to us dies. We appreciate wealth much more when we go through periods of poverty or struggle. We take health for granted until we experience disease or illness.  In short, life, to be lived to the fullest with wisdom needs a balanced perspective so we can appreciate, respect, and understand the good and evil, the happy and tragic, the wins and losses. I ran across an article, “My Generation Is Blind to the Prosperity Around Us” by Alyssa Ahlgren. In many ways, Americans have things so easy we have lost perspective of how good things are here in comparison to most of the world. With a lack of perception and balance, bad things can happen.  This podcast discusses how dangerous it is for a person or a country to lose perspective and balance when evaluating the world we live in. 

After delivering a talk this week in class comparing Epicurean and Stoic philosophy, I ran across a disturbing article in the American Psychological Association, "Stress in America 2020 A National Mental Health Crisis." It paints a bleak picture of life in America today.  I'll summarize it quickly--America today is the most sedated, medicated, obese, stressed-out, anxiety-riddled, and just simply unhappy since they have been tracking most of these categories.   The self-medicating culture that has become more and more powerful over the last twenty-five years is not working to solve core mental and psychological problems. It is valuable to look back in history sometimes to gain a different perspective on how the limiting beliefs and mental strongholds in our minds can oftentimes be overcome by simply changing our mindset.  This is why I love the Stoics. The mantra, "get your mind right, get your life right," can provide a potent solution to the stressed-out and unhappy world many are stuck in.  This podcast delivers two very simple daily actions you can deploy today to assist you in overcoming many of the burdens and challenges life lays in front of us every day.