Meditations with Zohar, a podcast hosted by Zohar Atkins will follow Zohar and his guests discussing big ideas at the intersection of philosophy, theology, art, and culture, bringing a personal and heartfelt touch to ideas that can often seem abstract, impersonal, and merely academic. Meditations with Zohar is an invitation to experience ourselves not just as logical beings, but as beings in pursuit of meaning, awe, and, enduring questions. Meditations with Zohar is a production of SoulShop and Lyceum Studios.
Who is wise? He who learns from everyone. As is stated: "From all my teachers I have grown wise." – Simeon ben Zoma This week, we are joined by Alex Jakubowski - COO of Lightning - to discuss his views on lifelong learning. Drawing inspiration from a quote by Simeon ben Zoma, we delve into the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and the importance of difficulty and challenge in meaningful learning. From the education system to brain science to video games, everyone can cultivate wisdom by learning from every opportunity and source. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Ben Zoma's Wisdom and Growth Mindset 01:55 Learning from Everyone: Insights and Applications 03:31 The Role of Difficulty in Learning 06:46 Educational Systems and Testing 09:48 Video Games and Learning 13:30 Challenges in Education and Effective Learning Methods 25:23 The Importance of Lifelong Learning 29:05 Debunking Learning Styles 29:28 The Brain's Learning Process 30:21 Context in Learning 32:00 Personalized Learning and AI 32:55 Self-Limiting Beliefs 34:13 The Power of Contextual Learning 39:07 Language and Identity 40:46 The Evolution of Language 43:34 The Importance of Classical Education 49:56 Unexpected Lessons 55:42 Conclusion and Call to Action Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945 And follow Hocwyn on X! https://x.com/hocwyn?s=21&t=eRUQXccKX1_bwfJpBXImWg
“What experience and history teach is this — that nations and governments have never learned anything from history, or acted upon any lessons they might have drawn from it.” — Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Lectures on the Philosophy of History This week, Hocwyn Tipwex returns to join Cyrus Palizban for a dialogue on the nature of historical lessons and the patterns of history's repeated mistakes. From the close of Japan's period of isolation to the effects of China's “One Child Policy”, we explore how nations might better learn from their past to better their future. We delve into different ways of learning history, particularly the 'Great Man Theory' of history and the potential it holds for making historical narratives more relatable, emphasizing using biographies as a more engaging way to study history. Hopefully, this episode inspires you to order a biography online and let it transport you to another time and place… 00:00 Welcome Back, Hocwyn Tipwex! 00:35 Discussing Hegel's Quote on History 01:03 The Repetition of Historical Mistakes 04:36 Leadership and Power Dynamics 11:01 China's Political Landscape 15:56 Cultural Devastation and Preservation 20:40 Japan's Rapid Modernization 22:32 Comparing China and Japan's Historical Choices 33:02 Historical Fiction and Understanding the Past 36:26 Learning Preferences and Effective Study Methods 36:47 The Power of Biographies in Learning 38:23 Personal Experiences with Biographies 40:23 Recommended Biographies and Their Impact 46:18 The Great Man Theory of History 51:58 Skepticism in Historical Narratives 59:57 The Influence of Personal Stories in History 01:08:54 Conclusion and Future Discussions Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945 And follow Hocwyn on X! https://x.com/hocwyn?s=21&t=eRUQXccKX1_bwfJpBXImWg
"If what you are doing is not important, and if you don't think it is going to lead to something important, why are you at Bell Labs working on it?" – Richard Hamming This week, join Cyrus Palizban and new guest, David H. Solomon, professor of finance at Boston College, as we discuss David's work on behavioral finance, media roles, and recent research on birth rates. The discussion centers on a quote by Richard Hamming about importance, which David connects to his own work, namely: the intricacies of birth rates, the impact of child car seat laws, and how local diversity affects fertility rates. Above all, this episode emphasizes the value of disciplined academic inquiry and highlights the importance of asking challenging questions 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 David Solomon's Background 00:46 Exploring Behavioral Finance 01:15 Richard Hamming's Inspirational Quote 02:02 The Importance of Working on Significant Problems 03:33 Challenges in Academia and Research 05:31 Birth Rates and Economic Implications 06:31 The Puzzle of Declining Birth Rates 13:48 Empirical Analysis and Coding 17:20 The Impact of Child Car Seat Laws on Birth Rates 24:59 Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Policy 28:01 Exploring the Relationship Between Racial Diversity and Birth Rates 29:47 Understanding the Herfindahl Index and Racial Isolation 31:52 Implications for Homogeneous Countries 34:37 Historical Consistency of Birth Rate Trends 37:53 Challenges and Backlash in Academia 41:04 The Role of Tenure in Academic Research 44:28 The Broader Context of Non-Profit Institutions 49:16 Personal Reflections on Birth Rates and Parenthood 55:23 Concluding Thoughts and Future Research Directions Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945 And follow David on X! https://x.com/david_h_solomon?lang=en
How can we navigate change? This week, join Cyrus Palizban in introducing the newest Lightning faculty member, Benjamin Hinrichs, who shares a sneak peek from his new course: 'Innovation and the Social Order'. The course will delve into the nature of societal change, understanding future uncertainties, and the necessity of preparing mentally for change. Our explores the intersection of government, entrepreneurship, and personal life decisions in the context of uncertainty and change. Benjamin's motivations for teaching the course are rooted in embracing humanity's limitations in knowing and adapting to change, emphasizing intellectual humility and practical applications. We hope this episode is a compelling motivation to join Benjamin's exploration of how individuals can better understand and navigate the inevitability of change. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:21 Course Overview: Innovation and the Social Order 01:23 Discussing Bill Joy's Essay: Why the Future Doesn't Need Us 04:54 The Role of Ambiguity in Understanding Change 11:40 Personal Reflections on Teaching and Faith 17:07 Government and Innovation: A Complex Relationship 23:44 Navigating Change: Practical Advice and Philosophical Insights 35:48 Conclusion and Course Invitation If Benjamin has you intrigued with what he could offer you in his course, find it through this link: https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
"You start to mistrust very clever people when they get embarrassed." – Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Nicolas Sarian as we dive deep into the complexities and frustrations of academia. Using the above Nietzsche quote as a springboard, we explore and recount personal experiences of academic disappointment and systemic issues in higher education. We discuss the flawed nature of tenure, the imbalance of true intellectual engagement, and the pervasiveness of performative scholarship within universities. This thought-provoking conversation challenges the current state of academic institutions and underscores the necessity for genuine, transformative learning platforms such as Lightning's own Grand Library of Alexandria. 00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast 00:26 Nietzsche's Quote of the Week 01:48 Personal Experiences with Embarrassment 05:41 Challenges in Academia 08:51 Debating Classic Texts and Privilege 15:25 Cultural and Social Class Issues 28:18 Racial Tensions and Misunderstandings 28:53 Trust and Authenticity in Academia 29:28 Diversity of Ideas in Universities 29:48 Pretending in Academic Circles 29:57 Questioning Academic Practices 31:11 The Reality of Tenure 36:38 The Disconnect in Academic Research 44:51 Public Intellectuals vs. Traditional Academics 49:19 The Nature of Embarrassment and Honesty 52:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
“Go over.” – Franz Kafka This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Zohar Atkins as we delve into Kafka's 'Parable on Parables.' Establishing the dichotomy between tangible reality and the abstract world of parable we ask: how can one live in both realms? Appropriately, the conversation employs a variety of tales and stories to explore the personal and societal value of integrating metaphorical insights into daily life. 00:00 Introduction to The Lightning Podcast 00:32 Kafka's Parable on Parables 01:57 Interpreting Parables and Reality 05:29 The Chicken Prince: A Parable of Empathy 12:27 Balancing Material and Spiritual Success 17:24 Universal Themes in Parables Across Cultures 21:01 The Power of Parables 24:17 The Influence of Media and Pop Culture 26:12 The Marvel Universe and Storytelling 31:47 The Importance of Consistency in Stories 38:03 Life, Death, and Purpose Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
“Seek not the paths of the ancients. Seek that which the ancients sought.” –Matsuo Basho, The Rustic Gate This week, host Cyrus Palizban introduces Hocwyn Tipwex, Harvard grad and co-founder of Uqbar. Our conversation delves into the philosophy behind ancient and modern learning, the value of pseudonymous intellectual discourse, and the impact of small, tightly-knit intellectual communities. We discuss the shortcomings and potential reforms for the current educational system, the importance of critical thinking, and how emerging peer-to-peer technologies like Urbit could influence future societal structures. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 Hocwyn's Background and Name Origin 02:46 The Philosophy of Names and Identity 05:29 Anonymous Intellectual Traditions 05:58 Revolutionary America and Pseudonymous Debates 10:14 Intellectual Networks and Small Communities 13:42 The Value of Ancient Wisdom 21:38 Challenges in Modern Education 27:55 The Universal Problem of Education 28:32 Self-Guided Learning: An Alternative Approach 29:08 The Role of Public School Teachers 29:25 Scott Alexander's Insights on School Spending 30:12 The Ineffectiveness of Educational Interventions 30:27 The Cultural Fragmentation in Education 30:56 The Harsh Reality of Teacher Impact 31:38 Radical Changes Needed in Education 32:36 The Issue of Universal Public Education 33:38 Aggressive Tracking and Teacher Specialization 35:13 The Boredom Problem in Schools 36:52 The Potential of a Teacher Distribution System 37:20 The Concept of Teaching as a Temporary Vocation 38:30 The East Asian Education Model 40:07 The Challenge of Tenure and Teacher Accountability 44:05 The Role of Technology in Decentralized Education 49:16 The Future of Remote Work and Education 49:58 The Impact of Federalism on Education 50:40 The Evolution of Social Networks and Communities 52:18 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
"It is the rare fortune of these days that one may think what one likes and say what one thinks." -Tacitus, Histories This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Nico Sarian as we delve into the complex interplay between censorship, free speech, and authenticity. We explore how historical contexts from ancient Rome to modern-day America shape our understanding of thought and expression. We discuss societal structures, political freedoms, and their implications, drawing connections with philosophical ideas from Plato to the U.S. Constitution. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:40 Exploring Tacitus' Quote on Free Thought 01:58 Historical Context of Tacitus' Era 03:24 Modern Implications of Free Speech and Censorship 04:46 Public Opinion and Democracy 08:21 Immigration and National Identity 17:35 Political Freedoms and Social Protests 19:29 Power Dynamics in Argentina 20:02 Anthropological Perspectives on Leadership 21:12 Philosophical Foundations of Governance 22:45 Plato's Republic and Social Hierarchy 25:04 Modern Interpretations and Critiques 30:55 The Role of Language in Shaping Thought 34:09 The Search for Authenticity 39:14 Concluding Thoughts and Announcements Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
What is a Golden Age? This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Rainer Franz, the Business Development Director at Lightning, as we discuss Rainer's lecture series on the Golden Ages, discussing the rise and fall of great civilizations like Greece, Persia, and Rome. We explore the concept of a 'Golden Age,' how the phases of civilizations are compared to seasonal cycles, and the difference between Oswald Spengler's deterministic views and Arnold Toynbee's focus on societal rigidity. We touch upon the conspicuous parallels between the Greco-Roman civilization and the present state of the West. Delving into historical parallels, the role of philosophy, and the influence of past writings on contemporary society, we wonder what can be done to ensure a continued future for the West. 00:00 Introduction: The Rise and Fall of Ancient Empires 00:19 Guest Introduction: Meet Rainer Franz 01:06 Defining the Golden Ages 01:13 The Influence of Oswald Spengler 03:03 Rainer's Interest in Historical Parallels 04:13 Learning from History: Practical Applications 05:22 The Power of Reading and Imagination 08:29 What Makes a Society? 10:17 Oswald Spengler's Philosophy and the Ur Symbol 12:34 The Lifecycle of Civilizations 13:22 Greek and Roman Civilizations: A Comparative Analysis 23:14 The Roman Legacy and Its Modern Relevance 24:04 The Preservation of Ancient Wisdom 24:46 Western Fascination with Greece and Rome 25:15 The Role of Time in Different Civilizations 27:07 The Impact of Rome on Civilization 29:14 Spengler's Theory on the Life Cycle of Civilizations 30:16 Comparing Spengler and Toynbee's Views 33:17 The Transition from Money Politics to Power Politics 39:03 Modern Parallels to Ancient Civilizations 43:11 The Potential for a New Beginning 44:45 Join the Conversation If you're craving a deeper exploration of these topics, consider joining Rainer's lecture series through the link in the description. https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
“Evil happens without effort, naturally, inevitably; good is always the product of skill.” – Charles Baudelaire This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Nico Sarian as we dive deep into the timeless debate on the nature of good and evil, starting with the above quote by Baudelaire, then examining perspectives from Kant, Hume, Nietzsche, Spinoza, and others, drawing analogies to physics, aesthetics, and even zoology. All in an attempt to answer the questions: What is evil? What is good? 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:43 Exploring the Concept of Evil 03:20 Philosophical Perspectives on Good and Evil 07:20 The Banality of Evil 10:33 Intentionality and the Nature of Evil 19:27 Nirvana and the Nature of Existence 27:00 Questioning the Nature of Life 27:35 Nietzsche's Perspective on Morality 30:17 Aesthetic Perspective on Good and Evil 33:21 Human Behavior and Animal Instincts 39:29 Philosophical Insights on Evil 47:37 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
“The more man judges, the less he loves.” — Honoré de Balzac, Philosophy of Marriage This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Zohar Atkins as we delve into the ever-contentious relationship between love and judgment. Starting with a quote from Honoré de Balzac, we debate whether judgment and love can coexist and the implications of being judgmental versus loving. Leveraging Zohar's knowledge of Jewish tradition, the discussion moves through contrasting religious teachings of the Kabbalah, biblical narratives, and anecdotal examples, aiming to discern if judgment has any place within love. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:09 Exploring the Quote: Love vs. Judgment 00:20 Kabbalah and Religious Perspectives 01:08 Judgment as an Expression of Love 03:54 Psychological Insights on Judgment 05:41 Defending Judgment: Political and Practical Views 07:02 Balancing Judgment and Compassion 07:14 Judgment in Society and Personal Experience 08:36 The Role of Judgment in Personal Growth 10:57 Judgment, Love, and Spirituality 16:24 Practical Applications and Reflections 31:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 32:42 Outro and Additional Resources Follow us on other platforms for more content! https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/lightning-945
“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.” — Arthur Schopenhauer, The World as Will and Representation This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Zohar Atkins as we delve into the nature of genius and talent, using the words of Arthur Schopenhauer as springboard. Are talent and genius the same? If not, what are the differences? Historically, from Rome to Jerusalem, what has been the societal reception of genius? We discuss the importance of individuality and nonconformity, and examples from history such as Einstein and Da Vinci. Finally, we discuss the impact of community and collaboration on fostering genius. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:17 Discussing Schopenhauer's Quote on Talent and Genius 01:13 The Nature of Genius and Its Challenges 02:43 Talent vs. Genius: Training and Originality 06:19 Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Genius 09:39 The Role of Genius in Society and Innovation 10:22 Genius, Technology, and the Future 13:34 The Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Genius 24:49 The Importance of Collaboration and Environment for Genius 36:26 Concluding Thoughts on Genius and Prophecy Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Immorality, no less than morality, has at all times found support in religion.” — Sigmund Freud, The Future of an Illusion This week on The Lightning Podcast, join Cyrus Palizban and guest Nicolas Sarian as we engage in a compelling discussion surrounding this controversial quote by Sigmund Freud. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the roots of morality in religion, Freud's complex relationship with his Jewish heritage, and the origins and impact of psychoanalysis. We delve into Freud's significant works, such as 'Moses and Monotheism,' and explore how Freud's ideas have shaped modern therapy practices. Perhaps you will examine your own interpretations of morality and the influence of religious teachings in your life… 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:16 Debating Freud's Controversial Quote 00:52 Exploring the Origins of Morality 04:51 Freud's Religious Background 07:11 The Birth of Talk Therapy 08:42 Freud's Influence on Modern Therapy 11:16 Freud's Writings and Jewish Roots 21:32 Psychoanalysis and Jewish Tradition 23:28 The Enigma of the Sphinx 23:48 Philosophical Hermeneutics 24:45 Exploring Heraclitus' Fragments 27:03 Interpreting Signs in Life 28:08 Modern Interpretation Challenges 30:11 Apple's New AI: Apple Intelligence 34:31 Freud's Hasidic Roots and Psychoanalysis 36:58 Conclusion and Community Invitation Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Man is the only one that knows nothing, that can learn nothing without being taught. He can neither speak nor walk nor eat, and in short he can do nothing at the prompting of nature only, but weep.” — Pliny the Elder, Natural History This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Alexander (Sasha) Kim, a Harvard PhD candidate in Anthropology, as we delve into Sasha's fascinating work at the crossroads of archaeology and ancient DNA, focusing on North Eurasia. Using the above quote by Pliny the Elder as our starting point, we discuss human uniqueness – debating biological and developmental perspectives, and contrasting it with the knowledge systems of indigenous cultures like the Yukaghirs of Siberia. Drawing from both historical texts and Sasha's fieldwork experiences, we discuss reincarnation beliefs, the autonomy of children, and how different societies perceive knowledge and authority. They dive deep into the interconnectedness of human, animal, and spiritual realms. Sasha's joy of unearthing ancient stories through his archaeology and anthropology really shines through in this fascinating episode. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:25 Sasha's Background and Work 01:10 Quote of the Week: Pliny the Elder 01:53 Debating Human Exceptionalism 04:46 Anthropological Perspectives on Learning 07:08 Reincarnation Beliefs Across Cultures 13:57 Yukaghir Society and Child Autonomy 24:02 Comparative Cultural Insights 33:16 Pliny the Elder and Animal Valuation 45:41 Sasha's Motivation and Conclusion Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“If cattle and horses and lions had hands or could paint with their hands and create works such as men do, horses like horses and cattle like cattle would depict the gods' shapes and make their bodies of such a sort as the form they themselves have.” — Xenophanes, Fragments This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Nicolas Sarian as we delve into the philosophical insights of Xenophanes, focusing on the anthropomorphization of worshiped deities gods. We explore the history and evolution of religious thought, from pre-Socratic philosophy to 20th-century sociology, discussing the works of thinkers like Émile Durkheim. The conversation covers how religious and societal structures influence one another, touching on topics like totemism, functionalism, and the psychological aspects of worship. Additionally, the discussion broadens to include reflections on modern cultural phenomena, the role of faith, and the implications of information overload in contemporary society. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:15 Exploring Xenophanes' Philosophy 02:36 Functionalism and Sociology 07:21 Early Human Spirituality and Fear 12:12 Anthropomorphism in Religion 20:49 Proto-Indo-European Cultures 31:15 Modern Anthropology and Exploration 34:37 Jordan Peterson and Dennis Quaid on Movie Stars 35:53 The Cult of Celebrity 36:28 Favorite Actors and Their Impact 39:55 The Value of Mystery in Cinema 40:55 The Role of AI and Information Overload 43:41 Curating Information in the Modern Age 46:42 The Concept of Katechons 54:08 The Evolution of Worship and Fear 01:01:16 Conclusion and Upcoming Book Clubs Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Disaster ruins everything, while leaving everything intact.” — Maurice Blanchot, The Writing of Disaster This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Francis Pedraza, founder of Invisible Technologies, as we discuss the paradoxical nature of disaster. Francis reflects on his personal and professional setbacks, particularly those of Invisible, and relates these experiences to the broader philosophical concepts of expectations, happiness, and ancient Stoic wisdom. Inevitably, the conversation delves into historical and philosophical discussions about the nature of disaster, life, death, and the universe, touching on Eastern and Western philosophies, the illusory aspects of reality, and the concept of self beyond physical and mental identifications. We conclude by contemplating the role of an individual in the grand scheme of existence, urging listeners to embrace life's challenges with a peaceful mind and a sense of agency. Play the game of life! 00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast! 00:14 Exploring Paradoxes with Francis Pedraza 00:56 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Disasters 02:39 Invisible: A Case Study in Innovation and Resilience 03:41 The Philosophical Depths of Failure and Success 09:01 Navigating Life's Existential Challenges 24:03 The Dance of Life: Embracing the Cosmic Play 26:05 The Harsh Realities of Extreme Conditions 26:36 Exploring the Depths of Personal Peace 27:10 Inspirational Insights from Autobiography of a Yogi 27:57 The Power of Positive Influence and Societal Dynamics 29:12 Embracing Death with Peace: Philosophical Perspectives 31:47 The I Ching: Understanding Life's Infinite Possibilities 36:24 The Simulation Theory and the Quest for Reality 38:15 Eastern Wisdom vs. Western Perception 40:57 The Illusion of Self and the Path to Enlightenment 44:45 The Game of Life: Engaging with the World Mindfully Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men's minds may take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.” – Horace, Ars Poetica This week, join Cyrus Palizban and Zohar Atkins as they discuss Horace's quote on brevity in instruction. Of course this begins a discussion on teaching methodologies, with Zohar's insights as a rabbi coming into play, offering both philosophical and religious perspectives. From there, Zohar is asked to reflect on his unique experiences with philosophy, the impact of various past thinkers, and the interaction between philosophy, religion, and education. Our discussion concludes with thoughts on the balance between pursuing truth and embracing wisdom in both philosophical inquiry and religious belief. Where do you stand? 00:00 Welcome to the Lightning Podcast with Professor Zohar Atkins 00:25 Exploring Brevity in Teaching and Learning 01:11 The Complexity of Education and Its Impact on Secularism 02:28 Adjusting Teaching Methods to Student Needs 03:58 The Art of Lecturing and Its Evolution 04:33 Debating the Essence of Brevity in Communication 07:39 Philosophy vs. Instruction: A Deep Dive 11:56 Socratic Method: Exploration or Direction? 15:43 Philosophy, Politics, and the Quest for Wisdom 27:44 The Intersection of Philosophy and Judaism 40:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
"The keenest sorrow is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities." – Sophocles, Oedipus Rex Change of format! This week, host Cyrus Palizban invites a single guest, Nico Sarian, to dive into the quote of the week and meander from there! Starting with the quote from Sophocles' “Oedipus Rex”, we take a deep dive into the nature of Greek tragedy, the significance of individual actions and fate, and the impact of historical and cultural context on literary interpretation. The discussion ranges from the origins of the dithyramb of the ancient cult of Dionysus to the many names of Apollo in the further-flung Hellenic reaches to the intricate subtexts of theology, the creative reconstruction of historical narratives, and the philosophical underpinning of tragedy as a genre. Additionally, Nico shares some of his personal theses on the nature of good and evil, and how their distinction is often hidden from us. Can we really be responsible for that which we cannot know? 00:00 Welcome to the Lightning Podcast: A Unique Exploration 00:47 Diving Deep into Greek Tragedy with Nico Sarian 02:30 The Lost Art of Tragedy and the Mystery of Missing Plays 03:54 Reimagining Ancient Greece: Color, Art, and History Misconceptions 24:10 Exploring the Depths of Apollo's Cults and Nietzsche's Critique 31:36 The Modern Predicament: Religion, Philosophy, and Individual Responsibility 35:45 Exploring Self-Improvement and Reality 25:08 The Journey Through Nigredo and Personal Reflections 38:30 Delving into the Essence of Evil and Darkness 39:32 The Philosophical Debate on Good, Evil, and Accountability 46:28 A Deep Dive into Darkness, Perception, and Moral Realizations 52:01 Connecting Martial Arts, Legal Philosophy, and Fate 01:02:42 Wrapping Up: From Apollo to Lupercalia and Beyond Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Real vengeance has not yet concretely demonstrated its power upon our lives and it never will, in a sense, because if it did, there would be no more lives to be affected by anything.” — René Girard, Dionysus versus the Crucified This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Rainer Franz, and Harry Jacobs as we delve into a discussion on Rene Girard's theories, particularly focusing on mimetic desire and its role in human conflict and vengeance. According to Girard, envy and rivalry, rooted in the imitation of desires, drive societal and interpersonal conflicts which can lead to cycles of violence and scapegoating. An engaging real-life narrative shared by guest Harry Jacobs about an altercation and its aftermath serves as a practical exploration of the themes of vengeance, justice, and forgiveness, prompting a deeper analysis of human nature, the potential for change, and the moral implications of intervention in conflicts. This is an episode for anyone who has struggled with revenge. 00:00 Welcome to the Lightning Podcast: Exploring Weekly Meditations 00:39 Diving Deep into Rene Girard's Theory of Mimetic Desire 04:18 Understanding Dionysus vs. The Crucified: A Comparative Analysis 11:05 Real-World Implications of Girard's Theories: A Personal Story 15:59 The Ripple Effects of Vengeance and the Power of Restraint 21:45 Exploring the Complexity of Right and Wrong 22:29 The Philosophical Debate: Justice vs. Mercy 23:54 Biblical Insights and Moral Dilemmas 24:37 The Girardian Perspective on Vengeance and Justice 25:45 Human Nature, Violence, and the Potential for Change 29:36 The Role of Emotion in Conflict and Resolution 31:54 Harry's Personal Reflection and Growth 40:15 Concluding Thoughts: The Power of Words Over Violence Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“With the exception of the instinct of self-preservation, the propensity for emulation is probably the strongest and most alert and persistent of the economic motives proper.” — Thorstein Veblen, Theory of the Leisure Class This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Nicolas Sarian, Zohar Atkins, and Harry Jacobs as we explore Thorstein Veblen's assertion. We discuss various dimensions of emulation, from its philosophical implications to its real-world applications like influencing market trends and investment decisions. The conversation spans topics including the impact of social media influencers, the evolution of wealth and luxury from a historical perspective, and the balance between emulating others and maintaining individuality. From Bruce Springsteen's music to Warren Buffett's investment strategies, the podcast delves into how emulation drives not only economic behaviors but also personal and cultural narratives. 00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast 00:32 Diving Into Thorstein Veblen's Insights 01:32 Exploring Emulation in Society 05:15 The Phenomenon of Veblen Goods 13:00 Emulation vs. Self-Preservation 14:29 The Influence of Role Models and Emulation in Modern Society 17:55 Economic Wisdom from Warren Buffett 21:48 The Apple vs. Amazon Investment Philosophy 24:03 Navigating the Digital Music Landscape 24:36 The Evolution of Music Consumption: From Napster to Spotify 25:36 Bruce Springsteen: The Soundtrack of Life 25:47 A Deep Dive into 'Born in the USA' and Its Misinterpretations 27:00 Personal Encounters with Bruce Springsteen 30:07 Emulating Musical Giants: The Quest for Originality 32:55 Exploring Wealth, Liquidity, and the Value of Property 39:15 The Cultural Impact of Home Ownership and Economic Collapse 44:33 Wrapping Up: From Veblen to Springsteen and Beyond Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“I certainly have, thanks to time, an interlocking and taking up of previous experiences in later experiences, but I never have an absolute possession of myself by myself, since the hollow of the future is always filled by a new present.” – Maurice Merleau-Ponty This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Harry Jacobs, and new team member Rainer Franz as we delve into profound discussions on Maurice Merleau-Ponty's philosophy of phenomenology, and its implications on identity, the body, the nature of AI, and the intertwining of reality, language, and understanding. Also drawing from other phenomenologists, such as Heidegger and Husserl, we challenge the definition of intelligence and consciousness in AI, and the distinction between human and machine understanding. This episode is a short but intense conversation between colleagues on the nature of perception and being. 00:00 Welcome to the Lightning Podcast: A Dive into Phenomenology 00:32 Exploring Maurice Merleau Ponty's Philosophical Insights 01:54 Deep Dive into Phenomenology: Body, Perception, and Identity 10:35 Phenomenology vs. AI: Understanding Consciousness and Embodiment 20:19 AI and the Human Experience: A Philosophical Debate 30:58 Concluding Thoughts on AI, Perception, and Existence Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Poetry is the work of a gifted person, or of a manic: of these types, the former have versatile imaginations, the latter get carried away.” — By Aristotle From Poetics This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Harry Jacobs, and Jake Kozloski as we delve into a multifaceted discussion on poetry, artistry, and philosophy, using Aristotle's quote as a starting point. We explore the contrast between Aristotle and Plato's views on inspiration, knowledge, and the essence of being a philosopher versus a sophos or wise person. What is the nature of inspiration? Or the distinction between having technique and channeling something greater? This episode attempts to illuminate the intertwined nature of creativity, intellectual pursuit, and human connection. 00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast! 00:26 Introducing Special Guest and AI Dating App Discussion 00:57 Diving into Aristotle's Poetics: Gifted vs. Manic 02:23 Exploring the Philosophy of Art and Poetry 03:01 Athletes, Artists, and the Art of Execution 07:49 The Role of Mania in Creativity and Skill 10:21 Understanding the Artist's Journey and Love 11:47 Debating Plato vs. Aristotle on Art and Knowledge 19:25 The Essence of Techne and the Art of Channeling 20:59 Technology, Engineering, and the Discovery Process 23:03 Exploring the Pragmatic Roots of Human Intelligence 24:01 Heidegger's Theory: Philosophy Born from Crisis 25:30 Philosophy and Crisis: The Historical Context 26:26 Philosophers: Megalomaniacs or Misunderstood Geniuses? 27:49 The Unpredictable Genius of Creativity 28:44 The Wounded Healer: Philosophers and Their Quest for Truth 29:43 Appreciating Zohar: Insights and Inspirations 32:42 Philosophy as Leadership: The Aristotle Approach 35:21 The Essence of Teaching Philosophy 42:15 Philosophy, Art, and the Quest for Understanding 46:20 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations Special thanks to Jake Kozlowski, CEO of Keeper for joining us on the podcast. Want to find love at first match? Try Keeper: http://keeper.ai/ https://twitter.com/KeeperMatch https://www.instagram.com/keepermatchmaking/reels/ Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“To fall in love is to create a religion that has a fallible god.” – Jorge Luis Borges This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Harry Jacobs, and Jake Kozloski (founder and CEO of Keeper, an AI-driven dating app) as we engage in a rich discussion about the complexities of love, marriage, and the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in matchmaking. The conversation orbits around Borges' provocative quote on love, sparking debates on the nature of love, the historical transformation of marriage, and how personal and societal conceptions of these concepts have shifted over time. Jake introduces Keeper, an innovative dating app designed to use AI to match individuals with their soulmates by learning enormous amounts of personal preferences and traits. We explore the philosophical, psychological, and practical aspects of seeking love in the modern era, touching upon the benefits and potential pitfalls of relying on technology to navigate the deeply human quest for connection. We hope you'll swipe right on this episode. 00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast: Exploring Love and Philosophy 00:35 Diving Deep into the Meaning of Love with Jake Kozlowski 02:54 The Paradox of a Fallible God in Love 07:16 Exploring the Complexities of Love, Religion, and AI 08:56 Personal Reflections and Philosophical Insights on Love 18:57 The Role of AI in Finding Love: A Future Vision 25:22 Exploring the Science of Matchmaking 26:09 The Art of Falling in Love vs. Falling Asleep 27:43 Commitment Coaching: Beyond Finding a Match 28:38 The Journey of Love: From Short-Term Attraction to Long-Term Connection 30:08 The Role of Technology in Modern Matchmaking 31:24 Navigating the Complexities of Authenticity and Attraction 35:39 Addressing Deception in Digital Dating 39:08 A Philosophical Dive into Love, Marriage, and Technology 50:00 Concluding Thoughts on Love, Relationships, and Self-Discovery Special thanks to Jake Kozloski, CEO of Keeper for joining us on the podcast. Want to find love at first match? Try Keeper: http://keeper.ai/ https://twitter.com/KeeperMatch https://www.instagram.com/keepermatchmaking/reels/ Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them.” –Steve Jobs This week on The Lightning Podcast, join Cyrus Palizban, Harry Jacobs, Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, and Francis Pedraza as we delve into the bold quote by Steve Jobs. We discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of creating something new that the market has yet to demand, done by listening deeply to potential needs, the nature of human wants. How have great innovators like Steve Jobs historically been able to tap into unknown demand and bring revolutionary products to life? We share our personal experiences and philosophies on life, learning, and the pursuit of understanding human nature and desires. From the philosophical underpinnings of creation, the concept of intuition, and the balance between seeking advice and forging one's unique path, this episode attempts to explore the notion of greatness, the impact of technology, and the timeless relevance of seeking and confronting life's profound questions. 00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast! 00:29 Diving into Steve Jobs' Philosophy 01:47 Exploring the Unseen: Innovation and Customer Needs 08:07 The Power of Vision and Imagination 16:39 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Courage and Rejection 25:39 Philosophical Insights on Creation and Discovery 31:32 The Essence of Greatness and the Path to Innovation 33:50 Exploring the Origins of Apple's Name 35:00 The Power and Perils of Spiritual Gurus 38:05 The Quest for Excellence and the Price of Greatness 39:04 Redefining Success Through Personal Journeys 53:36 The Philosophical Journey: From Tradition to Existentialism 59:09 Embracing the Unknown: The Essence of Human Innovation 01:02:54 Concluding Reflections: The Unending Search for Meaning Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“The value of a commodity, or the quantity of any other commodity for which it will exchange, depends on the relative quantity of labour which is necessary for its production, and not on the greater or less compensation which is paid for that labour.” - David Ricardo This week on The Lightning Podcast, join Cyrus Palizban, Nico Sarian, Zohar Atkins, and Harry Jacobs as we delve into this quote on economics by David Ricardo. From Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian to Uber surge pricing and keto ice cream, the discussion expands to explore the modern applications of Ricardo's labor theory of value. The conversation touches on various topics including the perception of value, the significance of creating products that meet new or specific needs, and how technological innovations and societal attitudes reshape our understanding of worth and commoditization. Certainly, we hope you find this episode worth your time. 00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast: Introducing Our Guests 00:55 Diving Into David Ricardo's Economic Theories 01:45 Exploring the Concept of Labor Value and Commoditization 09:56 The Intricacies of Monopoly, Free Trade, and Market Dynamics 11:10 The Influence of Branding and the Power of Monopolies 24:00 Redefining Value: From Commodities to Personal Branding 30:41 The Kardashian Effect: Fame, Influence, and Opportunity 33:43 The Kardashian Empire and Celebrity Influence 34:04 Exploring the Phenomenon of Outliers 35:21 Generational Talents and Record Breakers 36:38 The Power of Celebrity in Sports and Politics 39:08 Innovation, Monopolies, and Market Dynamics 42:37 The Essence of Competition and Innovation 50:11 The Cultural Impact of Taylor Swift and NFL Dynamics 52:41 Exploring Modernity, Tradition, and Community Dynamics 01:00:17 The Value of Differentiation and Authenticity Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Many manage to sell what they could never give away.” – Stendhal In this episode of the Lightning Podcast, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, and Nicolas Sarian as we discuss Stendhal's quote. We explore various perspectives on the themes of value, gifting, and exchange. From theology to memes to Soviets to markets, this conversation is a multi-faceted look into the reasons we give and sell and, sometimes, do both. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:21 Exploring the Quote of the Week 00:39 Unpacking the Meaning of the Quote 00:48 The Influence of Literature on the Quote 01:23 The Concept of Commodification 01:45 The Controversial Nature of the Book 02:15 The Value of Things We Would Never Sacrifice 03:19 The Concept of Profanation 03:53 The Right to Sell Our Organs 05:25 The Concept of Selling Out 05:55 The Power of Pricing 06:12 The Influence of Luxury Marketing 10:11 The Influence of Western Products on the Soviet Union 11:04 The Role of Art in Cultural Change 11:48 The Power of Memes in Shaping Public Opinion 12:18 The Role of Religion in Defining Value 24:35 The Concept of Sacrifice in Religion 38:59 The Role of Cognitive Dissonance and Hypocrisy 40:01 The Importance of Capturing Value 41:04 Conclusion Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.” - Adam Smith This week join Cyrus Palizban, Nico Sarian, and Zohar Atkins as we delve into the fundamental principles of the economic systems we live in through the lens of Adam Smith's quote from 'Wealth of Nations'. We discuss the power of individual self-interest in driving societal organization and productivity, and navigate through perspectives offered by Charles Fourier and Nassim Taleb. A major discussion point brought up is Franz Kafka's 'A Hunger Artist', using it to highlight possible inefficiencies in the career choices made by artists. The discussion evolves to touching upon Taleb's concepts of 'Mediocristan' and 'Extremistan', assessing risk-taking and job stability. By the end, the conversation ponders on the contrast between perceived and actual self-interest. 00:00 Introduction to The Lightning Podcast 00:22 Discussing Adam Smith's Quote from Wealth of Nations 01:02 Exploring the Concept of Self-Interest 01:49 Debating Benevolence vs Self-Interest 03:01 Understanding the Role of Market in Coordinating Values 07:44 Interpreting Adam Smith's Quote in Different Contexts 10:03 Relating Adam Smith's Quote to Kafka's The Hunger Artist 20:16 Reflecting on the Role of Artists in Society 26:47 The Hunger Artist: A Discussion on Value and Society 27:37 The Social Circles of Communism, Socialism, and Libertarianism 28:29 The Evolution of Exchange and the Impact of Atomization 29:05 The Calculus of Work: Enjoyment vs. Compensation 29:40 The Job Market: A Discussion on Enjoyment, Demand, and Compensation 30:22 The Quadrant of Enjoyment and Demand: A Two by Two Analysis 34:01 The Taleb Perspective: Risk, Stability, and the Uber Driver Parable 38:05 The Efficiency of the Market: A Debate on Self Interest and Perception 44:35 The Artist's Journey: From Pursuit to Realization 52:51 The Self in Self Interest: A Deep Dive into Identity and Incentives 55:12 Closing Thoughts: The Optimization Function and the Universality of Rational Calculus Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“All things are full of gods.” - Thales of Miletus This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Nicolas Sarian, Zohar Atkins, and Genevieve Kim as we engage in a philosophical discussion centered on the above quote by Thales. We discuss varying interpretations of the statement, touching upon topics of Greek mythology, psychology, polytheism, Christian theology, mysticism, power dynamics, and the concept of the divine in mundane objects. We explore the dynamics of power, visibility, singularity, mystique, fear and the notion of God as a 'hidden concept'. This episode is full of gods. 00:00 Introduction to the Lightning Podcast 00:23 Discussing Thales of Miletus' Quote 00:56 Exploring the Concept of Gods in Ancient Greece 01:08 The Influence of Carl Jung and Julian Jaynes 01:56 Understanding Emotions and Self in Ancient Greece 02:59 The Concept of Possession and the Bicameral Mind 03:20 The Origin of Consciousness and the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind 04:30 The Role of Gods in Motivating Mortals 05:37 The Story of Abraham and the Evolution of Monotheism 06:41 The Fragility of Gods and the Search for the Unbreakable 07:15 The Discovery of Self and the Concept of Psychological Polytheism 08:51 The Nietzschean Perspective on Self-Recognition 11:12 The Concept of Source and the Oneness of All Things 16:52 The Power Struggles and Hierarchies in Ancient Mythology 21:31 The Uniqueness of Gods and the Singularity of All Things 37:05 The Power of the Unseen and the Influence of the Invisible 45:46 Closing Thoughts and Reflections Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“The rule proves nothing; the exception proves everything.” - Carl Schmitt. This week on The Lightning Podcast, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins and Nicolas Sarian as we take a deep dive into the philosophy of Carl Schmitt, a controversial 20th-century German legal philosopher, known for his theories on politics, law, and their relationship with theology. Zohar and Nico debate Schmitt's concept of the 'sovereign', the idea of decisionism, and the notion of miracles or exceptions to guide one's life. This episode is a discussion of brilliant but controversial thinkers, their impacts, and the lessons that can be taken from them. 00:01 Introduction to the Podcast 00:22 Exploring Carl Schmitt's Philosophy 03:56 Understanding Political Theology 07:39 The Role of Theology in Politics 07:53 The Concept of Sovereignty 08:42 The Exception and the Rule 09:10 Theological Interpretation of Miracles 09:49 Critique and Alternatives to Schmitt's View 12:54 Political Theology in Contemporary Context 18:23 Personal Implications of Schmitt's Philosophy 23:18 The Role of Decisionism in Politics 28:48 The Challenge of Governance and Power 39:35 Schmitt as a Continuation of Hobbes 40:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Valor increases with the quality of the arms, defensive as well as offensive.” - Giovanni Botero. This week on The Lightning Podcast, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, and Genevieve Kim as we discuss the concept of valor. What is valor? We try to answer: literally, metaphorically, and historically - using multiple analogies from matters of dress and fashion to the wielding of weapons, from the rituals of actors to biblical instances to novels. How does valor tie into one's character, confidence, formality, etc. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:19 Exploring the Quote of the Day 00:46 Historical Context of Arms and Valor 02:34 Interpreting Valor in Modern Times 02:47 The Role of Arms in Valor 04:08 The Impact of Dress and Appearance on Valor 05:35 The Role of Confidence in Valor 07:17 Exploring Valor in Different Traditions 09:00 Counterarguments and Critiques 11:12 Exploring Valor in Different Contexts 13:06 The Role of Valor in Battle and War 14:47 The Impact of Dress and Appearance on Valor Revisited 17:42 Exploring Valor in Literature and Pop Culture 22:45 The Role of Valor in Leadership and Governance 26:01 The Impact of Modern Society on Valor 30:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“Right action is better than knowledge; but in order to do what is right, we must know what is right.” This week, Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, and Nicolas Sarian use King Charlemagne's quote as a starting point into a discussion about thought vs action. What is the relationship between the two? Drawing from diverse references - Jewish tradition, Buddhist thought, psychoanalysis, sociology, and investment strategies - the conversation takes a turn into an engrossing discussion about the various parts of the self as understood by Freud, Nietzsche, and Jung. Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:22 Exploring the Quote of the Week 00:43 Debate on Knowledge vs Action 02:13 Investing: Action vs Knowledge 04:06 The Green Lumber Approach 05:37 Relating Knowledge and Action to Investing 06:12 Jewish Tradition and the Green Lumber Point 07:00 Modern Society's Preference for Action 07:53 Timing and Urgency in Decision Making 11:10 The Role of Regret in Action vs Knowledge 19:01 Psychopath vs Sociopath: A New Perspective 23:08 Understanding the Self: Freud's Perspective 23:54 Historical Roots of Self-Identity: Plato's Influence 26:13 The Self in Relationships: Balancing Rationality and Madness 26:58 Ego in Modern Society: A Misunderstood Concept 28:46 The Problem of Individuation: A Nietzschean Perspective 30:57 The Quantum Self: Indivisible Yet Multiple 31:45 The Journey of Individuation: A Path to Self-Understanding 33:38 The Strength Addiction: A Barrier to Self-Exploration 43:43 The Reality of Evil: A Controversial Discussion 47:55 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Self-Understanding Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“He who does not know how to use leisure has more of work than when there is work in work.” This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Genevieve Kim, Nicolás Sarian, and Anne Dudek as we explore the philosophy of leisure and work, prompted by the quote from Ennius. What constitutes leisure? Is it bound by time or the actions we take? From ancient Greek and Roman concepts of leisure, to the inherent leisureliness or divinity imbibed in God as depicted in the Genesis, to how the Industrial Revolution altered the definition of work, the conversation takes turns left and right in a way that is anything but leisurely! 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Panel 00:24 Interpreting Ennius' Quote on Leisure 01:18 Leisure vs Time Off: A Greek Perspective 02:14 The Role of Leisure in Philosophy and Work 03:15 Defining Work and Leisure 04:05 The Impact of Modernity and Capitalism on Leisure 08:47 The Commodification of Leisure 10:18 The Role of Motivation in Leisure 15:32 The Aesthetic Experience and Leisure 17:06 Duties of the Heart vs Duties of the Limbs 20:36 The Role of Consumption in Leisure 22:18 The Paradox of Proactivity in Leisure 24:06 Exploring the Intersection of Leisure and Work 24:41 The Evolution of Language and its Impact on Perception 25:59 The Industrial Revolution and its Influence on Work 27:33 Theological Perspectives on Work and Leisure 29:11 The Concept of Time Ownership and Slavery 29:55 The Significance of the Weekend and Leisure Time 34:28 The Role of Risk and Uncertainty in Leisure 38:02 The Paradox of Sacrifice and Leisure 42:30 The Role of Risk in Leisure: A Case for Gambling 43:20 Wrapping Up: The Ongoing Debate on Leisure Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
“A man who likes nobody is much more unhappy, than a man whom nobody likes.” This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Anne Dudek, and Zohar Atkins as we grapple with this statement from François de la Rochefoucauld's “Maxims”. From political intrigue of European courts to the techniques actors employ to get into character, to the laws and rulesets we all set up for ourselves when navigating society: this episode is a deepdive into the concept of “happiness” and love. 00:01 Introduction to the Podcast 00:24 Unpacking François de la Rochefoucauld's Quote 00:56 Exploring the Historical Context 01:47 Interpreting the Quote through Political Intrigue 03:01 Contrasting Perspectives: Machiavellian Philosophy 04:36 Engagement and Community in Philosophy 05:08 The Role of Envy and Defensiveness 06:36 Exploring the Concept of 'Like' 07:05 The Role of Discernment and Judgment 07:30 The Complexity of 'Like' and 'Happiness' 08:00 The Role of Analogy in Understanding 09:20 The Paradox of Liking and Being Liked 22:27 The Role of Aspiration and Striving 25:15 Art, Happiness, and Fulfillment 26:00 Final Thoughts on Happiness and Superficiality 28:06 The Power of Liking and Being Liked 29:33 The Art of Empathy and Connection 30:35 Acting: A Tool for Emotional Control 31:24 The Struggles of Playing Unlikable Characters 32:56 The Complexity of Villains in Film 35:08 The Thin Line Between Acting and Reality 37:51 The Role of Empathy in Society 49:25 The Tragedy of Being Loved but Not Loving 54:40 Closing Thoughts Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, and Nicolas Sarian as we discuss what it means to have seriousness towards play, prompted by a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche from "Beyond Good and Evil". Children immerse themselves into their play, often losing themselves in their imaginations. How do we lose this ability? How is regaining it a sign of maturity? Are we still playing a game, a game called life? As you'd imagine, the conversation turned towards Buddhism but also: Star Wars, Moses, and questions about the morality of past philosophers themselves. A deep dive of an episode, to say the least! 00:01 Introduction and Welcome 00:29 Exploring Nietzsche's Quote on Play and Maturity 01:07 Personal Reflections on Seriousness in Play 02:31 Rediscovering Seriousness in Play: A Classroom Experience 04:43 The Concept of Homo Ludens and the Seriousness of Play 10:30 The Dichotomy of Enlightenment and Action in Buddhism 11:21 The Bodhisattva and the Arhat: Different Paths to Enlightenment 19:55 Star Wars Analogy: Enlightenment and Compassion 27:09 The Meta Podcast Discussion 27:48 Star Wars and Human Nature 28:31 Moses: The Reluctant Prophet 30:44 The Power Dynamics in Ancient Societies 31:45 The Dark Side in Star Wars 32:16 Christianity and Nietzsche's Critique 33:50 Nietzsche's Warrior Ethic 34:46 The Metamorphoses in Zarathustra 37:13 The Role of the Warrior in Nietzsche's Philosophy 46:09 The Death of the Author 47:14 The Personal Lives of Philosophers 56:25 The Seriousness of Play Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Anne Dudek, Zohar Atkins, Stewart Alsop III, and Nicolas Sarian as we discuss the mystical power of the Moon, prompted by a quote from the ancient Indian author, Kalidasa. We explore the dichotomy between the moon and the sun as considered by different cultures and religions. The conversation leads us to discuss the concept of darkness and light, and the shadows that come from their interplay. From shadows we bounce to the concept of dems and then to the nature of the separation between man and the rest of the animal kingdom: namely, speech and names themselves. Buckle up, this is a wild dive into the night! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:24 Joining the Discussion Group 00:50 Quote of the Day 01:13 Understanding the Quote's Origin 02:54 Interpreting the Quote 05:28 The Moon and the Sun in Jewish Tradition 10:49 The Moon and the Sun in Art and Personal Experience 22:01 The Moon and the Sun in Ancient Traditions 25:58 The Shadow of the Shadow 28:08 Interpreting Omens and Shadows 28:30 The Dilemma of Seeking Omens 28:44 The Paradox of Self-fulfilling Prophecies 29:39 The Duality of Man and Demon 30:30 The Liminality of Beings 31:23 The Human Condition: Spirit or Animal? 31:47 The Definition of Liminal 32:24 The Role of Names in Identity Formation 38:35 The Mystery of Animal Consciousness 43:17 The Power of Language and Literacy 48:59 The Evolution of Communication: From Hieroglyphics to Memes 50:23 The Impact of Writing on Memory 52:09 Wrapping Up the Discussion Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Stewart Alsop, Nicolas Sarian, and Anne Dudek as we discuss alchemy: its philosophical, psychological, and transformative concepts. Nicolas Sarian attempts to guide us through its stages: from dissolution to calcination to transformation, referencing the source of the episode's chosen quote, Fulcanelli's ‘The Mystery of the Cathedrals'. We compare alchemical processes to Vedic principles, exploring the intersections of ancient wisdom and contemporary thought. Ultimately, we ask the question: is alchemy a mystical quest for transformation or a just precursor to modern science? 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:51 The Quote of the Week and Its Context 01:20 Understanding Alchemy: The First Agent 02:45 The Alchemical Process: Dissolution and Calcination 04:27 The Sufferings of Love: A Talmudic Perspective 07:40 The Alchemical Process: Humidifying and Dehumidifying 14:36 The Alchemical Process: The Peacock's Tail 15:38 The Mystery of Technology: From Tongs to AI 20:40 The Alchemist's Sacrifice: Understanding the Flame 21:31 The Dangers of Seeking Knowledge: Pandora's Box 21:59 The Alchemical Process: Dissolution and Beyond 22:32 The Alchemist's Humor: Lightening the Mood 23:14 The Second Stage of Alchemy: A Philosophical Conundrum 25:54 Alchemy in the Vedic Context: A Comparative Analysis 27:13 The Alchemical Process: A Synchronic Perspective 27:46 Alchemy: The Quest for Gold or Something More? 29:22 The Evolution of Alchemy: From Aristotle to Francis Bacon 32:22 Alchemy: A Natural Process or a Human Intervention? 36:18 The Alchemical Process: A Personal Transformation 39:17 The Modern Alchemist: Brian Johnson's Experiments Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins, Genevieve Kim, and Nicolas Sarian as they explore a profound, if esoteric, quote by Abraham Abulafia. We delve into the concept of 'filth' as a fundamental aspect of human life, tying it with existential pain, and deeply examining the role of 'blood', in both the physical and mystical sense. Our discussion extends to the constant struggle between physical and spiritual aspects of our nature. The conversation takes a turn to the interplay of language and mysticism, drawing on concepts from Judaism, ancient Vedas, and modern AI. We scrutinize the complex power of words in shaping reality, further branching into debates about the performativity and constantive functions of language. Join us for a discussion on the richness of theology, the fascinating potentials of ancient languages, and the mysterious interweaving of divine elements within our mundane existence. 00:00 Introduction to the Lightning Podcast 00:25 Unveiling Today's Quote 01:31 Interpreting the Quote: Death and Filth 02:26 Exploring the Concept of Filth and Strength 04:04 The Journey of Enlightenment: Filth to Blood 04:23 The Torah and the Human Condition 05:22 Alchemy and the Journey from Filth 06:47 Abraham Abulafia and the Study of Kabbalah 07:31 Alchemy, Kabbalah, and the Search for Gold 08:19 The Lowest is the Highest: A Teaching in Jewish Mysticism 11:08 The Hermetic Tradition: As Above, So Below 11:50 The Sanctity of the Body and the Journey of Life 14:19 Transcending Our Animal Nature: A Discussion 19:07 The Ancient Vedic Religion and the Idea of Bipedal Beings 24:37 The Creation of the Back and the Encounter 25:18 The Art Card in Tarot and the Concept of Temperance 26:46 Decoding the Red and White: Blood and Water 27:01 Exploring the Zohar and Hebrew Letters 27:31 The Significance of Samekh in Hebrew 28:31 Hebrew Language and Mysticism 28:43 The Power of Hebrew Letters in Creation 30:06 Understanding Gematria: The Mystical Synonyms 30:52 The Skepticism and Interpretation of Gematria 34:25 The Role of Samekh in Hebrew and Mysticism 38:02 Language as a Tool for Creation 45:44 The Power of Speech Acts in Judaism 49:52 The Sacredness of Tetragrammaton in Hebrew 51:19 Language: A Tool for Totalitarian Discourses? 52:27 Wrapping Up: From Filth to the Heart of Heaven Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, Zohar is joined by Talmud scholar Daniel Boyarin to discuss the intellectual and spiritual legacy of the rabbis, Talmud as the irresolvable pursuit of truth, Christianity, sophistry, antisemitism, Maimonides, the fact/value distinction, academic vs. religious methodology, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rate and review. You may also enjoy The Lightning Podcast.
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Anne Dudek, Stewart Alsop III, and Cyrus Palizban as we contemplate a quote from Samuel Beckett, “Confusion too is company. Up to a point. Better hope deferred than none.” What are the paradoxes of confusion, hope, and their functions in our lives? Is confusion a companion? When or can it be beneficial? And what of deferred hope? Is it an alternative to hopelessness? Discussing artifact evaluation, guilt, and innocence, historically and biblically, join us as we attempt to answer. 00:01 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Exploring Samuel Beckett's Quote 01:14 Understanding Confusion and Hope 01:36 The Role of Confusion in Our Lives 02:34 The Concept of Hope Deferred 04:43 The Paradox of Hope and Despair 06:19 The Biblical Perspective on Suffering 06:47 The Story of Job and the Concept of Faith 11:58 The Role of Accuser and Defender in Religion 19:07 Exploring Nietzsche's Philosophy 25:30 The Influence of Nietzsche and His Legacy 28:01 Exploring German Philosophy and Poetry 28:55 Diving into Nietzsche's Influences and Existentialism 30:03 Understanding Nietzsche's Approach to Language and Morality 31:01 Exploring the Distinction Between 'Bad' and 'Evil' 31:38 Discussing Nietzsche's Influence on Other Philosophers 38:59 The Intersection of Aesthetics and Morality in Art 40:26 Debating the Morality of Artists and Their Art 46:25 Reflecting on Nietzsche's Critique of Society 49:35 Discussing the Role of Mimesis in Society 55:14 Final Thoughts and Reflections Want to continue the discussion? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Stewart Alsop III, and Cyrus Palizban as we discuss thinking. What is thinking? Do we think that we truly think? Join us as we discuss how the meaning of thinking has changed over the centuries and how AI changes the discussion. What do you think? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, Zohar Atkins joins Trae Stephens, investor, serial entrepreneur, and faith-based public thinker, to talk about what makes for a good quest, the ethics and theology of doing things that scale and things that don't, political theology, why optimism is rational, and how to make life-altering decisions.
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Anne Dudek, Genevieve Kim, and Cyrus Palizban as we talk about pain. We agree with this week's Meditation: that pain is universal and unavoidable. But how is it tied to our freedom? Is pain a blessing? From the joy of difficulty to the birth of compassion, join us as we have a heartfelt conversation about our own experiences with pain and difficulty. Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week Zohar joins Rohit Krishnan, investor, blogger at Strange Loop Canon, and author of Building God, to talk about Edge, AI, Sabbaticals, Mastery and Generalism, Investing, Creativity, P-Zombies, Techno-Optimism, Conviction, and Forgetting. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show to help us grow. You might also enjoy The Lightning Podcast.
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Francis Pedraza, Anne Dudek, Genevieve Kim, and Cyrus Palizban as we discuss how art, thought, and passion unite us all. How independent are our thoughts? How unique is our individual expression? Are we just repeating our predecessors through history? Are we part of some great unifying spirit, elevated to it by shared ideas? Sit back, relax, and join us as we explore this conundrum. Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Anne Dudek, and Cyrus Palizban as we discuss the nature of creation. Where does it arise from: order or chaos? What is chaos? What is creation, or art for that matter? Get comfortable, because this is a long one! Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week Zohar is joined by public intellectual Seth Kaplan to discuss his new book Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time. Kaplan takes his analysis of Fragile States and applies the same lens to American neighborhoods. Zohar and Seth talk about what makes for good neighborhoods, why culture can't be reduced to economic or political analysis, the role of religion in community, and whether loneliness and failing neighborhoods are a driver of radicalism.
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Anne Dudek, Francis Pedraza, and Cyrus Palizban as we try to discuss literally nothing! Today's discussion is about nothingness, or perhaps, emptiness. From Buddhist lessons to luxury notebook prices to the nature venture capital, we attempt to puzzle out the nature of potentiality. Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Anne Dudek, Francis Pedraza, and Cyrus Palizban as we try to discuss the meaning and necessity of hope and work. Can you work without hope? To what extent does setting goals help or hinder us? Is there any hope for us to stay on topic this episode? Listen and find out! Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, join Zohar Atkins, Nicolas Sarian, Anne Dudek, Francis Pedraza, Geneveive Kim, and Cyrus Palizban as we discuss and debate the conundrum: "What is a friend?" Is there more to it than trust and respect? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, we discuss the "the hitching posts" of life. Be it Nirvana or Enlightenment, what are the guides and rest-stops in our daily lives? Is there a reward at the end of this life, to begin in the next? Or is it to be found here, in this one? Join us for more learning and discussion in our Meditations and Chronicles WhatsApp groups! Meditations: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JIFXc06ABCPEsyfUBtvm1U Chronicles: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FD6M9a35KCE2XrnJrqaGLU Follow us on other platforms for more content! Twitter: https://x.com/lightinspires Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightning.inspiration?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lightning.inspiration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightning-meditations/
This week, Zohar is joined by David Bashevkin, Rabbi, scholar, author of Sin*a*gogue, and founder of 18Forty to talk about the meaning of community, why holiness and inconvenience are often linked, whether being small in number is an essential part of Jewishness, the legacy of Hasidism, and the spiritual search as a fundamental structure of existence.
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