In this world of quicksand where the legitimacy of social institutions and anchors of our society are crumbling, where It is impossible to know what is true, or who to trust, turn with me to the great stories to find something to stand on. As the American social landscape continues to divide to farther extremes we seek to establish some common ground discussing the nuances of human life explored through great works of fiction both written and performed onscreen. The arts are a language of metaphor, intuition and symbolism used to explore complex ideas. The ideas presented in literature are often unarticulated insights into humanity. The older and more universally valued the art, the more significant the insights. These bits of truth can help inform our view of the world and the social structures that make it up. The actions of the characters and the readers intuitive admiration or repulsion of those actions can serve as a guide toward a life of meaning and purpose, as a reference point amidst this social sea of chaos. People universally admire heroes. People universally despise villains. By studying great stories one can learn what makes for a hero, a villain, and everything in between. If that knowledge is properly internalized it can serve to direct ones life decisions. This makes the study of stories a most worthwhile pursuit. One can live a thousand lifetimes and learn from a thousand mistakes from the safety of ones own mind, if the process of critical thinking is practiced while consuming stories. Come participate in this process along with us, and discover Truth and Fiction.
Exploring ideas around compassion, morality, justice with our conversation about the Literary classic Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
Guest Host Joe Gillespe and I explore Homer's classic story the Illiad. This epic tale of the days leading up to the sacking of Troy is a beautiful exploration of honor, wisdom, the psychology of warriors in battle, and much more. I hope you enjoy
Steve and I explore the classic novel by John Steinbeck Of Mice and Men. We discuss ideas like the value of competence, hierarchy's both pathological and healthy, and the nature of hope and loneliness.
Steve and I discuss a beautiful novel written by Yann Martel diving into the psychology of a hero, the value of religiosity, and much more.
As a start to the new year, we hope you enjoy this episode on a holiday classic: Love Actually. Begin 2021 with the reminder of the many forms love takes and the beauty it provides.
Join Steve Hansen and I on this discussion of some of the rich ideas explored in J.K. Rowling's brilliant novel Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. We explore ideas around death, tyranny, resurrection, the power of love and acceptance, and many more.
An exploration of individuals reacting to deep betrayals by their society, by family, and by foundational ideas. Alec Dutrow is a student of Chinese culture, and has some deep insights into this profound novel, which is the first in a three book series. Join us as we explore ideas around existential risk, the fruits of the tree of bitterness, and the shaky foundation science creates without deep moral foundations.
Join this discussion with lifetime Star Wars Fan, and Universal man Scott Mills. As a father of many, and a middle school teacher he has some brilliant insights into the the ideas explored in George Lucas' classic Movie Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
Join Steve Hansen and I in this weeks discussion of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This will be our first discussion of the Harry Potter Series, and the introduction to a number of profound themes explored through the brilliant work of JK Rowling. We delve somewhat deeper on the subjects of depression, isolation, and overcoming tyranny.
A discussion of dealing with past suffering, about the transformational power of femininity, the dangers of responding in anger, and the circumstances which ground an individual and inspire the best in us all.
Steve and I discuss the value of ones own agency, The pathology of tyrannical authority, the courage in vulnerability, and the inspirational power of femininity among many other ideas in out exploration of the classic American Novel One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey. (This is a more adult oriented discussion and may not be appropriate for all ages.)
Steve Hansen and I explore ideas about honesty, betrayal, Chaos and Order, and much more through the analysis of Jack Sparrow and his unwitting accomplices as we discuss the Disney film Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.
Alina and I explore themes ideas about the dangers of scientific progress, feminism, the illusion of control, and embracing identity while discussing George Lucas's classic film Jurassic Park.
An exploration of ethics under existential danger, antifragility in the midst of immense difficulty, what makes for a good leader, the value of self awareness, and much more through this study of the Classic American Novel Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
Exploring ideas around individual agency, the inspirational value of good friends, seizing the day, and much more through the study of the classic film Ferris's Bueller's Day off.
In this first episode of Truth and Fiction the hosts Josiah Georgeson and Steve Hansen explore what The Great Gatsby has to say about the pursuit of wealth, the pursuit of love, the American dream, and other rich insights found within this classic American Novel.
One can live a thousand lifetimes and learn from a thousand mistakes from the safety of ones own mind, if the process of critical thinking and Internalizing is practiced while engaging with stories.
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