American philosopher, psychologist, and pragmatist (1842-1910)
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Jeremi and Zachary have a conversation with Gryffin Wilkens-Plumley about his work designing assemblies of independent citizen governance. They have an in-depth discussion of deliberative democracy, a practice that is about citizen's individual participation, reasoning, and sense of duty to vote and make decisions in society, and how it could apply to our democracy today. Jeremi sets the stage with some words by William James from 1897. Gryffin Wilkens-Plumley is a senior at Yale University and a deliberative-democracy designer. He currently works as Project Manager and Design Lead for the Connecticut Citizens' Assembly initiative at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities -- an initiative to hold the first ever official State-level citizens' assembly in America. Gryffin's work focuses on citizen governance, designing assemblies for independent citizen governance, and working with funders and elected officials to turn designs into reality.
The week, Book Boys say goodbye to the Summer of Bad Vibes by discussing Don DeLillo's opus "Libra". We discuss paranoid reading, Lee Harvey Oswald as American everyman, Hysterial Realism. At the end, we even take a brief detour to Tinsel Town and chat a bit about Oliver Stone's "JFK".As always, we hope that you enjoy our conversation!Works Cited"Paranoid and Reparative Reading" by Eve Sedgewick"Varieties of Religious Experience" by William James
Send us a textIn the late 1800s, Nellie Titus had a dream about a missing girl. A dream so precise, so disturbingly accurate, that it drew the attention of scholars, spiritualists, and skeptics alike — including America's most famous psychologist, William James.In this episode, we step back in time to a snow-covered mill town, where a woman who'd had visions all her life claimed to see what no one else could. Support the show
Send us a textPragmatism is a prominent position in 19th century philosophy. In this interview, Dr. Sami Pihlström guides us from Peirce, William James, and Dewey to neopragmatists like Rorty and Putnam, asking hard questions about truth, realism, meaning, and the problem of evil. We compare analytic philosophy of religion with Wittgensteinian approaches, explore whether pragmatism is compatible with religious belief, and examine how “the cash-value of truth” reshapes debates about evidence, practice, and community.Dr. Sami Pihlström is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Helsinki. A leading voice in pragmatism and the philosophy of religion, his work engages realism/anti-realism, meaning, and antitheodicy.Support the show--------------------------If you would want to support the channel and what I am doing, please follow me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christianityforall Where else to find Josh Yen: Philosophy YT: https://bit.ly/philforallEducation: https://bit.ly/joshyenBuisness: https://bit.ly/logoseduMy Website: https://joshuajwyen.com/
Why is the mechanical view of reality so strong? Why does billiard-ball atomism remain the default popular metaphysics? William James was horrified by such “nothing buttery” and the way it substituted bare concepts for rich phenomena.A.N. Whitehead famously – or perhaps not famously enough – described the problem as the “fallacy of misplaced concreteness”.William Blake is another critic. “General Knowledge is Remote Knowledge. But General Forms have their vitality in Particulars. It is in Particulars that Wisdom consists & Happiness too.”We should care about what Blake called “single vision and Newton's sleep”. The antidote is to reestablish a relationship with presence. Poetry and imagery evoke the lived moment of experiencing and the fluid dynamics of that perception. Regain contact with that, regain contact with life.This is the promise of Blake and others.For more on Mark's book, Awake!, and more of his work see - www.markvernon.com
What is an emotion? In his Sketches for a Theory of the Emotions (1939), Sartre picks up what William James, Martin Heidegger and others had written about this question to suggest what he believed to be a new thought on human emotion and its relation to consciousness. For Sartre, the emotions are not external forces acting upon consciousness but an action of consciousness as it tries to rearrange the world to suit itself, or as he puts it at the end of his book: a sudden fall of consciousness into magic. In this episode Jonathan and James discuss why Sartre's rejection of the idea of the subconscious is not as much a departure from Freud's theories as he thought they were, and the ways in which his attempt to establish a ‘phenomenological psychology' manifested in other works, including Nausea, Being and Nothingness and The Words. Note: Readers should use the translation by Philip Mairet. The earlier one by Bernard Frechtman, as Jonathan explains in the episode, contains numerous (often amusing) errors. Non-subscribers will only hear an extract from this episode. To listen to the full episode, and all our other Close Readings series, subscribe: Directly in Apple Podcasts: https://lrb.me/applecrcip In other podcast apps: https://lrb.me/closereadingscip Further reading in the LRB: Jonathan Rée on 'Being and Nothingness': https://lrb.me/cipsartre1 Sissela Bok on Sartre's life: https://lrb.me/cipsartre2 Edwards Said's encounter with Sartre: https://lrb.me/cipsartre3 Audiobooks from the LRB Including Jonathan Rée's 'Becoming a Philosopher: Spinoza to Sartre': https://lrb.me/audiobookscip
This session shares my conversation with Kymberlee O'Brien, MEd, PhD on Monday, August 11, 2025. Kymberlee may be recognizable from her presentations on brains, or her drum circles, both activities at the Franklin Senior Center grant funded by the Franklin Cultural Council. She has also performed as a jazz singer locally including most recently at the Franklin Farmers Market.With such a varied background, I felt that we would have a good and wide ranging conversation, and I think you'll agree we did.Did you also know that she is a Grammy nominated composer?Listen in to our conversation (approx. 38 minutes)------------William James Faculty page -> https://www.williamjames.edu/about/profiles/faculty/kymberlee-obrien.html Neuralight Consulting -> https://www.neuralightconsulting.com/ Music link -> https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/kymberlee-obrien/PR -> https://www.artistpr.com/press-release/grammy-recognized-artist-kymberlee-obrien-blends-jazz-latin-and-pop-in-new-anthem-of-resilience/ Her Grammy nominated single -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKSGrDgK8Fo Items mentioned during our discussionAlive Inside -> https://www.aliveinside.us/#landGreater Good at UC Berkeley -> https://www.aliveinside.us/#landTEDx at William James -> https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/60382-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out . We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also...
Insights on Success, Optimism, and Emotional Intelligence with Dr. William JamesIn this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Dr. William James, an Emeritus Professor of Dermatology with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Dr. James shares his extensive medical background, personal anecdotes, and the importance of forming lasting relationships. He discusses key skills that have contributed to his thriving academic career, such as optimism, listening, and respect for others. The conversation also delves into emotional intelligence, handling medical errors, and the evolving nature of professional and personal growth. Dr. James emphasizes gratitude, altruism, and the value of human connections in achieving happiness and success in both life and dermatology.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:42 Personal Anecdotes and Relationships02:48 Skills for a Successful Academic Career04:50 Finding Meaning Beyond Work05:28 Dealing with Mistakes in Medicine08:08 Emotional Intelligence and Building Rapport11:16 Career Reflections and Serendipity12:30 Final Thoughts on Happiness and Gratitude
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, host Paul F. Austin welcomes cultural historian and acclaimed author Mike Jay. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-316/?ref=278 Together they explore the untold history of nitrous oxide, psychedelic experimentation in the Romantic era, and the deeper cultural and philosophical roots of psychedelic science. Mike shares insights from his latest book, Free Radicals, highlighting how figures like Humphry Davy and William James helped shape psychedelic thought long before the 1960s. The conversation weaves through ancient San Pedro rituals, colonial attempts to suppress peyote use, and the divergent paths of modern psychedelic medicine. From poetic self-experimentation to medicalized models, Mike unpacks the historical tensions between grassroots healing and institutional control—and what this means for the future of psychedelic culture. Mike Jay is a British author and cultural historian who has written widely on the history of drugs, consciousness, and medical science. His books include Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic, Psychonauts: Drugs and the Making of the Modern Mind, and Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic Science. Mike contributes regularly to The London Review of Books, The New York Review of Books, and The Wall Street Journal. Highlights: How early scientists used nitrous oxide for inner exploration Romantic poets as the original psychedelic self-experimenters Parallels between Humphry Davy and Alexander Shulgin What William James learned from nitrous, not mescaline Colonial suppression of peyote and indigenous resilience The enduring symbolism of San Pedro in Andean ritual How the counterculture reinterpreted Native practices Why modern psychedelic medicine may be repeating history The role of finance in shaping current therapy models Looking ahead: divergent futures of psychedelic healing Episode links: Mike's website Mike's new book, Free Radicals Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic Psychonauts: Drugs and the Making of the Modern Mind Manvir Singh's article in The Guardian “The Peyote Dance” by Antonin Artaud Episode sponsors: Psychedelic Coacing Institute's Intensive for Psychedelic Professionals in Costa Rica - a transformative retreat for personal and professional growth. Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout
Do you want to be in more control of yourself each day, each hour, each moment? Would you like to build new neural pathways- mental shortcuts that bypass (biPas™) the reactive brain? “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” —Viktor E. Frankl “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” —William James
GOD: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher - The Podcast, S1
Questions? Comments? Text Us!What does it mean to love someone deeply in a world where suffering is inevitable? Jerry and Abigail return for another honest and intimate reflection on a recent health crisis that brought the pair face-to-face with mortality, vulnerability, and the aching intensity of love throughout it all. After Abigail suffers a near-fatal injury and a cascade of medical complications, Jerry and Abigail recount the physical ordeal and emotional aftermath. The couple invites listeners into the raw and tender space of survival, caregiving, and spiritual insight while wrestling with questions like: Why does suffering exist? How do we stay open when life threatens to shut us down? And where is God when we feel most broken?Abigail shares how her sense of self narrowed in response to pain, leaving her with the most minimal form of consciousness she had ever known. Jerry reflects on the surprising joy of enacting love through caregiving. Together, they explore the spiritual transformation that can arise from shared adversity and how moments of crisis can reopen the "skylight" to grace, love, and the transcendent.From Shakespeare to William James, trapeze metaphors to real-life hospital corridors, this conversation weaves together philosophy, storytelling, and spiritual wisdom as the two (deeply in love) philosophers provide this reflection on suffering as a guide to loving through it, learning from it, and finding God at its heart.Are you walking through hardship or supporting someone who is? Tune in to hope, grounding, and an invitation to stay spiritually open, even when it hurts.Related Episodes: When Suffering StrikesOther Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedShare your story: questions@godandautobiography.com Get the bookShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
William James explore South Kerry and visit Skellig Michael for the first time. Started off great, ended in temporary disaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode I examine William James' 1904 address to the American Psychological Association, The Experience of Activity, as presented in Essays in Radical Empiricism. I focus on the illusory aspect of agency and the need to operate within the version of reality that accessible to our experiences.
Is it possible that war, for all its horror, once played a vital role in human flourishing—and that its disappearance has left a cultural and spiritual void? In this episode, we explore the provocative thesis that war has historically served not only as an engine of destruction, but as a forge for meaning and social cohesion. Drawing on J. Glenn Gray's The Warriors, with insight from William James, Nietzsche, and Durkheim, we examine what modern society loses when it loses war—not just as a military phenomenon, but as a psychological and cultural one. What happens to masculinity when its most historically sanctioned outlet evaporates? What fills the vacuum when existential struggle is no longer a shared reality? And could space exploration become the next great crucible that gives our civilization meaning without violence? This is not an argument for militarism—but a call to confront what war once offered, and to ask what might replace it in a civilization that seeks to remain vital. To support the show and unlock *supporter-only episodes, join me on Patreon or subscribe in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Dr. Jennifer Wiseman gives expression to our cosmos, as a pioneering astrophysicist, an outspoken advocate for science within policy and the public, as well as a person of faith. Her's are sensibilities of a scientist, a theologian, and a human being in awe of the universe, recognizing that these parts of ourselves need not be in opposition but rather in beautiful and enriching conversation. Origins Podcast WebsiteFlourishing Commons NewsletterShow Notes:Discovery of comet 114P/Wiseman-Skiff (14:30)Maria Mitchell (14:30)Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at MIT (15:40)Jim Elliot (16:00)Needfulness (23:30)the 'lone genius' myth of science (26:00)the Science of Science (29:40)the society of science (30:00)"How Prayer Works" by Kaveh Akbar (30:15)'coworkers in the kingdom of culture' W.E.B. Du Bois (35:00)The Hubble Space Telescope (37:00)Ultra-deep field image (37:00)William James and numinous experiences (37:15)discovery of exoplanets (43:00)"My God, It's Full of Stars" by Tracy K Smith (43:30)what does it mean to flourish? (52:30)lightning round (58:30):Book: A Grief Observedby C.S. Lewis & Life, the Universe and Everythingby Douglas AdamPassion: nature and serendipity Heart sing: the bigger picture, being part of a bigger storya sense of awe and wonder and a sense of hopeJane Hirshfield on OriginsScrewed up: worrying about different things in different stages of lifeI am a Strange Loop by Douglas Hofstadter (01:07:00)Find Jennifer online:At NASAWikipediaLogo artwork by Cristina GonzalezMusic by swelo on all streaming platforms or @swelomusic on social media
Most of what we believe we believe on faith, even those beliefs we hold to be based on scientific fact. This assertion lies at the heart of William James's essay ‘The Will to Believe', originally delivered as a lecture and intended not so much as a defence of religion as an attack on anti-religion. James's target was the ‘rugged and manly school of science' and the kind of atheism ‘that goes around thumping its chest offering its biceps to be felt'. In this episode Jonathan Rée and James Wood look at the intellectual environment William James was working in, and against, in the second half of the 19th century, and its parallels in the ‘new atheism' of today. They also discuss the extraordinary upbringing William (and his novelist brother Henry) received and the advice he offered to anyone contemplating suicide in his essay ‘Is life worth living?' Non-subscribers will only hear an extract from this episode. To listen to the full episode, and all our other Close Readings series, subscribe: Directly in Apple Podcasts: https://lrb.me/applecrcip In other podcast apps: https://lrb.me/closereadingscip Read more in the LRB: Helen Thaventhiran: William James's Prescriptions https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n20/helen-thaventhiran/no-dose-for-it-at-the-chemist Michael Wood: William James and modernism https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v29/n18/michael-wood/understanding-forwards Richard Poirier: Williams James's pragmatism https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v06/n19/richard-poirier/copying-the-coyote
In this episode of the Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson delve into strategies for making the summer football season both efficient and enjoyable. Kenny shares insights from his family's mission trip to Nicaragua and highlights the importance of maintaining perspective and fostering growth beyond the field. They discuss balancing intensive training with team-building activities, ensuring athletes don't burn out before the season, and optimizing practice schedules. The episode also features a quote from William James about prioritizing what truly matters, and a discussion on how to make the football experience more rewarding for players, coaches, and their families. Sponsors Aport, Team Builder, Winning Edge Performance Analytics, and Capital Varsity Sports are also highlighted for their contributions to the coaching community.00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back00:50 Mission Trip to Nicaragua01:57 American Football Camp in Nicaragua03:21 Quote of the Week: William James05:07 Efficiency in Coaching07:24 New Sponsors and Ads10:04 Summer Schedule and Activities23:46 Balancing Work and Family Time25:29 Avoiding Burnout in Players26:48 Summer Training Strategies28:55 Evaluating Players and Adjusting Schemes35:35 The Importance of Rest and Recovery39:54 Effective Coaching Practices44:14 Sponsors and Final ThoughtsDaniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com
In this episode, I am joined by the podcast Producer, Josh Gilbert, for our second tutorial edition. This time, we tackle some heavy stuff - Josh opens up about his modern existential crisis of living untethered from traditional institutions, which gets us into William James' "Will to Believe" and the whole mess of making momentous decisions in a culture that's allergic to commitment. Then I get nerdy about Andreas Reckwitz's fascinating analysis of late modernity - how we've split into two warring tribes: the hyper-culture individualists seeking singular authenticity and the cultural essentialists clinging to collective identity. It's a compelling framework for understanding why we're all at each other's throats politically while the middle class gets squeezed into an hourglass shape. We also geek out over Byung-Chul Han's concept of positive violence, reminisce about U2 concerts with my son Elgin, and somehow end up discussing Rob Bell's uncanny resemblance to the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty. Oh, and we're planning a cigar expo "research retreat" in September because apparently that counts as legitimate podcast planning. Standard Tuesday afternoon philosophy with your friendly neighborhood theology nerds. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube To get the entire conversation, all podcast episodes ad-free, and support our work, consider joining the Process This on SubStack or get access to our entire catalog of classes & all the rest by joining up at Theology Class. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. This event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to "nerd out" on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! Get info and tickets here. _____________________ This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with William James, Principal Percussionist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. We talk about his journey through the world of orchestral percussion, from early influences and summer programs to the high-pressure world of auditions. Will shares thoughtful insights on what it takes to succeed as a modern percussionist, both musically and administratively.We dig into the evolving expectations placed on orchestral players, the challenges of recording and venue acoustics, and how creativity, flexibility, and technology are reshaping the field. We also reflect on the importance of great teachers, the value of building a strong repertoire, and the ongoing role education plays in both our lives.Will's passion for percussion extends far beyond performance—he's a dedicated educator, chamber musician, and author. His contributions to the percussion community have had a lasting impact, and I was grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper into his story.About William James: William James is the Principal Percussionist of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. He won the position at just 25, following studies at Northwestern University and the New England Conservatory. A versatile performer and educator, Will has played with top orchestras across the country, given solo recitals, taught masterclasses nationwide, and authored The Modern Concert Snare Drum Roll. You can learn more about William at: williamjamespercussion.comMusic from the Episode:Scirocco (Michael Burritt)Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com.The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.
There is a river of wisdom that's been flowing through human history in every culture since the beginning of civilization. It's the wise understandings of those rare individuals who were able to remember something we so often forget: who we really are as human beings. In this episode, we'll dip into that timeless stream, that many have called the Wisdom of the Ages, and explore how it flows directly into the heart of our new project, NeuroHarmonics. This work is about more than just ideas; it's a guide that you can use to bring harmony into your own intelligence, an inner alignment that can quietly, yet profoundly transform your life. So, basically, what is the Wisdom of the Ages all about? Well, although the term may sound a bit lofty or poetic, it's far from just a throw away line. It points to something deeply real – an enduring thread of understanding that weaves through cultures, continents and centuries. It's timeless not because it ignores the changes of history, but because it speaks to something that never changes with the times; the essence of being human. Let's look at it this way - throughout the long arc of human history, from the ancient river valleys of India and Mesopotamia to the mountains of China, the deserts of the Middle East, and the forests of the Americas, there have always been extraordinary men and women who saw the essence of life more clearly than the rest of us. They pierced the surface of things. And even while living in the ever-shifting world of change and impermanence, they were able to reach something that they said was eternal. Their lives, their words, and often just their very presence spoke of something greater than themselves - something vast and invisible, and yet deeply and intimately known. Some became renowned spiritual teachers: Krishna, Ram, Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Mohammed. Others appeared as philosophers, sages, mystics, and shamans. Many left poems, stories, songs, and scriptures, depicting their glimpses into the higher realms of understanding. Some of their names may be less well known, but their examples are no less luminous. Of course, on the surface, these wise ones seemed vastly different. They spoke different languages, wore different clothes, lived in different lands, and practiced different rituals. But remarkably, the essence of their message was the same. To put their vast teachings into a few simple words: there is something beyond this world. Something infinite. You can call it God. Or the Divine. Or Truth, Spirit, Source, or just the Infinite. There may be a thousand names for it—but the names don't matter. In fact, many of these teachers insisted that words can't matter. Because this Presence—this vast, formless essence—is beyond concept, beyond logic, and beyond the reach of ordinary human comprehension. Why? It's actually quite simple. For all its brilliance, human intelligence is still finite. And the finite, by its very nature, can never truly grasp the Infinite. It just can't be done. Test your own mind as an example. Try picturing a box that is so large, there is no space outside of it. Or try describing something that has no beginning and no end. Or tell me what biggest number in the world. You can't because there isn't one. Whatever number you come up with, you can always add one more and it gets bigger. So there's no such thing. That's the thing about infinity. There's no edge, no boundary, no final point. And when we try to wrap our minds around it, the circuits start to smoke and the brain just watts out. Because it's not built to contain the Infinite. So according to the wisdom tradition, this thing that can't be understood or even named - exists. For our sake here, let's just call it the Infinite, a term that is relatively devoid of the tarnishing nature of human religious tribalism. But that's just one of the five thousand opinions my mind has churned out in the last hour. Now, what does the Wisdom of the Ages tell us about our relationship with this infinite presence, this reality that you can't define, draw or capture in a book? Well, in the simplest terms, it tells us this: we can experience it. And not only that, we can grow into it. Like a plant reaching toward sunlight, we are drawn toward that light, that warmth and that truth that seems to emanate from it. And this idea of growth is where the Wisdom of the Ages begins. Because it's not just about belief – it's about transformation. It speaks of a journey toward inner realization, where you begin to see that you are not merely a body, not just a personality, not your thoughts, opinions, or accomplishments. You are something deeper. In essence, something sacred, something eternal that has temporarily taken human form—for the purpose of learning, of growing, of remembering. And ultimately, in a very real and quiet way... for returning. With that being said, the Wisdom of the Ages does rest on a set of core understandings—fundamental insights that form its foundation. And while these truths have appeared in every form of civilization throughout history, they are not relics of the past. Far from it. This wisdom is alive. It's woven from the highest human understandings about life—ancient, modern, and everything in between. So, let's take a brief look at some of its basic tenets. We'll touch on nine of them here, though the first one needs a little more attention than the rest. The first core teaching is Impermanence—and at first, it can be a hard one to face. It simply says this: everything changes, and everything ends. Ourselves included. Look around with clear eyes, and it becomes obvious. From the rise and fall of empires to fleeting joys and sorrows, nothing stays the same. As the Buddha put it: “All conditioned things are impermanent. Work out your own salvation with diligence.” When we cling to what must pass, we suffer. But when we accept impermanence, we begin to live with Grace. Why does this matter? Because so much of our pain comes from forgetting that. We build our identities on outer things—titles, possessions, opinions, appearances, money—and we defend those identities as if they were permanent. But they're not. And this is what the sages warned us about. It's not that success, wealth, or recognition are wrong. It's that when we make them the foundation of who we are; we build on sand. All of it—status, stuff, praise, even the ego itself—rises and falls. Sparkles, then fades. Seems solid, then vanishes. And when our sense of self is tied to what vanishes, we suffer. We become anxious, greedy, and ultimately disappointed. We chase mirages, hoping they'll fulfill us—only to find out thatthey never really could. And worst of all, we miss the deeper reason we came here: to remember who we truly are, and to feel the joy that naturally comes with that remembrance. At least, that's what the wisdom says. Personally, I think it has a nice ring to it. 2. You Are Not Your Thoughts The second insight is deceptively simple, but not so easy to live: You are not your thoughts. From the Upanishads to modern psychology, the message is clear: You are not the mental chatter, the looping stories, or the voices of doubt and fear. You're not your résumé, your wounds, or the roles you've played. Beneath all that noise lives a deeper awareness that is luminous, spacious, and free. Most of what runs through our minds didn't originate with us anyway. We picked it up from parents, culture, trauma, media. But we end up thinking that these random thoughts are who we really are. And some of the major experts in the field haven't had such an elevated opinion of our abilities in navigating the thought field. William James for example, who is often called the father of modern psychology, once said: “Most people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” The deeper self lives in a realm beyond all that. And rediscovering it is part of waking up. 3. Stillness Is the Gateway to Higher Knowing Stillness isn't just the absence of noise. It's the presence of something greater. As the old biblical phrase goes, “Be still, and know…” In the Taoist tradition, stillness is the source of right action—what they call wu wei, or effortless movement that flows from deep inner alignment. This knowing is not vague spirituality. It's direct experience. Not a theory, but a felt presence. Stillness is where insight arises—gently, precisely, and often when we least expect it. And the Wisdom of the Ages doesn't ask for blind belief. It invites direct experience. We all know that there is a world of difference between actually eating a delicious meal and just reading the menu. 4. Love Is the Deepest Truth and Kindness Is the Highest Power At the heart of every great tradition is this simple truth: Love is the essence of life. Not just romance or sentiment, but love as a radiant, unshakable presence. When that love moves into action, it manifests as kindness. And kindness doesn't mean weakness—it's strength under wisdom's guidance. To grow in this kind of love is to become more fully human, which is another term for more connected to the divine. 5. You Become What You Practice This one is carved into every tradition—and now verified by neuroscience: What you repeat gets stronger. In ancient terms: “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Modern neuroscience puts it this way: Neurons that fire together, wire together. This means that your attention—and your habits—literally shape the architecture of your brain. So, what you practice daily—whether it's judgement and fear, or gratitude and patience - becomes the blueprint of your inner life. 6. Gratitude Opens the Heart and Expands Consciousness The ancient ones knew it. And now neuroscience confirms it. When you begin to see life as a gift, everything starts to shift the more grateful you become of it. And Gratitude isn't just a virtue—it's a form of perception. It quiets the craving mind and awakens a deeper presence. Suddenly, you're not waiting for “more” to feel whole. You begin to see how much has already been given. And that soft opening of the heart that you feel within? That's consciousness expanding. 7. Life Is a School for the Soul This one can change your life. When you see life as a school, everything becomes part of the curriculum. Adversity isn't punishment—it's instruction. Each loss, betrayal, or hardship carries within it a hidden message, a deeper lesson. The soul came here to grow. And when you see that, you start to see that Life isn't happening to you. It's happening for you. And nothing—absolutely nothing—is wasted on the soul. 8. Everything Is Connected—There Is No Real Separation We live in a world of apparent separateness. But beneath the surface, everything is woven together. Ancient mystics knew this. So did the early Native Americans. As Chief Seattle said: “Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life—he is merely a strand in it.” Modern science agrees. From quantum physics to ecology to trauma healing, it all points to one truth: There is no such thing as alone. Only all one. 9. Your Attention Is Your Greatest Power The final tenet is the hidden key: Where you place your attention, determines what grows for you. In a world full of noise, mastering your attention is an act of power—and peace. When you begin to master your attention, you begin to master your life. Whatever you feed with your focus becomes stronger. Fear? It grows. Anger? It grows. Gratitude? It grows. Love? Presence? Joy? These grow too. The game of life changes when you realize:You are the gardener. And your attention is the sun. So, in essence the Wisdom of the Ages tells us that everything outside is temporary. But what is real within you does not fade. It was never born. It will never die. It simply is. And the bottom line is that as human beings, we have far more intelligence, love, happiness, and joyful sense of purpose than we have been taught by our current culture. And the wise ones would tell us that the way to access it all is to pause, breathe and listen. The universal power of this wisdom in not far away. It is within you right now, right here. You don't have to become anyone else.You just have to become who you already are. Tune yourself into stop chasing the illusion and start honoring the real. The path is ancient. But that's not what matters. What matters is that it is alive within us now. It begins wherever we are, and whenever we are ready. At least that's what they say. For me, this wisdom has been in the winner's circle since the beginning of recorded history so – I'll take the odds… Well, I guess this is a good time for us to stop this episode. As always, keep your eyes, mind and heart open. And let's get together in the next one.
Let's connect! Get free gifts when you join my “Abundant Life” newsletter here => https://bobbakerinspiration.com/free - Watch the YouTube video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/CVWAlOlgLRwThis forgotten affirmation may have been lost to history, but it's extremely powerful today. When it comes to pioneers in the New Thought and mind power category, you may think of Napoleon Hill, William James, Joseph Murphy, Ernest Holmes, Wallace Wattles, Florence Scovel Shinn, and more. But there's one person you rarely hear mentioned anymore. But he had a huge influence in his time but has been otherwise mostly lost to history. Words and music by Bob Baker (c) 2025.All of my recordings appear first on YouTube. Please take a moment to subscribe to my channel.You'll also find many of my affirmations and guided meditations on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, Insight Timer, and most streaming platforms under the artist name Bob Baker's Inspiration Project.Listen to my affirmation songs ...Money Is Coming to Me Now https://youtu.be/ILT_Ry0Gf_oI Am Capable Powerful Wonderful Strong https://youtu.be/MuGYU_aiYzcLife Is Good and I Am Grateful https://youtu.be/SPd4WRnStX0I Welcome Joy Into My Life https://youtu.be/c-sdgHwZDFUWake Up Happy! https://youtu.be/_1dTYL0RcE4Check out my Positive Music Playlist on YouTube. Hear more music like this at https://soulmassage.bandcamp.com/Send me a quick messageGet your free copy of my new guide, "The IMPACT Formula: 6 Steps to Grow an Audience, Make an Impact, and Leave a Legacy" at https://BobBakerInspiration.com/impact Get free gifts when you join the “Abundant Life” newsletter, where I share inspirational messages and go deeper with you than the affirmations on my YouTube channel and podcast https://bobbakerinspiration.com/freeSupport the show
How to find hope in these times? I spoke with political scientist Loren Goldman about the principle of political hope: why we should have hope, how to have hope in dark times, and how political hope differs from naïve optimism, faith in progress, or passive reliance on a hidden logic that will save us in the end. Goldman, who is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, is the author of The Principle of Political Hope (Oxford University Press, 2023), where he reveals hope to be an indispensable aspect of much continental and American political thought, especially in the works of Immanuel Kant, John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, Ernst Bloch, Richard Rorty, and others. Our conversation on Goldman's study of hope ends with three concrete lessons to counter hopelessness, cynicism, and despair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science
Link to more info: https://eggshelltherapy.com/podcast-blog/2025/05/29/drrondel/A CONVERSATION ON EXISTENTIAL ANXIETY I am pleased to share with you my recent conversation on a topic that haunts many of us: anxiety. Today, we dive into the connection between philosophy and anxiety with Dr. David Rondel, a philosophy professor and author of "A Danger, Which We Do Not Know: A Philosophical Journey into Anxiety." In his work, Dr. Rondel explores his journey through anxiety. From the wisdom of thinkers like Kierkegaard and William James to the challenges of modern anxieties like eco-anxiety and social media stress, Dr. Rondel shows us how embracing anxiety can lead to personal growth and a greater understanding of ourselves.I would be thrilled for you to join this poignant and perennially relevant discussion! About Dr. RondelDavid Rondel is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Nevada. He is the author of Pragmatist Egalitarianism (Oxford University Press, 2018), and editor or co-editor of four additional books: Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will: The Political Philosophy of Kai Nielsen (University of Calgary Press, 2012), Pragmatism and Justice (Oxford University Press, 2017), The Cambridge Companion to Rorty (Cambridge University Press, 2021), and The Moral Psychology of Anxiety (Lexington, 2024).His website: https://www.davidrondel.com/aboutThe book: https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Which-Not-Know-Philosophical/dp/0197767249Eggshell Therapy and Coaching: eggshelltherapy.com About Imi Lo: www.imiloimilo.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/eggshelltherapy_imilo/ Newsletters: https://eepurl.com/bykHRzDisclaimers: https://www.eggshelltherapy.com/disclaimers Trigger Warning: This episode may cover sensitive topics including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, severe mental illnesses, relationship challenges, sex, drugs, alcohol addiction, psychedelics, and the use of plant medicines. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the YouTube Channel or Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics. Disclaimer: The content provided is for informational purposes only. Please do not consider any of the content clinical or professional advice. None of the content can substitute mental health intervention. Opinions and views expressed by the host and the guests are personal views and they reserve the right to change their opinions. We also cannot guarantee that everything mentioned is factual and completely accurate. Any action you take based on the information in this episode is taken at your own risk.
In philosophy of mind, panpsychism is the view that the mind or a mind-like aspect is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of reality. It is also described as a theory that "the mind is a fundamental feature of the world which exists throughout the universe". It is one of the oldest philosophical theories, and has been ascribed in some form to philosophers including Thales, Plato, Spinoza, Leibniz, Schopenhauer, William James, Alfred North Whitehead, and Bertrand Russell. In the 19th century, panpsychism was the default philosophy of mind in Western thought, but it saw a decline in the mid-20th century with the rise of logical positivism. Recent interest in the hard problem of consciousness and developments in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and quantum mechanics have revived interest in panpsychism in the 21st century because it addresses the hard problem directly.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monster-fuzz--4349429/support.
How to find hope in these times? I spoke with political scientist Loren Goldman about the principle of political hope: why we should have hope, how to have hope in dark times, and how political hope differs from naïve optimism, faith in progress, or passive reliance on a hidden logic that will save us in the end. Goldman, who is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, is the author of The Principle of Political Hope (Oxford University Press, 2023), where he reveals hope to be an indispensable aspect of much continental and American political thought, especially in the works of Immanuel Kant, John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, Ernst Bloch, Richard Rorty, and others. Our conversation on Goldman's study of hope ends with three concrete lessons to counter hopelessness, cynicism, and despair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history
How to find hope in these times? I spoke with political scientist Loren Goldman about the principle of political hope: why we should have hope, how to have hope in dark times, and how political hope differs from naïve optimism, faith in progress, or passive reliance on a hidden logic that will save us in the end. Goldman, who is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, is the author of The Principle of Political Hope (Oxford University Press, 2023), where he reveals hope to be an indispensable aspect of much continental and American political thought, especially in the works of Immanuel Kant, John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, Ernst Bloch, Richard Rorty, and others. Our conversation on Goldman's study of hope ends with three concrete lessons to counter hopelessness, cynicism, and despair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to find hope in these times? I spoke with political scientist Loren Goldman about the principle of political hope: why we should have hope, how to have hope in dark times, and how political hope differs from naïve optimism, faith in progress, or passive reliance on a hidden logic that will save us in the end. Goldman, who is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, is the author of The Principle of Political Hope (Oxford University Press, 2023), where he reveals hope to be an indispensable aspect of much continental and American political thought, especially in the works of Immanuel Kant, John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, Ernst Bloch, Richard Rorty, and others. Our conversation on Goldman's study of hope ends with three concrete lessons to counter hopelessness, cynicism, and despair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Un saludo queridos amigos y oyentes. Hoy estudiamos a este filósofo existencialista y simpatizante del marxismo que fue Sartre. Al final de su vida (años 60 y 70) su actividad fue infatigable: escritor de novelas, teatro, obras filosóficas y activista político, llegando a visitar a Fidel Castro, Che Guevara y viajó a la URSS. Una de sus últimas obras de carácter filosófico es "Crítica de la razón dialéctica" de 1960, donde hace un esfuerzo por conciliar el existencialismo y el marxismo. 📗ÍNDICE *. Resúmenes. 1. VIDA Y OBRAS. 2. LA NÁUSEA. 3. EL EN-SÍ Y EL PARA-SÍ. AQUÍ https://go.ivoox.com/rf/140832026 puedes escuchar una introducción al Existencialismo. Audio recomendado de la semana: William James, el pragmatismo creyente norteamericano. puedes escucharlo aquí>>> https://go.ivoox.com/rf/132691337 🎼Música de la época: 📀 Sintonía: Sinfonía Nº2 de Krzysztof Penderecki, que acabó de escribir en 1980. 🎨Imagen: Jean-Paul Sartre (París, 21 de junio de 1905-París, 15 de abril de 1980) fue un filósofo, escritor, novelista, dramaturgo, activista político y militante, biógrafo y crítico literario francés, exponente del existencialismo. 👍Pulsen un Me Gusta y colaboren a partir de 2,99 €/mes si se lo pueden permitir para asegurar la permanencia del programa ¡Muchas gracias a todos!
For episode 263 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Anxiety Series with a re-release of a conversation with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD, that originally aired in 2023.In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers, and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the fourth episode in the series. Richie Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought-after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health.Join Richie's upcoming course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using the coupon code METTA20.In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss:• How Richie came to this path• Meeting Daniel Goleman and Ram Dass• How Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreat• The term “Mental Health”• Innate Goodness• Believing in Growth Mindset• A vision of possibility for ourselves• The role of systemic oppression in mental well-being• Intergenerational Resilience• Richie's four pillars of well-being• Personal mental hygiene• “The road to Lhasa goes up and down” - Mingyur Rinpoche• The value of community and teachers in mental health • Richie driving Mingyur Rinpoche• Contemplative Neuroscience• The Science of Flourishing Course• Richie's new book project• The conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie.To learn more about Riche's work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This conversation discusses the similarities between Jonathan Pageau and John Vervaeke with regards to ontology, teleology, and epistemology. This is in preparation for a conversation in preparation for the midwestuary conference. I mention John Vervaeke ( @johnvervaeke ), Jonathan Pageau ( @JonathanPageau ), Mary Harrington, Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Meno's Paradox, Gregory of Nyssa, Father John Behr, Hank, Immanuel Kant, John Locke, George Cybenko, Kurt Hornik, Charles Darwin, Jonathan Losos, The Timmaeus, Jordan Peterson ( @JordanBPeterson ), Richard Dawkins, The Baldwin Effect, William James, Renes Descartes, Plotinus, and more. Midwestuary - https://www.midwestuary.com/Jonathan Pageau and Mary Harrington - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJnGDEAka7I&t=1525sJonathan Losos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70waxmiQa8I&t=1143sPeterson and Dawkins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wBtFNj_o5k&t=5364sSam and Vervaeke - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0RDjahsd1M&t=5176s
This series focuses on Harold Begbie's book Life Changers. Published in 1922 it describes key elements in Frank Buchman's program of radical change from which AA drew so many of its principles and practices. Studying the source material for the 12-Steps can give us insights into the transformational process the Group was trying to achieve both in individuals and in nations. They can prove invaluable to anyone whose recovery has lost its “zing” or to individuals unable to recover because of a “watered down” recovery approach. Fr. Bill focuses on chapters 3 through 9 of Life Changers drawing broadly from the stories of some who attended the 1922 house party and the elements that helped bring about their change. Show notes: Life Changers:https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changers-13th-Harold-Begbie/dp/1439232067War of the Gods in Addiction by David Schoen:https://www.amazon.com/War-Gods-Addiction-David-Schoen/dp/1882670574Varieties of Religious Experience by William James (free / pdf version)https://csrs.nd.edu/assets/59930/williams_1902.pdf
What if the future of philosophy isn't found in a new ideology — but in a return to our deepest discernment? In this episode, we explore a radical, living vision of metamodernism — not as an academic trend, but as a soul-level response to the failure of both modernity and postmodernity. Drawing from Nietzsche, William James, Benjamin Whorf, and beyond, this manifesto reclaims language, reverence, and the incarnated self as tools for meaning-making in an age of apathy and overload. This isn't theory — it's a call. A path. A practice.
April 18, 2025. Welcome back! In today's episode of Knowledge With Homage I go over what's new in the life of David, a documentary about Sea Gypsies, William James, psychology, Earl Nightingale, 9/11, politics, Trump, war, some current events and much more! Music in order of appearance: Nems - Go Fat Boy, Black Thought ft. CS Armstrong, OSHUN - We Could Be Good (United), Mase - Welcome Back, Black Milk ft. Royce da 5'9 - Losing Out, R.E.M - Shiny Happy People
In today's complex, fast-paced world, what can we learn from philosophers? John Kaag thinks we can learn a lot. He's created an audiobook Spring Training (for the Rest of Your Life), discussing his ideas highlighting Thoreau, Emerson and William James. He's also the co-founder of Rebind, an AI company transforming classic literature into interactive, guided experiences. Rebind pairs books with original interactive commentary from some of today's greatest thinkers who serve as expert guides, featuring conversations, personal anecdotes, historical context, and reflections. Rebind was named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025 and was a TIME Magazine "Best Invention of 2024." John Kaag joins us from Massachusetts. __________________ Bio John Kaag is a distinguished philosopher and author, widely recognized for his deep knowledge of Henry David Thoreau's classic Walden. He has authored several books, including American Philosophy: A Love Story and Hiking with Nietzsche, both of which were New York Times and NPR Best Books of the Year. In 2023, he published Henry at Work, a thorough examination of Thoreau's philosophy as it relates to post-pandemic work habits. Kaag has contributed to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harper's Magazine, bringing timeless philosophical insights to a wider audience. ________________________ For More on John Kaag Spring Training (for the Rest of Your Life) Rebind Try Rebind - Discount offer _________________________ Podcast Episodes You May Like Living for Pleasure – Emily Austin, PhD The Art of the Interesting – Lorraine Besser, PhD An Artful Life – John P. Weiss _________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how The Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one – on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who also helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a twenty-six-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Today, in addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, which thanks to his guests and loyal listeners, ranks in the top 1 % globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider has recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. Connect on LinkedIn _________________________ Wise Quotes On Philosophers - and AI "I think it's interesting. I think that when it comes to the perennial questions of philosophy, like why am I here? What is the good life? Why is life worth living? These questions typically are answered in very personal settings, between friends, between family members, between, I teach at UMass Lowell, so my classes are relatively small within a classroom setting. But I think what's interesting is that when like lots of readers and lots of thinkers don't have the chance to interact with others in a sort of active way. My mother was one of these individuals. She retired when she was 68,
Lasers, fog machines, silent prayers…and don't forget the ecstasy! In episode 126 of Overthink, Ellie and David dive into the experience of ecstasy. They look at interpretations of ecstasy in the tradition of mysticism, where ecstasy has been figured as a loss of self. How common are experiences of ecstasy? Are they limited to religious contexts, or are there alternate avenues for entering ecstatic states? And what about MDMA and its relation to rave culture? In the bonus, they explore how well ecstasy fits into William James' framework for mystical states, and consider the relationship between ecstasy, reason, and age.Works Discussed:St. Teresa of Avila, The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus Simon Critchley, On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy James Landau, “The Flesh of Raving” Marghanita Laski, Everyday Ecstasy Wilhelm Mayer-Gross, “The Phenomenology of Abnormal Emotions of Happiness” Simon Reynolds, Generation Ecstasy Summer Heights High (2007)Support the showPatreon | patreon.com/overthinkpodcast Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcast
Welcome to Episode 185 of The Darlington Podcast! In this episode, Jordan West, Upper School librarian and Senior Ventures program coordinator, talks with seniors Atlas Kosedag and Charlie Patel, along with Sarah Husser of the Floyd Healthcare Foundation and Cancer Navigators, and William James of Summit Quest. Together, they discuss Darlington's upcoming event, Light the Lake, a special evening that unites the Darlington Community to honor those who are fighting or have fought cancer. Light the Lake will take place by the Lakeside on Friday, April 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., with an Honor Walk at 8 p.m. Learn more about the event here.Click here for complete show notes >>
In this episode we explore the fascinating world of neuroscience with Dr. Jeremy Teissere, Stanley Road Professor of Neuroscience at Muhlenberg College, who introduces us to the discipline's key questions and recent developments. Then, we turn to the enduring legacy of William James, the early 20th century thinker at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and religion. We consider how James's pioneering insights into mystical states, consciousness, and conversion continue to resonate with modern neuroscientific understanding.Send us a text
In this enlightening conversation, I sat down with Corey Jackson, a prominent figure in mindfulness research and emotional regulation, to explore the intricate world of mindfulness and metacognitive approaches to emotion. We traversed through the realms of Buddhist psychology, the impact of mindfulness on anxiety and depression, and the importance of attentional control. What You'll Learn: Mindfulness and Metacognitive Therapy: Corey discussed the differences between traditional cognitive-behavioural models and metacognitive models. He detailed how the latter focuses on metacognitive beliefs and how adjusting these beliefs can affect anxiety and depression more effectively. This model, often overlooked, offers a promising avenue for those dealing with mental health challenges. Attention and Its Role: Corey and I delved into the critical aspect of attention in shaping our reality. Drawing parallels with William James's theories and contemporary neuroscience, we examined how controlled attention can lead to better emotional regulation. Corey emphasised the importance of knowing not just what you pay attention to, but how you attend to it, and how this awareness can transform your emotional and psychological well-being. Traditional vs. Modern Mindfulness Practices: A significant portion of our conversation focused on comparing traditional Buddhist mindfulness practices with the modern, often simplified versions popularised in the West. Corey highlighted the rich history and depth of traditional practices, which often encompass a broader system of mental cultivation beyond just breath awareness. The Importance of Judgments: We explored the role of judgments in our mental and emotional lives. Corey challenged the popular Western notion of nonjudgmental awareness, explaining how traditional practices encouraged good judgment to guide behaviour aligned with personal goals and virtues. The Role of Emotions: Corey shared insights from his work with emotional balance, particularly how emotions serve as signposts indicating important events. We discussed strategies from both Eastern and Western philosophies to manage emotions, transform emotional states, and cultivate a balanced emotional life. Key Takeaways: Mindfulness as a Multifaceted Tool Attention and Emotional Control Judgment is Crucial Traditional Practices Hold Rich Insights Emotions are Indicative, Not the Enemy Resources: Visit Corey Jackson's website for more about his work and offerings. Explore Amishi Jha's research on mindfulness and attention for further insights into the neuroscience behind these practices Support and Share: If you found this conversation insightful, consider exploring Corey's online courses to further your understanding and practice of mindfulness and emotional balance. Cultivating emotional balance is a skill that benefits everyone, and Corey’s expert guidance offers a valuable path toward achieving it. 00:59 PhD Journey and Challenges 02:45 Exploring Mindfulness Mechanisms 04:30 Metacognitive Model and Therapy 08:15 Traditional vs. Modern Mindfulness 10:13 Brooding vs. Reflective Rumination 12:45 Contemplative Practices and Wisdom 17:26 Secularisation of Mindfulness 29:08 Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Observing Thoughts 29:59 Comparing Buddhist and Tibetan Views on Thought Observation 31:23 Attention and Attentional Control in Various Fields 33:20 The Role of Attention in Tibetan Buddhism 35:07 Managing Anger and Emotional Reactions 37:28 The Stoic Approach to Anger 39:14 Paul Ekman's Insights on Emotions 44:17 Controlled vs. Captured Attention 50:41 Brain Activity Patterns in Meditators 53:15 Corey Jackson's Work and Online Programs 55:13 Concluding Thoughts and Future ProjectsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Welcome to Cloudlandia, Dan and I explore technology and communication sparked by an unexpected conversation about cold snaps in Florida. We examine the evolution of communication technologies, from text to video, focusing on AI's emerging role. Our discussion highlights how innovations like television and the internet have paved the way for current technological developments, using the progression of airliners as a metaphorical framework for understanding technological advancement. Our conversation shifts to exploring human interaction and technological tools. We question whether platforms like Zoom have reached their full potential, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and collaboration. We then journey back to 1967, reflecting on historical and cultural movements that continue to shape our current societal landscape. This retrospective provides insights into how past experiences inform our present understanding of technology and social dynamics. Personal anecdotes and political observations help connect these historical threads to contemporary discussions. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS In the episode, we discuss how an unexpected cold snap in Florida sparked a broader conversation about life's unpredictable nature and the evolution of communication technology. We delve into the role of AI in research and communication, specifically highlighting the contributions of Charlotte, our AI research assistant, as we explore historical and current communication mediums. The conversation includes an analysis of technological progress, using airliner technology as a metaphor to discuss potential saturation points and future trajectories for AI. We reflect on the balance between technology and human connection, considering whether tools like Zoom have reached their full potential or if there is still room for improvement. Our discussion covers the importance of self-awareness in collaboration, utilizing personality assessments to enhance interpersonal interactions. We share a personal narrative about the logistical challenges of expanding workshop spaces in Chicago, providing real-world insights into business growth. The episode takes a reflective journey back to 1967, examining cultural movements and their ongoing impact on modern societal issues, complemented by political commentary and personal anecdotes. Links: WelcomeToCloudlandia.com StrategicCoach.com DeanJackson.com ListingAgentLifestyle.com TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Dean: Mr Sullivan, that would be me. Oh my goodness. Dan: I am not Do you have a cold? Dean: Do you have a cold? Dan: I do yeah. Dean: And is it freezing in Florida? Dan: It's very cold, it's unseasonably. Dean: Comparatively comparatively yes. Dan: It's unseasonably cold. Dean: Yeah. Yeah, well, we're getting our blast tomorrow, but it's colder than yeah. It's about 15 today with a 10 mile an hour wind which makes it 5, and tomorrow it's going down. It's going down even further. This is the joy of Canada in January. Dan: I don't know about the joy. Dean: But yeah, I like your voice I like your voice. Dan: I'm going to try and uh and make it all the way through, dad, but the uh just before you, I'm. Dean: You can put charlotte on. Dan: Yeah, exactly, yeah yeah, I'll tell you, I'm really realizing how, how incredible these conversations like. I really start to think and see how charlotte's um capabilities as a researcher. Dean: And uh, dean dean, I can't hear you. Dan: I'm trying to switch to my other uh headphones. But as long as you can hear me, can you hear me now? Dean: yeah, yeah, it's very good, okay good. Dan: Good, good good. Dean: I like this voice, though you know. Dan: It's got. Oh, really Okay, yeah, yeah, the baritone. Dean: Yeah, I mean you might create another version of yourself, you know which? Oh yeah, I should quick get on 11 Labs. I don't know if this would be your main course, but it would certainly be a nice seasoning. As a matter of fact, you could have on 11 Lab, you could go with them and you could have your normal voice as one of the partners and you could have this voice as the other partner. There you go, you could talk to each other. See, that makes a lot of sense right there. Yeah, it's so good. The reason the reason I'm saying this is I just had a whole chapter it is being done, I'll probably have it on tuesday, this being sunday of of one of the chapters of the book Casting Not Hiring, in two British voices, man and a woman, and it's charming, it's very charming. Dan: Really Wow. Dean: I really like it and they're more articulate. You know, brits, they invented the language, so I guess they're better at it. Yeah, that's what I really like about Charlotte's voice is the reassuring right, yeah, yeah, you get a sense that she's had proper upbringing. Dan: Mm-hmm, exactly, worldly wisdom. Well, certainly she's got command of the language yeah, the uh I was mentioning before I cut off there that uh, I was. I'm really coming to the realization how valuable charlotte is as a research partner. You, you know, a conversational, like exploration, like getting to the bottom of things, like I was. I've just fascinated how I told you last week that I, you know, reached the limit of our talk, you know capacity for a day and, but we had, we'd had over an hour conversation just going back and talking about, you know, the evolution of text, of words, um, and, and then we got up to the same. We got about halfway through uh, audio and uh, and then we got cut off. But I really like this framework of having her go back. I'm going to do the all four. I'm going to do audio and our text and audio and pictures and movies. You know, moving pictures, video, because there's there that's the order that we sort of evolved them and I think I think we don't know whether I guess we have pictures. First I think it was words, and then pictures, and then sound and then and then moving pictures. But you look at, I really I think I was on to something. Dean: You're talking about the ability to record and pass on From a communication standpoint. Dan: Yeah, and I'm kind of tracing. The first step is the capability to do it like the technology that allowed it, like the printing press. Okay, now we've had a capability, or once we had an alphabet and we had a unified way of doing it. That opened up for, uh, you know, I was going looking at the capability and then what was the kind of distribution of that? What was? How did that end up? You know, moving forward, how did we use that to advance? And then what were the? What were the business, you know, the capitalization of it going forward, who were the people who capitalized on? this it's a very interesting thing. That's why I think that where we are right now with AI, that we're probably at the stage of, you know, television 1950 and internet 1996, kind of thing, you know, and by over the next 25 years I think we're it's just going to be there. I mean, it's just it's going to be soaking in it. Dean: It's hard to know. I mean, there's some technologies that more or less come to an end, and I'll give you airliners. For example, the speed at which the fastest airliner can go today was already available in the 1960s the 707, the Boeing 707. Dan: Well, we've actually gone backwards because we had the Concorde in the 70s, you know. Dean: Yeah, but not widespread. That was just a novelty you know a novelty airline, but I mean in terms of general daily use, you know, I think we're probably a little lower. We're below the sound barrier. I suspect that some of the first airliners were breaking windows and everything like that and then they put in the law that you overlay and you cannot travel. I think it's around 550, maybe 550. I think sound barrier is somewhere early 600 miles an hour. I'm not quite sure what the exact number is, but we've not advanced. I mean they've advanced certainly in terms of the comfort and the safety. They've certainly advanced. I mean it's been. I think in the United States it goes back 16 years since they've had a crash. A crash, yeah, and you know what. Dan: I heard that the actual thing, the leading cause of death in airline travel, is missiles. That's it is. That's the thing. Over the last 10 years there have been more airliners shot down. Dean: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You don't want to be on a plane where you don't want to be in missile territory. You don't want to be on a plane where you don't want to be in missile territory. Dan: You don't want to be flying over missile territory. Dean: That's not good. No, do not get on that flight. Yeah, yeah Anyway, but I was just thinking about that. We were in Chicago for the week, came home on Friday night and you know I was on a 747, one of the last years that they were using 747s Wow, they're almost all cargo planes now. I think the only airline that I've noticed that's using still has A747 is Lufthansa. Oh, okay. Because we're at Toronto. They're all. They have the 380s. You know the huge. Dan: Yeah, they fly those to Australia, the A380. Dean: Well, yeah, this one is Emirates. Emirates their airline is a 380. But the only airline. You know that I noticed when we're departing from the terminal here in Toronto. The only one that I've seen is but they have in Chicago. There's a whole freight area. You know from freight area, Some days there's seven, seven 747s there, yeah, and they're a beautiful plane. I think, as beautifulness, beauty of planes goes to. 747 is my favorite. I think it's the most beautiful plane in any way. But they didn't go any faster, they didn't go any further. And you know our cars, you know the gas cars could do. They have the capability of doing 70, miles per gallon now, but they don't have to, they don't have to they have to, they have to, you know. So if they don't have to, they don't do it. You know all technology if they, if they don't have to do it. So it's an interesting idea. I mean, we're so used to technology being constantly open. But the big question is is there a customer for it? I mean like virtual reality, you know, was all the thing about five years ago. You had Mark Zuckerberg doing very, very. I think he will look back and say that that was a very embarrassing video. That I did the metaverse and everything else. It's just dropped like a stone. Dan: People just haven't bought into it even though the technology is. Dean: Don't like it. Dan: So my friend Ed Dale was here and he had the Apple, um, you know, the, the vision pro, uh, goggles or whatever. And so I got to, you know, try that and experience it. And it really is like uncanny how it feels, like you're completely immersed, you know and I and. I think that, for what it is, it is going to be amazing, but it's pretty clear that we're not nobody's like flocking to put on these big headgear, you know. Dean: You know why? Our favorite experiences with other people and it cuts you off from other people. It's a dehumanizing activity. Dan: Did you ever see the Lex Friedman podcast with Mark Zuckerberg in the metaverse? Dean: No, I didn't. Dan: It was a demo of the thing they were. It was kind of like uh, do you remember charlie rose? You remember the charlie rose? Sure, that's not the black curtain in the background, okay. Well, it was kind of set up like that, but mark and lex friedman were in completely different areas a a completely different you know, lex was in Austin or whatever and Mark was in California and they met in this you know metaverse environment with just a black background like that, and you could visibly see that Lex Friedman was a little bit like shaken by how real it seemed like, how it felt like he was really there and could reach out and touch him. You know, and you could really tell it was authentically awestruck by, by this technology you know, so I don't. Dean: I don't doubt that, but the yeah, but I don't want that feeling, I mean. Zoom has taken it as far as I really want to go with it. Dan: That's true, I agree 100%. Dean: I have no complaints with what Zoom isn't doing? Dan: Yeah, complaints with what Zoom? Dean: isn't doing yeah, yeah, it's. You know, it's very clear, you know they add little features like you can even heighten the portrait quality of yourself. That's fine, that's fine, but it's you know. You know I was thinking. The other day I was on a Zoom. I've been on a lot of Zoom calls in the last two weeks for different reasons and I just, you know, I said this is good. You know, I don't need anything particularly more than I'm getting. Dan: Right. Dean: So I wonder, if we get a point of technological saturation and you say I don't want any more technology, I just yeah, I want to squirrel it with a nut right? Dan: yeah, I think once I get more, the more I talk with Charlotte, the more it feels like a real collaboration. Dean: You know, like it feels, like you don't need a second. Dan: I don't need to see her or to, but you don't need a second. I don't need to see her or to, uh, I don't need. No, you don't, but you don't need a second person. Dean: You got, you got the one that'll get smarter absolutely yeah, exactly yeah, and so it's. Dan: I mean it's pretty, it's pretty amazing this whole uh, you know I was saying thinking back, like you know, the last 25 years we're 25 years into this, this hundred years, you know this millennia, and you know, looking because that's a real, you know, 2000 was not that long ago. When you look backwards at it, you know, and looking forward, it's pretty. Uh, I, that's, I'm trying to align myself to look more forward than uh than back right now and realize what it is like. I think. I think that through line, I think that the big four are going to be the thing. Words like text and pictures and sound and video, those are at the core. But all of those require on, they're just a conveyance for ideas, you know. Dean: Yeah. Yeah, it's very interesting because we have other senses, we have touch, we have taste, we have smell, but I don't see any movement at all. Dan: In the physical world, right exactly. Dean: Yeah, yeah, I don't see it that. I think we want to keep. You know, we want to keep mainland, we want to keep those things mainland. Dan: Yeah. Dean: And I think that. Dan: That's really. You know, if you think about the spirit of what we started, Welcome to Cloudlandia, for was really exploring that migration and thehabitation of the mainland and Cloudlandia. Dean: Yeah. Dan: Because so much of these things? Dean: But I think, and I'm just wondering, Harry and I'm not, making a statement. I'm just wondering whether each human has a unique nervous system and we have different preferences on how our nervous system interacts with different kinds of experiences. I think it's a very idiosyncratic world in the sense that everybody's up to something different. Dan: Mm-hmm. Dean: Yeah. Dan: And I think you're right. But that's where these self-awareness things, like knowing you're Colby and you're a working genius and you're Myers-Briggs and all these self-awareness things, are very valuable, and even more valuable when pairing for collaboration, realizing in a who-not-how world that there's so many we're connected to everybody, you know. Dean: Yeah, and we've got our purposes for interacting. You know I mean we have. You know I'm pretty extroverted when it comes to business, but I'm very, very introverted when it comes to personal life. Dan: I think I'd be the same thing. Dean: Yeah, yeah, and in other words, I really enjoy. We had, we were in Chicago and we had nine workshops in five days there and they were big workshops. They were you know each. We have a big, we have a big, huge room. Now we can technically we can put a hundred in. Now we can put a hundred person workshop. Oh, in Chicago, yeah. Dan: In Chicago yeah. Dean: We've taken over large amounts of the floor. I think there's just one small area of that floor that we don't have. It's a. It's a weird thing. It looks like some sort of deep state government building. We've never seen anyone in it and we've never seen anyone in it. But it's lit up and it's got an American flag and it's got some strange name that I don't know, and that's the only thing that's on the forest. It's not been known that a human actually came to the office there, anyway, but we've taken over 6,000 square feet, six more thousand. Oh wow, yeah, which is quite nice. Dan: That's pretty crazy. How's the studio project? Dean: coming Jim's starting, we had great, great difference of opinion on what the insurance is for it. Oh, that's a problem Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out claims. That's not their business model, Anyway. So our team, two of our team members, Mitch and Alex great, great people. They got the evidence of the original designer of the studio. They got the evidence of the original owner of the studio and how much he paid. They got the specifications. They brought in a third person, Third person. They got all this. These people all had records and we brought it to the insurance company. You know and you know what it, what it was valued at, and I think it's 2000, I think it was in 2000 that it was created. It was rated the number one post-production studio in Canada in the year 2000. Dan: Wow. Dean: Yeah, you know and everything. So they you know. And then, strangely enough, the insurance company said well, you got to get a public adjuster. We got a public adjuster and he had been in coach for 20 years. He favors us. Uh-huh, well, that's great, he favors us. Dan: He favors us? Dean: Yeah, Exactly yeah, but the first check is they give the checks out in the free. You know, there's a first check, there's a middle check and there's a final check. So, but I think we'll have complete studios by october, october, november that's which will be great yeah, yeah, we should be great. Yeah, you know, uh, the interesting thing. Here's a thought for you, and I'm not sure it's the topic for today. Um, uh, it has to do with how technology doesn't develop wisdom, doesn't develop. The use of technology doesn't develop wisdom. It develops power, it develops control, it develops ambition, but it doesn't develop wisdom. And I think the reason is because wisdom is only developed over time. Dan: Yes, and that wisdom is yeah, I think from real experience. Dean: And wisdom is about what's always going to be true, and technology isn't about what's always going to be true. It's about what's next. It's not about what's always the same they're actually opposed. Technology and wisdom are Well, they're not opposed. They operate in different worlds. Dan: Yeah, it feels like wisdom is based on experience, right? Dean: Yeah, which happens over time. Dan: Mm-hmm. Yeah, which happens over time. Yeah, yeah, because it's not theoretical at that. I think it's got to be experiential. Dean: Yeah. Yeah, it's very interesting. I heard a great quote. I don't know who it was. It might be a philosopher by the name of William James and his definition of reality, you know what his definition of reality is no, I don't, it's a great definition. Reality is that which, if you don't believe in it, still exists. Dan: Oh yeah, that's exactly right, and that's the kind of things that just because you don't know it, you know that's exactly right and that's what you know. Dean: That's the kind of things that, just because you don't know it, you know that doesn't mean it doesn't mean it can't bite you, but when, when you get hit by it, then that then, you've big day, you know, and yeah, and you know, with Trump. He said he's got 100 executive orders For day one. Yeah, and the only question is you know, inauguration, does day one start the moment he's sworn in, is it? Does it start the moment he's? Dan: sworn in. Is it? Does it start the day he's sworn in? Dean: Yeah. Dan: Yeah, okay, so let's see yeah. Dean: The moment the Chief Justice. You know he finishes the oath. He finishes the oath, he's the president and Joe's officially on the beach. Dan: Right yeah, shady acres. Dean: Right, exactly, yeah, yeah, yeah, you know what's happened this past week, since we actually we haven't talked for two weeks but the fires in Los Angeles. I think this in political affairs and I think it is because it's the first time that the newest 10,000 homeless people in Los Angeles are rich. Dan: Oh man, yeah, I've heard Adam Carolla was talking about that. There's going to be a red wave that comes over California now because all these, the Democratic elite, which would be all of those people who live on those oceanfront homes and all that they were so rallying. No, they were so rallying to be on the side of regulation so that people couldn't build around them, and they made it so. You know, now that they've got theirs, they made it very, very difficult for other people to eclipse them or to do the things, eclipse them or to do the things, and they're gonna run straight into the wall of All these regulations when they start to rebuild what they had. Dean: You know it's gonna be years and years of going through regulation and Coastal Commission and you know all that to get approvals yeah, and they're going to be frustrated with that whole thing, but I've been hearing that there was some arson involved. Somebody's been. Well, yeah, you know, have you ever seen or heard of Michael Schellenberger? He's really, he's great. He's a scientist who's gone public. You know, he's sort of a public intellectual now, but he was, and he was very much on the left and very much with the global warming people, much with the global warming people. Then he began to realize so much of the global warming movement is really an attempt. Exactly what you said about the California rich. These are rich people who don't want the rest of the world to get rich. The way you keep them from not getting rich is you don't give them access to energy. And you've got your energy and you can pay for more, but they don't have energy. So you prevent them. And so he became a big fan of nuclear power. He said, you know, the best thing we can do so that people can catch up quickly is we should get nuclear in, because they may be a place where there really isn't easy access to oil, gas and coal, africa being, you know, africa being a place and, uh, he just has gradually just gone deeper and deeper into actual reality and now he's completely you know, he's completely against the you know, against the people who want to get rid of fossil fuels. Dan: But, anyway. Dean: he said what nobody wants to touch with a 10 foot pole in California is that in addition to rich people, there were homeless people in the Pacific Palisades and he said, and a lot of them are meth addicts. And he said meth addicts' favorite activity is to set fires. He says different drugs have different. In other words, you take heroin and you want to do this, you take cocaine. You want to do this With methamphetamines. What you want to do is you want to set fires. So he said and nobody wants to talk about the homeless meth addicts who are starting fires that burn down 10,000 homes. You know, because they're actually welcome in Los Angeles. They actually get government benefits. Yeah, there's a lot of what they stand for that collides with reality. Dan: A lot of what they stand for that collides with reality. Yeah, it is going to be crazy. I think. Dean: Gavin should forget it. I think Gavin should forget about the presidency. Dan: Oh man, yeah, they're going to have him. He's going to have some explaining to do. Dean: Yeah, you do. Yeah, you know. Yeah, you know. It was very interesting. When I got out of the Army, which was 1967, may of 1967, I was in Korea and they put us on a big plane, they flew us to Seattle and they discharged us in Seattle. So, and but you had money to get home. You know, they gave you, you know, your discharge money. So I had a brother who was teaching at the University of San Francisco and and, and so I went down and I visited with him. He was a philosophy teacher, dead now, and so it was 1967. And he said there's this neat part of the city I want to take you to, and it was Haight-Ashbury. And it was right in the beginning of that movement, the hippie movement, and I had just been in the army for two years, so there was a collision of daily discipline there and anyway. But we were walking down the street and I said what's that smell? Weird smell. He says, oh yeah, you want to try some marijuana. Well, what you saw with was what you saw last week with the fires is the philosophy of hippieism moved into government control over a period of 60 years. It ends up with fires where there's no water in the reservoirs yeah, that's. Dan: Yeah, I mean so many uh cascading, so many cascading problems. Right, that came yeah when you think about all the um, all the other things, it's crazy. Yeah, yeah, all the factors that had to go into it, yeah, it's so. This is what the Internet, you know, this, this whole thing now is so many, like all the conspiracy theories now about all of these. Every time, anything you know, there's always the that they were artificially. You know there's some scientists talking about how the barometric pressure has been artificially low for yeah period. Dean: Yeah well, yeah, it's very, it's very interesting how energy you know, just energy plays into every other discussion. You know, just to have the power to do what you want to do. That day is a central human issue and and who you do it with and what you have. You know what, what it is that you can do, and you know and I was having a conversation I was in Chicago for the week and there was a lot of lunch times where other clients not. I had just the one workshop, but there were eight other workshops. So people would come into the cafe for lunch and they'd say, if you had to name three things that Trump's going to emphasize over the next four years, what do you think they would be? And I said energy, energy, energy. Dan: Yeah. Dean: Three things just energy. Drill drill drill, Drill, drill, drill. Yeah, and Greenland, Canada and Panama. Dan: Take them over. Dean: Yeah exactly hey Canada we're out of wood Get out. Yeah, things are strange up here. Dan: Yeah, what's the what's the Well, he's gone. Dean: But he's still around for two months but he resigned. He's resigned as prime minister, he's resigning as party leader and I think it was on Wednesday he said he's not running in the election, so he's out as a. And then he'll go to Harvard because that's where all the liberal failures go. They become professors at Harvard I suspect, I suspect, yeah, or he may just go back to Whistler and he'll be a snowboard instructor, wouldn't that? Dan: be cool. Dean: Or he may just go back to. Dan: Whistler, and he'll be a snowboard instructor. Dean: That'd be kind of cool, wouldn't that be cool? Get the former prime minister as your snowboard instructor. Dan: Yeah, really Exactly yeah, is there. I don't even know, is he rich? Is their family? Dean: rich. Well, I think it's a trust fund. I mean, his dad didn't work. His dad was in politics Not as you and I would recognize work, but it was gas station. Trudeau had a lot of gas station, which is ironic. Dan: It is kind of ironic, isn't it yeah? Dean: Yeah, but I don't think he has that much. You know, I saw some figures. Maybe he's got a couple of million, which which you know, probably what was available, that you know those trust funds, they don't perpetuate themselves, right, yeah, but he's. Yeah, there's just two people are running. That's the woman who knifed him. You know Christia Freeland. She's just two people running. That's the woman who knifed him. You know, chrystia Freeland, she's running. And then the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the former governor Bank of England. He was both governor and he's really very much of a wackadoodle intellectual, really believes that people have too much freedom. We have to restrict freedom and we have to redesign. Davos is sort of a Davos world economic firm. We've got ours, you don't get ours. We've got ours, you don't get ours. We've got ours, you don't get yours. Strange man, very strange man. She's a strange woman. Dan: Is it pretty much green lights for Polyev right now? Dean: Yeah, he's not doing anything to ruin his chances either. He's actually. He had a great interview with jordan peterson about two weeks ago. He was very, very impressive. Dan: I'm very impressed about it yeah, yeah oh, that's great, yeah, oh did you go to? This Christmas party, by the way. Dean: No, I didn't. They didn't follow through, Uh-oh. So you know, I'm just going to sit in this chair and wait, you know. Dan: Yeah, exactly. Dean: I mean, he'll be told, you know that you've missed a huge opportunity here. You know Mm-hmm. Dan: Yes, exactly, yeah, oh man, yeah, that's funny, dan, I'm. You know, after four years of being no further, I didn't go north of I-4, I'm in this crazy little vortex of travel right now coming up. I was just in Longboat Key. I was speaking at JJ Virgin's Mindshare Summit, so I was there Wednesday till yesterday and then I'm home. I got hit with this cold. I think it was like a. You know, whenever you're in a group of people in a big thing, it's always it becomes a super spreader kind of event. You know, there's a lot of people with this kind of event, there's a lot of people with this kind of lung gunk thing going around. So I ended up getting it. But I've got now until Tuesday to get better. Then I'm going to speak at Paris Lampropolis here in Orlando and then I go to Miami for Giovanni Marseco's event the following week, and then I've got my Breakthrough Blueprint in Orlando the week after that and then Scottsdale for FreeZone the week after that. Every week, the number of nights in my own bed is we're going to Scottsdale or not Scottsdale, but week after next. Dean: I'll be here next Sunday, Then I go on Tuesday. We go to Phoenix and we'll be at Carefree. Dan: What's Carefree? Oh, that's where. Dean: No, no, carefree is north and east of Scottsdale in Phoenix yeah. And so we're at Richard Rossi's. Dan: Da. Dean: Vinci 50. Then we take off for there, we drive to Tucson for Canyon Ranch, we drive back and we have the summit, we have the Free Zone Summit Then, then we have 100K, and then we have 100K. So that's it. So are you coming to the summit too? I am of course, and what I'm doing this time is I have three speakers in the morning and three speakers in the afternoon, and I have Stephen Poulter, Leslie Fall and Sonny Kalia, and then in the afternoon I have Charlie Epstein, Chris Johnson and Steve Crine. I have Charlie. Epstein, chris Johnson and Steve Crang. And what I did is I did a triple play on the three in the morning, three in the afternoon. I did a triple play and then I'm talking to each of them, the names of the three speakers, three columns, and then you write down what you got from these three columns, right? And then you get your three insights and then you talk in the morning in groups and then you do the same thing in the afternoon. I think that would be neat, nice. Dan: Very nice. It's always a good time, always a great event. Yeah, two parties. Dean: Yep, we have sort of a party every night with Richard. It's about three parties Two parties with me and then probably two parties with Joe so seven parties, seven parties, seven parties, yeah, yeah Well. I hope your editor. Can, you know, modulate your voice delivery? Dan: I'm so sorry, yeah, exactly. Dean: Yeah, you got it. What a couple days you've been with it. Dan: Yeah, yesterday was like peak I can already feel that you know surrounded by doctors at JJ's thing. So I got some. Dean: Where's? Dan: Lawn. Dean: Boat Tea. Dan: Sarasota. Dean: Oh, okay. Dan: Yeah, it's just an island right off of Sarasota and so, you know, surrounded by doctors, and so I got some glutathione and vitamin C. I got some glutathione and vitamin C and some. Then I got home and JJ's team had sent some bone broth and some you know, some echinacea tea and all the little care package for nipping it in the bud and a Z-Pak for I've got a great pancake power pancake recipe that I created. Dean: I actually created this. You're talking to an originator. Dan: It's a world premiere here. Dean: Yeah, so you take about six ounces of egg white Egg white, okay and you put it in a blender, and then you take about a handful of walnuts. You put it in a blender and then you take about a handful of walnuts, you put it in and you take a full scoop of bone broth and put it in. Then you just take a little bit of oatmeal, just give it a little bit of starch, then a little bit of salt, then you veggie mix it, veggie mix it, you know. Then you put it in a pie pan, okay. And then you put frozen raspberries oh yeah, raspberries, bacon bits and onions. Raspberries and bacon bits Yep, yep, okay, yep, yep, bacon bits makes everything taste better. Yep, okay yeah, bacon bits makes everything taste better. Dan: It really does. I don't think about that with the raspberries, but that's great. Dean: Yeah, I told people in the coach, you know the triple play. I said triple play is my bacon tool. I said whatever other, whatever other tool you did, you do the triple play and it's like adding bacon to it. Adding bacon, that's the best. Yeah, it makes it good. And then you just put it in the microwave for five and a half minutes and it comes out as a really nice pancake. Oh, that's great. Yeah, and it's protein. I call it my protein pie, protein pie. Dan: That's great. Dan Sullivan's triple play protein pie. Yeah, yeah, the recipe recipe cards handed out. Will they show up in the breakfast buffet? Dean: No, no, it's, you know, I think it's. I think it takes a developed taste, you know, to get it, you know, but it's got a lot of protein. It's got, you know, egg white in the protein. The bone broth has a ton of protein in it, yeah, so it's good. Yeah, I'm down. Good, yeah, I'm at, probably since I was 20, maybe in the Army my present weight. I'm probably down there and I got about another 10 to go, and then it's my linebacker weight when I was in high school. Dan: Oh, that's great. Dean: Going back to linebacker Mm-hmm. Dan: Well, you'll have those new young teenage knees that you'll be able to suit up One of them. Dean: One of them anyway. Dan: If your Cleveland Browns need you. Yeah, if your. Dean: Cleveland Browns need you. Yeah, well, if you want to play professional football, play for the Browns, because you always get January off. That's funny. Yeah, kansas City yesterday, you know it was about zero. You know I mean boy, oh boy. You know you got to you know, I mean. Did Kansas City win yesterday? Yeah, they won, you know, 23, 23-14, something like that, you know. And you know they're just smarter. You know, it's not even that they're better athletes. I think their coach is just smarter and everything like that. Jim, I watch. I'm more interested in college football than I am. Ohio State and Notre Dame, Two historically classical. Dan: I've really gotten into Colorado football because just watching what Deion Sanders has done in two seasons basically went from the last worst team in college football. Yeah To a good one to a good yeah To nine and three and a bowl game, and you know, and Travis Hunter won the Heisman and they could potentially have the number one and two draft picks in the NFL this year. Dean: You know that's, that's something. Did he get both? Dan: of them draft picks in the NFL. This year that's something. Dean: Did he get both of them? I know he got his son because his son came with him. Was he a transfer Hunter? I don't know if he was a transfer. Dan: He brought him from Jackson State because before, before dion went to uh colorado, he spent three years in yeah at jackson state and turned that whole program around yeah and then came uh and now she was talking to the cowboys this this week I. I don't know whether he is or that's. Uh, I mean, they're everybody's speculating that. That's true. I don't know whether he is or that's. I mean everybody's speculating that that's true, I don't know how I feel about that Like I think it would be interesting. You know I'm rooting that he stays at Colorado and builds an empire, you know, yeah. Dean: Of course you know it used to screw the athletes because the coach, would you know, drop them. They would come to the university and then they would leave. Dan: That's what I mean, that's what? Dean: I think that he would no, but now they have the transfer portal, so you know if the university, yeah, but still I think it would leave a lot of. Dan: I think it would leave a really bad taste in people's mouths if he, if he left now. Dean: Yeah. Dan: Yeah, Like. Dean: I think, that would. Dan: I would. I wouldn't feel good about what about that either, cause I think about all the people that he's brought there with promises. You know, like everybody's joint he's, he's building momentum. All these top recruits are coming there because of him, yeah, and now you know, if he leaves, that's just. You know that. That's too. I don't know. I don't feel good about that, I don't feel good. Dean: Yeah, yeah, yeah, anyway, I've got, I got a jump, I've got. Jeff. We're deep into the writing of the book we have to chat for about 10 minutes. Dan: I'm happy. Dean: I hope your cold goes away. I'll be here in Toronto next week and I'll call and we'll see each other. We'll see each other within the next couple of weeks. Dan: That's exactly right Okay. Dean: Okay, bye, talk to you soon. Bye.
Language Failure: How Words Shape Our RealityA Long-Form Summary of the PodcastOpening Hook: The Illusion of RealityImagine walking through downtown San Francisco. On your phone, you see pristine streets and a bustling city. But when you look up, the reality is starkly different—crumbling infrastructure, vacant storefronts, and widespread urban decay. This isn't an episode of Black Mirror; it's what happened in 2023 when San Francisco created a Potemkin village—a facade meant to impress foreign dignitaries while hiding the city's deeper issues.This phenomenon isn't just about urban aesthetics; it signals something deeper: the failure of language to accurately reflect reality. When we manipulate language, we manipulate perception, and when perception detaches from truth, society begins to collapse.The San Francisco example proves that we know what a functional city looks like—we can manufacture an illusion of order when necessary—but we don't maintain it. Instead, we mask the problem rather than solving it. This mirrors the broader theme of the podcast: language, like infrastructure, is breaking down, and instead of repairing it, we disguise its failure with illusions.The Problem: The Breakdown of RealityWhat happens when our words and perceptions no longer match reality?We see this in:Infrastructure decay: Baltimore's bridge collapse, failing subway systems, and deteriorating roads.Media and distraction: Instead of addressing problems, we divert our attention—scrolling through TikTok instead of engaging with real-world issues.Social and political discourse: Headlines inflame emotions, but we rarely engage with the underlying facts.We live in a loop of anxiety and escape, toggling between existential threats and dopamine-fueled distractions. This is not just modern life—it's a historical pattern that has preceded societal collapse before.Historical Warning Signs: Orwell, Cuenco, and the Soviet UnionMost people remember 1984 for its themes of surveillance and thought control. But Orwell also illustrated a world where physical reality itself was decaying—the elevators don't work, the food rations shrink, and yet, the Party insists everything is improving.Michael Cuenco builds on this idea in his 2021 essay, Victory Is Not Possible, arguing that today's culture wars function in the same way as Orwell's language control. The ruling elite isn't just lying—it's actively shrinking language, making dissent impossible because people lack the vocabulary to express opposition.The Soviet Union offers another chilling parallel. Adam Curtis's documentary, HyperNormalisation, explores how, in the USSR's final years, everyone knew the official narrative was false—record-breaking harvests were announced while store shelves were empty. But rather than resist, people played along, creating a world where fantasy replaced reality.The result? A world where illusions become more real than facts. People, exhausted by the gap between truth and propaganda, retreated into cynicism, vodka, and pop culture.Today, we are experiencing a similar detachment from reality—not through authoritarian control, but through semantic drift, emotional manipulation, and digital distractions.The Mechanism: How Language Becomes UntetheredHow does language lose its connection to reality? Through concept creep and false logic.Concept Creep (Semantic Drift)Words broaden in meaning, diluting their original precision.Example: Trauma once meant a physical wound (1850s), but by 1895, William James and Freud extended it to psychological wounds. Today, it describes any discomfort—I was traumatized by cold coffee.Hyperbole and Semantic InflationOveruse weakens terms: Abuse now includes neglect, fascism is applied to trivial disagreements, bullying can refer to mere criticism.Example: Courage once meant facing real danger, but now can mean avoiding offense.Semantic InversionWords flip in meaning—what was once good can become bad and vice versa.Example: Freedom increasingly means freedom from reality and consequences rather than actual agency.When words become unanchored from objective meaning, they create ideological vacuums—leaving us drifting like astronauts in space, weightless, disconnected, and incapable of grappling with reality.The Ladder of False Logic: How We Convince Ourselves of LiesThe Ladder of Inference, or false logic, explains how we trick ourselves into believing distorted realities:Observable Facts – A politician says, Education is declining despite higher spending.Selected Data – You focus on a single phrase that confirms your bias.Interpretation – This sounds like something a dictator would say.Assumption – They must have a hidden agenda.Conclusion – They're trying to destroy public education.Belief – They are evil and must be stopped.Action – Post an outraged rant online, comparing them to Hitler.Each step takes you further from reality—until your worldview becomes purely ideological, detached from objective facts.At this point, we are radicals—not because of some external manipulation, but because we self-radicalized through unchecked emotional reasoning.The Philosophical Root: Kant's Detachment from RealityMatthew Crawford critiques Immanuel Kant, arguing that his philosophy set the stage for modern detachment from reality.Kant suggested true freedom means acting according to self-imposed rational laws, independent of external influences.This led to a view of reality as subjective—where internal logic overrides external truth.Instead of grounding ourselves in the real world, we live in a mental space station, floating free but becoming increasingly weak and incapable of dealing with reality.Astronauts in zero gravity may enjoy their detachment, but their bones and muscles deteriorate. Likewise, the more detached we are from reality, the weaker our ability to engage with it becomes.Contemporary Crisis: The Illusion EconomyModern financial markets and politics operate not on productivity or value, but on perception and emotion.Stocks rise and fall based on optimism, not output.Presidential campaigns are waged on vibes, not policy.Social movements focus on interpretations rather than material outcomes.In San Francisco, the government hid homelessness rather than solving it. This is how language manipulation replaces action.When words detach from material reality, truth becomes contingent, and society drifts into ideological orbit.The Challenge of Re-Entry: Reclaiming RealityHow do we return from orbit and reconnect words with truth?Verify personally – Base beliefs on direct observation, not media narratives.Reality-check assumptions – Climb down the ladder of inference before reacting.Resist semantic drift – Demand precision in language.Closing: The Fight for TruthWe are at a turning point. We can either continue floating in ideological orbit, or we can re-enter reality.Re-entry is painful. It requires effort, humility, and engagement with the material world—but it's necessary.In the next episode, we'll explore specific tools for resisting semantic drift and maintaining a clear connection to reality.Until then, stay grounded.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comRoss is a writer and a dear old colleague, back when we were both bloggers at The Atlantic. Since then he's been a columnist at the New York Times — and, in my mind, he's the best columnist in the country. The author of many books, including Grand New Party and The Decadent Society, his new one is Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious (which you can pre-order now). So in this podcast, I play — literally — Devil's advocate. Forgive me for getting stuck on the meaning of the universe in the first 20 minutes or so. It picks up after that.For two clips of our convo — on the difference between proselytizing and evangelizing, and the “hallucinations of the sane” — see our YouTube page.Other topics: Creation; the improbable parameters of the Big Bang; the “fine-tuning” argument I cannot understand; extraterrestrial life; Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; Hitch; the atheist/materialist view; the multiverse; quantum physics; consciousness; John von Neumann; Isaac Newton; human evolution; tribal survival; the exponential unity of global knowledge; Stephen Barr's Modern Physics and Ancient Faith; the substack Bentham's Bulldog; why humans wonder; miracles; Sebastian Junger and near-death experiences; the scientific method; William James; religious individualists; cults; Vatican II; Pope Francis; the sex-abuse crisis in the Church; suffering and theodicy; Lyme Disease; the AIDS crisis; Jesus and the Resurrection; Peter J Williams' Can We Trust the Gospels?; and the natural selection of religions.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Jon Rauch on the tribalism of white evangelicals; Evan Wolfson on the history of marriage equality, Yoni Appelbaum on how America stopped building things, Chris Caldwell on the political shifts in Europe, Nick Denton on the evolution of new media, Francis Collins on faith and science, and Mike White of White Lotus fame. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
A new Craftwork episode featuring a conversation with John Kaag, a philosopher and author who is also now the co-founder and chief creative officer of Rebind, a company that creates interactive reading experiences using AI and featuring leading authors and scholars like Margaret Atwood, Clancy Martin, John Banville, Roxane Gay, Deepak Chopra, and others. Kaag is professor of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Kaag specializes in American philosophy and is the Donohue Professor of Ethics and the Arts at UMass Lowell, External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute and Advisor at Outlier.org. In February 2023, Kaag delivered the lecture "William James and the Sick Soul" for Harvard Divinity School's William James Lectures on Religious Experience series. He lives in Carlisle, MA with his wife, Kathleen, and their two children. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Subscribe to Brad Listi's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Wood. Dr. Wendy Wood is Provost Professor of Psychology and Business at the University of Southern California, where she teaches classes on behavior change. Given her research over the past 30 years, she is widely considered the world scientific expert on habit formation and change. She has published over 100 articles, and her research has been supported by Proctor & Gamble, National Science Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, and the Radcliffe Institute. She is the author of Good Habits, Bad Habits. Dr. Wood is a popular speaker at scientific conferences and with a broad range of professional groups. In 2018, she gave the inaugural address in Paris for the Sorbonne-INSEAD Distinguished Chair in Behavioral Science. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Washington Post, on radio shows like Freakanomics, and in podcasts like the People's Pharmacy. In this episode, we cover the science behind our habits and how they influence our daily behaviors. Wendy highlights the significant role of the non-conscious brain and the habit part of our brain that drives much of what we do without our conscious awareness. We also explore the differences between habits and one-off decisions driven by willpower, the process of habit formation through repetition and rewards, and the concept of ideomotor action introduced by William James. This episode touches on the introspection illusion, the critical role of environmental context in shaping our habits, and practical strategies for forming and disrupting habits. Join us for this masterclass on habits! Dr. Wendy Wood's Website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/wendy-wood/ - Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/ Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesagood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99 Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:37) Tool: The Power of Habits vs. Willpower (06:38) Tool: The Role of Environment in Habit Formation (10:51) Tip: Defining and Recognizing Habits (12:11) Tip: The Introspection Illusion (14:43) Tip: Situational Control vs. Self Control (20:16) Tool: Context and Habit Formation (23:47) Tip: Debunking Habit Formation Myths (25:25) Technique: The Importance of Immediate Rewards (27:52) Conclusion
¡Bienvenidos a La Teoría de la Mente, el podcast donde exploramos los rincones más profundos de nuestra psicología para entendernos y crecer como personas! En este episodio en directo, nos adentramos en la importancia de la autoestima, esa fuerza interna que puede ser nuestro mayor impulso… o nuestra mayor limitación. Comenzamos con una historia que te hará reflexionar: la metáfora del elefante y la estaca, un relato que revela cómo nuestras creencias limitantes nos atan y nos impiden avanzar. ¿Cuántas veces te has sentido como ese elefante? Acompañados de nuestros invitados especiales: Alberto, psicólogo y experto en desarrollo personal, quien nos ayudará a entender qué es realmente la autoestima desde un punto de vista psicológico. Lucía, psicologa de AMADAG, que nos compartirá herramientas prácticas para cuidarla y fortalecerla en el día a día. En este fascinante recorrido, trataremos temas como: ¿Qué es la autoestima y por qué es tan importante? Desentrañamos las claves de Nathaniel Branden, William James y otros grandes pensadores. ¿La autoestima cambia con el tiempo? Reflexionamos sobre cómo fluctúa según el contexto, las relaciones y nuestras emociones. El diálogo interno: Aprende a identificar y transformar esa "voz interior" que a veces nos limita. ️ Consejos prácticos para fortalecer tu autoestima: Ejercicios sencillos y efectivos para conectar contigo mismo/a, reconocer tus fortalezas y desarrollar tu confianza personal. Además, plantearemos preguntas clave para reflexionar, como: ¿Quién soy realmente? ¿Qué me impide ser mi yo auténtico? ¿Qué creencias me están frenando? La autoestima es mucho más que un concepto; es un sistema dinámico que afecta todas las áreas de nuestra vida, desde nuestras decisiones hasta nuestras relaciones. Este episodio es una invitación a romper con esas cadenas invisibles, conocerte mejor y comenzar a construir una autoestima sana y sólida. No te lo pierdas y acompáñanos en este viaje hacia el autoconocimiento. ¡Tu mejor versión está más cerca de lo que crees! Enlaces importantes Nuestra escuela de ansiedad: www.escuelaansiedad.com Nuestro nuevo libro: www.elmapadelaansiedad.com ✨ Visita nuestra página web: www.amadag.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Asociacion.Agorafobia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amadag.psico/ YouTube Amadag TV: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC22fPGPhEhgiXCM7PGl68rw autoestima, autoconocimiento, creencias limitantes, diálogo interno, Nathaniel Branden, William James, desarrollo personal, coaching emocional, mindfulness, confianza, autoestima dinámica, psicología, bienestar emocional, crecimiento personal, identidad, resiliencia, felicidad, valores, autoeficacia, respeto propio, prácticas diarias, autocrítica, fortalezas personales, transformación personal, salud mental. Hashtags #Autoestima #DesarrolloPersonal #CrecimientoEmocional #Psicología #Mindfulness #Bienestar
If it were up to Agnes Callard, she would be having a lot more philosophical encounters in her life. But conversational norms lean towards agreeability, surface-level interactions, and, in some contexts, a polarizing battlefield of ideologies that is near impossible to penetrate. Her preference is for the Socratic Method of inquiry that requires participants to embody specific roles (believing truths vs avoiding falsehoods), with specific rules to follow, and committing to the possibility of having one's beliefs or skepticism radically transformed. This allows for the prospect of overcoming blind spots and co-creating knowledge in a collaborative fashion where one thinks with someone rather than thinking for someone. Socratic inquiry doesn't just happen, so Callard wrote a book called Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life explaining the process in great detail. She even created an entirely new ethical framework arguing that striving for knowledge is a moral imperative per Socrates' aphorism "the unexamined life is not worth living." Callard argues in her book that while achieving knowledge requires following the two rules of believing truths and avoiding falsehoods, it's impossible for one person to follow both rules simultaneously. To do so requires a collaborative and dialectical process like the Socratic Method. She cites William James' 1896 The Will to Believe as the source of the insight that believing truths and avoiding falsehoods are apparently two different mutually-exclusive algorithms: We must know the truth; and we must avoiderror,—these are our first and great commandments as would-be knowers; but they are not two ways of stating an identical commandment, they are two separable laws. James, W. (1907). The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy. page 17. Longmans Green and Co. For a quick 5-minute overview on why believing truths and avoiding falsehoods are two separate algorithms requiring a dialectical process, check out this short 5-minute video where Callard explains the crux of the Socratic Method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yjjYq-Z-z0 It's not immediately obvious to me that the path towards knowledge requires believing truths and avoiding falsehoods, or that it would be impossible for one person to commit to both. If Callard is right, the path towards knowledge requires a collaborative and deliberative process similar to the path towards justice where the prosecution prosecutes the guilty and the defense acquits the innocent. Once again, a lawyer cannot represent both sides, however, in this instance, the debate is mediated by a judge with an independent jury deciding the verdict. Callard contends that pure Socratic Inquiry needs no moderator as long as both parties are open-minded enough to have their blind spots challenged and potentially be radically transformed. What it does require is a good faith commitment to work collaboratively with a certain amount of epistemic humility. This underlying dialectical nature of knowledge applies in many and varied contexts, especially around conversations focusing on "What is Truth?" or "What is Reality?" Close listeners to the Voices of VR podcast have heard me mention this tension between "believing truths" vs "avoiding falsehoods" in at least a dozen podcasts going back to November 2019 (#846, 860, 912, 927, 932, 959, 971, 1055, 1092, 1144, 1147, & 1353). Dialectical polarities are a core pillar of my experiential design framework, and I've been seeing more immersive stories and experiences use the principles of the Socratic Method as a core mechanic. See my interviews about Horizon (one-on-one Socratic dialogue with an immersive theatre actor within a speculative futures context), Mandala (group Socratic dialectic about philosophical ideas), and The Collider (asymmetrical two-person experience about power and boundaries where one person embodies power-over dynamics with the other embodying power-unde...
durée : 00:58:15 - Avec philosophie - par : Géraldine Muhlmann, Antoine Ravon - Le pragmatisme évalue les idées selon leurs effets pratiques, en rejetant les spéculations sur l'au-delà de l'expérience. Cependant, William James s'est intéressé à Dieu, laissant place à une dimension métaphysique dans ce courant. - réalisation : Riyad Cairat - invités : Stéphane Madelrieux Professeur de philosophie à l'Université Jean Moulin-Lyon 3, auteur d'ouvrages consacrés à certaines grandes figures de la philosophie pragmatiste américaine telles que William James et John Dewey. ; Didier Debaise Chercheur au Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS), et enseignant en philosophie contemporaine à l'Université Libre de Bruxelles
The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. - William James / separating ourselves from our thoughts / yoga means choosing what goes on in my mind / pushing out low level thinking with ritual / the average person has 60,000 thoughts a day 45,000 of those thoughts are negative / only love moves Krishna / the guru does not manufacture a new process / making the ritual more effective through regularity and focus / are senses are only able to pick up crummy, low level energy / there's a whole little city going on inside a cell / Raghu's survivalist experiments SB 8.16.22-24 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages
In this episode, I got to talk with Simon Critchley about his new book Mysticism. We delve into Critchley's journey towards exploring mysticism, his reflections on modernity, and his discussions on key figures like William James, Julian of Norwich, and Meister Eckhart. We also discuss the importance of reading and understanding mystical texts, the role of prayer, and how modernity has impacted our perception of faith and spirituality. His engagement with mysticism beyond the confessional boundaries in which it so often emerges makes the topic and the book a timely reflection for our contemporary spiritual crisis. Simon Critchley has written over twenty books, including studies of Greek tragedy, David Bowie, football, suicide, Shakespeare, how philosophers die, and a novella. He is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York and a Director of the Onassis Foundation. As co-editor of The Stone at the New York Times, Critchley showed that philosophy plays a vital role in the public realm. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube _____________________ This DECEMBER, we will be exploring the 'Theologians of Crisis' in our online Advent class - Breaking into the Broken World. Join us to learn about Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rudolph Bultmann as we explore their thoughts and timely reflections in their Advent/Christmas sermons. Join my Substack - Process This! Join our class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought. Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer's House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HERE Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Joe interviews Dr. Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes: philosopher, lecturer at the University of Exeter, co-director of the Breaking Convention conference, and author who most recently co-edited Philosophy and Psychedelics: Frameworks for Exceptional Experience. He discusses how the work of William James and an early psilocybin experience led him to an interest in philosophy and psychedelics, and he dives deep into several philosophical concepts: panpsychism, pantheism, ethical pluralism, teleology, process theology, Whitehead's fallacy of misplaced concreteness, and more. He believes that science has lost touch with metaphysics – the branch of philosophy that examines the basic structure of reality – and that studying metaphysics will lead to more beneficial experiences with the non-ordinary: If you can understand and frame the experience, you'll have a much better chance of being able to integrate its lessons. He discusses: The complexity of ethics and the need to ask more philosophical questions His book, Neo-Nihilism, which argued that there are no shared objective morals The West's' obsession with scientism and believing only what can be reducible to matter: Is science honest if it ignores the ineffable? The connections between philosophical frameworks and religion: Would studying comparative religion help us better understand each other? The need for more experiential research and more! Sjöstedt-Hughes is the co-lead on Exeter's 12-month postgraduate certificate course, “Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture,” and is finalizing his next book, a manual on psychedelics and metaphysics. For links, head to the show notes page.
In the second episode of our "Shook by a Book" series, Kelly connects with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and bestselling author Charles Duhigg about a century-old book assigned to him in college which influenced his thinking and life choices. Charles is the author of Supercommunicators, and The Power of Habit. (He and Kelly actually share the same editor at Random House.) This book Charlie picked, William James's The Varieties of Religious Experience, gets at the psychological need for religion, the power of choice and how context influences our behavior. It also serves as a springboard for Kelly and Charlie to go deep on their careers, families and life decisions.Special thanks to The Teagle Foundation for their generous support of this series. This episode was recorded at the Aspen Ideas Festival.