Politics of Being’s Post

Here's a new resource page in my Substack, with links to 20 lectures in both video and podcast formats covering all the key ideas from three of Plutarch's works: How To Tell A Flatterer From A Friend On Having Many Friends On Controlling Anger https://lnkd.in/gJtG--Ax

Enjoying this set of podcasts, and this epi is very good. It's about Byung-Chul Han's perspectives of how society is changing. Have a listen? https://lnkd.in/gUkAWA7G

This was a fascinating, occasionally intense, and quite personal conversation with David Nassar and Samuel Kimbriel over at the Templeton Ideas podcast. I really enjoyed it. We talked about why I do what I do (for better or worse), my "first principles," and how to disagree well. For those who prefer reading, a full transcript is also available below. https://lnkd.in/gnyvKfPe

I was listening to possibly one of the best history podcasts this weekend, Hardcore History, by Dan Carlin. He was talking about how as you go back in time, History changes mixture. Ancient history, he argues, is maybe 80% myth/legend and 20% reality. This is due possibly to the lack of sources and the fact that those who wrote it also acted on behalf of those who were being written on. One could call it the most ancient way of propaganda. It was being written for the name to last into eternity, in the way such name wanted eternity to perceive it. He says as you travel closer in time, say the World War II, this mix shifts to 80% reality and 20% myth. Please note these are subjective percentages to explain a point. I thought it was a very accurate and interesting way to look at what we know from the past and what we consider truth. Now, here is my thought... The internet and social media have triggered a jump to a parallel timeline where time and distance work in a different way. There is access to everything but hard to distinguish what is what. We are reading things that are supposed to be consumed now but be part of a greater plan, a mastermind long game of influence and misinformation, which is in fact meant to change the course of history. From simply traveling destinations reality vs instagram posts, to plainly lying about who someone is, both in first and third person, in all kinds of social spheres, including what did or didn't happen. Are we back to where we started but with much more harmful tools of communication? Have we always been a bunch of liars who have used all our potential to lie as much as technology has let us? Should we develop technology that prevent us from lying? Will AI learn to lie? Are we there yet? #history #foodforthought #reflections #letsmakegoodhistory

The French writer Albert Camus believed our existence was absurd. He compared the human condition to Sisyphus, the mythical Greek king condemned to roll a boulder uphill, only to see it roll back down, for eternity. Incredibly, Camus imagines Sisyphus, returning to his labors at the foot of the mountain, as happy, having found meaning in his task. That is the nature of existential rebellion, to find meaning for yourself in a universe that provides none. In two decades researching innovation, transformation and change, one constant I have found is that you can’t control your luck. Anything can happen. “Sure things” often fail while low-probability events occur all the time. Bill Haley performed “Rock Around The Clock,” because it spoke to him, even over the objections of the record labels. He had no way of knowing it would be a hit for the ages. In a similar way, Einstein pursued physics as a clerk at the Swiss patent office to answer his own questions. Anti-corruption activists worked for years in Ukraine—at great risk to themselves—when it seemed pointless or even, absurd. Yet it is not hard to imagine Haley joyfully jamming away, even if incredible fortune had not smiled on him, and that Einstein would have lived a fulfilling life even if his miracle year had never happened. Activists like Dasia Kaleniuk and Vitaliy Shabunin continue to investigate corruption in Ukraine, even while being subjected to vicious attacks. It is a simple truth that we can’t control our luck and luck greatly influences our successes and failures. But we can pursue meaning in things that we define ourselves—an idea, family, justice, compassion or anything else. Or, as the mathematician G.H. Hardy put it, “The case for my life, then… is this: that I have added something…” .

Is exploring the history of philosophy something you do on a long commute, or perhaps while tackling household chores? Peter Adamson’s podcasts offer a unique way to engage with philosophical concepts in a laid-back format that’s perfect for multitasking. I've personally found that they're an excellent entry point into the often complex world of philosophy, with humor and relatable commentary that make the subject more accessible. While the transition from podcast to print might seem a bit tricky, the chapters still manage to bring interesting insights and discussions to the forefront. The balance Adamson strikes between simplicity and depth allows readers to grasp essential themes without getting lost in dense analysis. For anyone delving into philosophical texts, especially the likes of Plato and Aristotle, the clarity and organization provided here can be a great support. It's refreshing to see how genres evolve and adapt to new formats, creating opportunities for broader audiences to connect with timeless ideas. Adamson’s work does just that, making ancient wisdom feel relevant today. What’s your favorite way to consume philosophical material? Podcasts, books, or something else entirely? I’d love to hear your thoughts. #Philosophy #Podcast #Learning #BookReview #PeterAdamson https://lnkd.in/gzKhVkeJ

If you want to understand culture on a deeper level and gain valuable insights, I highly recommend this podcast. Thank you Joseph Shaules and team for almost 50 wonderful episodes! #interculturalcompetence #intercultural

What causes cultural misunderstanding? We have a world of information at our fingertips . . . we connect virtually with people everywhere . . . we have more scientific knowledge than ever . . . and yet the world remains highly conflicted. One reason is that our psychology has not caught up with our technology. Despite creature comforts, we easily feel threatened, jump to ethnocentric conclusions, and are susceptible to natural biases. What can we do about this? Ishita Ray and I explore this question in the latest episode of the Deep Culture Podcast—Cultural Misunderstanding. We learn about cultural blind spots, and the “cognitive cascade” that can lead us to misjudge foreign situations. We hear stories of misunderstanding by Emre Seven (about the expression Inshallah), and Liu Liu (about counting toilets!) and Sanne Bosma LL.M.—who talks with her partner Armen about overcoming misunderstanding in an intercultural relationship. This podcast is completely non-commercial--a labor of love from volunteers at Japan Intercultural Institute, also including Robinson Fritz, Ikumi Fritz, and our newest team member Torhild Liane Haarr Skårnes. If you like it, please do spread the word! Post this to your network or give us a rating on Apple podcasts! https://lnkd.in/gCanYety

What causes cultural misunderstanding? We have a world of information at our fingertips . . . we connect virtually with people everywhere . . . we have more scientific knowledge than ever . . . and yet the world remains highly conflicted. One reason is that our psychology has not caught up with our technology. Despite creature comforts, we easily feel threatened, jump to ethnocentric conclusions, and are susceptible to natural biases. What can we do about this? Ishita Ray and I explore this question in the latest episode of the Deep Culture Podcast—Cultural Misunderstanding. We learn about cultural blind spots, and the “cognitive cascade” that can lead us to misjudge foreign situations. We hear stories of misunderstanding by Emre Seven (about the expression Inshallah), and Liu Liu (about counting toilets!) and Sanne Bosma LL.M.—who talks with her partner Armen about overcoming misunderstanding in an intercultural relationship. This podcast is completely non-commercial--a labor of love from volunteers at Japan Intercultural Institute, also including Robinson Fritz, Ikumi Fritz, and our newest team member Torhild Liane Haarr Skårnes. If you like it, please do spread the word! Post this to your network or give us a rating on Apple podcasts! https://lnkd.in/gCanYety

Challenging Hegemonic Narratives: A Podcast Exploration Are you interested in learning about a unique perspective on Indian history and social change? A new podcast explores the anti-caste philosophical tradition of western India, focusing on the work of Jotirao Phule, B.R. Ambedkar, and Sharad Patil. Here's why you should listen: ● Reinterpreting history: The podcast sheds light on the importance of constructing alternative historical narratives that challenge the dominant, often Brahmanical, versions of history. You'll learn how Phule, Ambedkar, and Patil sought to uncover the history of the oppressed castes and emphasize the role of struggle and change in Indian history. ● Understanding the reproduction of caste: You'll gain insights into the concept of passive revolution and how it helps explain the persistence of upper-caste dominance. ● The importance of non-Brahmanical knowledge: The podcast emphasizes the anti-caste tradition's commitment to producing alternative knowledge that challenges Brahmanical monopolies on knowledge production. You'll understand the challenges faced by these thinkers in gaining recognition in mainstream intellectual circles. This podcast offers a valuable opportunity to engage with a rich and often overlooked philosophical tradition that has much to teach us about the ongoing struggle for equality and justice - https://lnkd.in/gBJtYiqh Source - A Great, Restless Stream Flows of Anti-Caste Philosophy by Thomas Crowley. Pic: B.R. Ambedkar Statue at the London School of Economics and Political Science