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Sarah Bakewell on Humanism and The Power of Connection

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Apr 22, 2023

Guest

Sarah Bakewell

In this insightful discussion, Sarah Bakewell, an author and professor known for her explorations of existentialist philosophy, dives into humanism and the impact of literature on personal growth. She shares how her upbringing, filled with books, shaped her perspective on life and human connections. The conversation also highlights the need for thoughtful discourse in today's fast-paced culture, urging listeners to embrace empathy and nurture relationships. Bakewell draws parallels between historical philosophies and modern challenges, advocating for inclusivity and understanding in our interconnected world.

01:03:26

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ANECDOTE

Ryan Holiday's Start as a Writer

Ryan Holiday wanted to write about books but didn't know how.
He emailed Sarah Bakewell and her publisher asking for an early copy of her Montaigne book and they agreed.

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ADVICE

Taking Initiative

Take initiative and put yourself out there.
Making the ask can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities.

insights

INSIGHT

Creativity in Chaos

Some individuals turn inward during chaotic times.
This introspection allows them to create beautiful and enduring works.

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Embracing Audiobooks and Literature

04:31 • 4min

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Reflections on Humanism and Philosophy

08:11 • 11min

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Connecting Through Humanism

19:09 • 13min

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Exploring Human Existence and Bodily Experience

31:42 • 4min

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The Interconnectedness of Humanity and Nature

35:26 • 14min

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The Gender Neutrality of Virtue and Human Experience

49:49 • 5min

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Challenging Perspectives: Language, Literature, and Inclusivity

55:05 • 13min

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Closing Reflections on Conversation and Connection

01:07:45 • 2min

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#606

• Mentioned in 31 episodes

How to Live

27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion

Derek Sivers

In 'How to Live', Derek Sivers presents a collection of 27 independent chapters, each offering a different philosophy on how to live. These chapters often contradict each other, arguing for various approaches such as being completely independent, committing to one career or person, being fully present, or delaying gratification. The book is designed for reflection as much as instruction, providing actionable directives without quoting philosophers or naming specific ideologies. It invites readers to consider multiple perspectives and find their own way, emphasizing that there is no one right way to live life.

#7969

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

At the Existentialist Café

Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails

Sarah Bakewell

This book by Sarah Bakewell delves into the history and philosophy of existentialism, starting with a pivotal moment in 1933 when Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Raymond Aron discussed phenomenology over apricot cocktails. It explores how this encounter inspired Sartre to integrate phenomenology into his philosophy, leading to the development of existentialism. The book follows the lives and philosophies of key existentialists, including Heidegger, Husserl, Camus, and Merleau-Ponty, and discusses themes such as freedom, authenticity, absurdity, and the search for meaning. It also examines the role of existentialism in post-war liberation movements like anti-colonialism, feminism, and gay rights. Bakewell interweaves biography and philosophy to make complex ideas accessible and engaging for general readers.

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The expanding circle

Ethics and Sociobiology

Peter Singer

In 'The Expanding Circle', Peter Singer integrates insights from sociobiology and ethics to argue that human altruism, initially driven by genetic instincts to protect kin and community, has evolved into a consciously chosen ethic with an expanding circle of moral concern. Singer contends that our capacity for reason allows us to extend moral consideration beyond biological and social groups to include all beings capable of feeling pleasure or pain. The book discusses the relationship between reason, ethics, and the biological basis of human behavior, and it includes a new afterword in the 2011 edition that reflects on recent research in the field.

#7201

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Howard's End

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E. M. Forster

E. M. Forster's "Howard's End" is a novel exploring the clash between the upper and middle classes in Edwardian England. The novel follows the Schlegel sisters, Margaret and Helen, and their interactions with the Wilcoxes, a wealthy family. Forster masterfully portrays the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of bridging social divides. The novel's central theme is the importance of human connection and empathy, symbolized by the recurring phrase "Only Connect. " "Howard's End" is a poignant and insightful exploration of class, love, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

#17898

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Humanly Possible

Sarah Bakewell

In 'Humanly Possible', Sarah Bakewell delves into the expansive tradition of humanist thought, tracing its development from the 14th century to the present. The book highlights humanism's emphasis on shared humanity, cultural vibrancy, and moral responsibility, featuring figures like Voltaire, Zora Neale Hurston, and Bertrand Russell. Bakewell's narrative is both an intellectual adventure and a call to care for one another, reminding readers of humanism's enduring power despite historical opposition.

Ryan speaks with Sarah Bakewell about her new book Humanly Possible: seven hundred years of humanist freethinking, inquiry, and hope, how growing up surrounded by books shaped her philosophical mindset, the philosophical principles that she applies to her life, and more.

Sarah Bakewell is an author and professor whose work focuses on existentialist philosophy and biographies of adventurers and philosophers. After growing up surrounded by books as the daughter of a bookseller father and a librarian mother, Sarah studied philosophy at the University of Essex, and she later completed a postgraduate degree on Artificial Intelligence. Her work in the 1990s as a curator of early printed books at the Wellcome Library led her to taking on writing seriously, and she has since published five books, including the lauded At the Existentialist Cafe: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails, and How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer. Her work can be found on her website: sarahbakewell.com.

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