Perennial Wisdom
Getting Over Yourself with Jay Garfield
Apr 17, 2024
Join renowned philosopher Jay Garfield, a professor at Smith College and Harvard Divinity School, as he dives into the transformative idea of losing oneself. He explores the profound distinction between conventional and ultimate truths and how understanding this duality enhances ethical living. Garfield humorously shares his unexpected journey into philosophy, discusses the varied perceptions of reality among different beings, and advocates for interdependence over individualism, emphasizing that gratitude fosters true happiness.
54:57
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding the distinction between self and person helps clarify our social roles and dismantle the illusion of a persistent identity.
- Embracing the concept of ultimate truth fosters ethical living by encouraging compassion and recognizing our interconnectedness with others.
Deep dives
Understanding Self and Person
The discussion delineates the concepts of self and person. The term 'self' is defined as the persistent entity we often mistakenly believe exists behind our thoughts and experiences, akin to a soul that separates us from our body and mind. Conversely, 'person' refers to our roles within social contexts, highlighted by the metaphor of actors in a play, where the character played is distinct from the actor themselves. This differentiation emphasizes that many confusions arise when we conflate our identity with a non-existent self rather than acknowledging the evolving nature of our social roles.
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