Stuff You Should Know

The Call of the Void: Don’t Pick Up!

Aug 8, 2024
Ever felt a strange urge to jump from a high place? This phenomenon, known as the 'call of the void,' has puzzled philosophers and psychologists alike. The discussion dives into the intersection of anxiety, freedom, and decision-making, highlighting how our thoughts shape our actions. Personal anecdotes about childhood sports add a touch of nostalgia, while experts explore how common intrusive thoughts truly are. Plus, there are fun listener interactions and creative insights that keep the conversation lively and engaging!
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ANECDOTE

Chuck's Call of the Void

  • Chuck Bryant shares his personal experience with the call of the void, describing it as a thought rather than an urge.
  • He connects it to a friend's death and wanting to understand their experience.
INSIGHT

Kierkegaard on Anxiety

  • Kierkegaard argued that fear stems from external threats, while anxiety originates internally.
  • He called the anxiety from freedom of choice "the dizziness of freedom."
INSIGHT

Sartre's Vertigo of Possibility

  • Sartre's concept of "vertigo of possibility" builds upon Kierkegaard's ideas about anxiety and freedom.
  • Sartre emphasizes the anxiety of realizing our future selves also have freedom of choice, which we cannot control.
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