Adam Smith, a former Washington State Senator and author of "Lost and Broken," shares his journey through chronic pain and anxiety. He discusses the importance of genuine political dialogue and the need for nuance, rather than dogmatism. The conversation delves into the value of conflict for personal growth, highlighting negotiation over competition in resolving disputes. Smith also emphasizes the necessity of addressing societal issues like homelessness within a framework of individual responsibility, advocating for empathy and constructive discourse in a divided political landscape.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Open Dialogue
Be open to conversations and listen to everyone, even those you disagree with.
Engage with different perspectives; never let the other side occupy the space.
insights INSIGHT
Value of Discomfort
Challenging your beliefs is difficult and uncomfortable, but beneficial for growth.
Engaging in difficult conversations strengthens your ideas and understanding.
insights INSIGHT
Balanced Conflict
Strive for balance in conflict, focusing on learning and growth, not winning.
The purpose of conflict should be to help people improve, not to score points or abuse others.
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My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety
Rep. Adam Smith
In 'Lost and Broken,' Adam Smith shares his personal struggle with anxiety and chronic pain, detailing his six-year search for diagnosis and treatment involving over a hundred healthcare providers. The book highlights the limitations of the U.S. healthcare system and the stigma surrounding mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and perseverance in overcoming these challenges.
A Fever in the Heartland
The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Timothy Egan
A Fever in the Heartland tells the riveting story of the Ku Klux Klan's rise to power in the 1920s, led by the charismatic con man D.C. Stephenson. The book explores how Stephenson's influence spread across America, and how Madge Oberholtzer's tragic fate ultimately led to his downfall. It is a gripping narrative that highlights the darker aspects of American history and their relevance today.
When China Rules the World
The End of the Western World and the Birth of a New Global Order
Martin Jacques
In 'When China Rules the World', Martin Jacques argues that China will not become more Western as it rises; instead, the world will become more Chinese. He explores China's unique position as a civilization-state and its potential to reshape global politics, culture, and economics. The book challenges conventional thinking about China's ascendancy and its impact on the world order.
Dr. Jordan B Peterson sits down with lawyer, state representative, and author Adam Smith. They discuss his new book “Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety.” From this they explore the differences between cognitive and behavioral therapy, the dogmatization of nuance, the rise of “harm reduction” in the current era of identity politics, and the ideal goal of argument: it’s much more than just scoring points.
Congressman Adam Smith is an American lawyer and politician, having served in the Washington state senate from 1991 to 97. His new book, “Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety,” has just recently been released.
- Links -
For Adam Smith:
On X https://twitter.com/electadamsmith?lang=en
Lost and Broken (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Broken-Journey-Chronic-Crippling-ebook/dp/B0B3YC7KLJ
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 
