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Perennial Wisdom

The Wisdom of Fasting with John Oakes

Jul 10, 2024
Author John Oakes discusses the historical roots and philosophical aspects of fasting, debunking weight-loss misconceptions. He explores fasting as a tool for self-discovery and introspection, emphasizing its effects on the mind and body. The conversation delves into survival shows, fasting as meditation, and the influence of fasting on consumption perspective, highlighting its role in cultivating wisdom.
43:11

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Fasting is a historic practice with roots in various cultures and religions, symbolizing self-restraint and introspection.
  • Fasting serves as a spiritual and philosophical exercise, creating space for reflection and enhancing mental clarity and appreciation for simplicity.

Deep dives

John Oakes on Spontaneous Initiation into Fasting

John Oakes, the author of The Fast, shared how his interest in fasting sparked at the end of the Trump presidency, leading him to seek a restart through an intense fasting experience. Despite not being a health enthusiast, Oakes embraced fasting for its purging effects and the unique spacey feeling it induced, prompting him to delve deeper into the subject.

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