Lex Fridman Podcast #227 – Sean Kelly: Existentialism, Nihilism, and the Search for Meaning
Sean Kelly, a Harvard philosopher, dives into existentialism and the search for meaning. The conversation explores how recognizing mortality reshapes our life choices and relationships. Kelly discusses Sartre's concepts of freedom and responsibility, contrasting them with nihilism. He also examines the absurdity of existence through the lens of Camus, highlighting joy amidst monotony. Additionally, the dialogue touches on technology's impact on our understanding of existence and the importance of empathy in a rapidly changing society.
00:00
Existentialism Defined
- Existentialism emphasizes that individuals create their essence through choices and actions.
- It rejects the idea of pre-determined identities, asserting that existence precedes essence.
Responsibility and Freedom
- We are responsible for our choices, creating ourselves through them.
- This freedom is both empowering and terrifying, as we are the ground of our being.
The Waiter and Bad Faith
- Sartre uses the example of a waiter performing his role insincerely to illustrate "bad faith".
- This occurs when one avoids responsibility by attributing their choices to external forces.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Meditating on Mortality and Practical Life Choices
04:19 • 2min
Existentialism: Choice and Responsibility
06:25 • 20min
Navigating Freedom and Nihilism in Art
26:07 • 9min
Existentialism in a Secular World
35:09 • 25min
Exploring Absurdity and Aliveness
59:59 • 15min
Humor and the Absurd: An Existential Exploration
01:14:42 • 25min
Understanding Responsibility in Societal Norms
01:39:22 • 5min
Navigating the Complexities of Morality and Empathy
01:44:02 • 3min
Heidegger on Technology and Existence
01:47:04 • 12min
Philosophy, Mentorship, and AI
01:58:44 • 6min
Existential Journeys in Literature
02:04:27 • 19min
The Transcendence of Athleticism: A Philosophical Reflection
02:23:29 • 2min
Finding Joy in Complexity
02:25:22 • 30min
Exploring the Mysteries of Existence and Meaning
02:54:56 • 4min
Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand
Published in 1957, 'Atlas Shrugged' is Ayn Rand's magnum opus and her longest novel.
The story is set in a dystopian United States where increasingly burdensome laws and regulations strangle innovation and productivity.
The plot follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a steel magnate, as they struggle against 'looters' who exploit their work.
A mysterious figure named John Galt leads a strike of productive individuals, persuading them to abandon their companies and disappear.
The novel culminates with Galt's three-hour radio speech explaining his philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and the importance of the human mind.
The book explores themes of capitalism, property rights, and the failures of governmental coercion, presenting a provocative vision of a society in collapse and the potential for a new capitalist society based on Galt's principles.
The Myth of Sisyphus
Albert Camus
In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe.
Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it.
He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero.
Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity.
The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.
Siddhartha
Herman Hesse
Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha" is a philosophical novel that follows the spiritual journey of a young man named Siddhartha Gautama.
The story explores themes of self-discovery, enlightenment, and the search for meaning beyond material possessions.
Siddhartha's experiences with various aspects of life, including sensuality, asceticism, and worldly pursuits, lead him to a deeper understanding of himself and the universe.
The novel's evocative prose and profound insights into the human condition have resonated with readers for generations.
Hesse's exploration of spiritual awakening and the interconnectedness of all things makes "Siddhartha" a timeless classic.
The Idiot
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky between 1867 and 1869, 'The Idiot' follows the story of Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, a young man with a pure and innocent heart, often mistaken for an 'idiot' due to his simplicity and goodness.
The novel examines how this 'positively beautiful man' navigates a world filled with corruption, moral decay, and complex human relationships.
Myshkin's interactions with characters like Nastasya Filippovna and Aglaia Epanchina highlight themes of love, suffering, sacrifice, and the clash between idealistic values and the harsh realities of society.
The novel ultimately leads to Myshkin's mental breakdown and his inability to cope with the world around him.
Moby Dick
Herman Melville
Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg.
Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs.
nature, and the existential questions of good and evil.
The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.
Being and Nothingness
Jean-Paul Sartre
In 'Being and Nothingness,' Jean-Paul Sartre delves into the fundamental categories of being and nothingness.
He distinguishes between 'being-in-itself' (objects that simply exist and are unaware of themselves) and 'being-for-itself' (human consciousness, which is self-aware and free).
Sartre argues that human beings are characterized by their freedom and responsibility, and that they must create their own being through their actions in the world.
The book also introduces the concept of 'being-for-others,' highlighting the impact of others on our self-perception.
Sartre rejects traditional notions of a transcendent reality and instead emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and authenticity in human existence.
All Things Shining
Hubert L. Dreyfus
Sean Dorrance Kelly
In this critically acclaimed book, Dreyfus and Kelly argue that our search for meaning was once fulfilled by our responsiveness to forces greater than ourselves, such as gods or a single God. They contend that as we began to rely on our own independent will, we lost our skill for encountering the sacred.
Through a discussion of Western literature from Homer's Odyssey to Melville's Moby Dick, the authors show how we can rediscover the sacred and intense involvement with the world's wonder and beauty by re-reading our cultural classics.
The Old Man and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway
The novella tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who has gone 84 days without catching a fish.
Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago ventures far into the Gulf Stream, where he hooks a giant marlin.
Over the course of three days, he battles the marlin, showing respect and admiration for the fish.
Despite eventually killing the marlin, Santiago's catch is devoured by sharks on his journey back to shore.
The story highlights Santiago's endurance, his deep connection with nature, and the themes of struggle, dignity, and the indomitable human spirit.
The Brothers Karamazov
Larissa Volokhonsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Richard Pevear
Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov.
The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason.
It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty.
The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason.
The Pale King
David Foster Wallace
Michael Pietsch
The Pale King is an unfinished novel that was published posthumously in 2011.
It was David Foster Wallace's third novel, which he worked on for over a decade before his death in 2008.
The book is set in the IRS Regional Examination Center in Peoria, Illinois, and delves into themes of boredom, loneliness, and the ennui that underlies human life.
Despite being incomplete, the novel is a compelling and satisfying read, showcasing Wallace's unique blend of comedy and deep sadness.
The narrative is non-linear and challenging, reflecting Wallace's intention to create a 'tornadic' experience for the reader.
Michael Pietsch, Wallace's friend and editor, compiled the manuscript from thousands of pages of notes and drafts to create the published version.
Sean Kelly is a philosopher at Harvard specializing in existentialism and the philosophy of mind. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
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Sean’s Website: https://scholar.harvard.edu/sdkelly
Sean’s Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Dorrance_Kelly
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(06:50) – Existentialism
(26:58) – Nietzsche and nihilism
(44:35) – Dostoevsky
(1:00:02) – Camus and suicide
(1:18:31) – The Big Lebowski
(1:26:20) – Ayn Rand
(1:36:28) – Evil
(1:47:03) – Heidegger
(1:58:43) – Hubert Dreyfus
(2:04:35) – Moby Dick
(2:15:51) – David Foster Wallace
(2:36:03) – Can AI make art?
(2:55:46) – Meaning of life