Behavioral Grooves Podcast Eight Years Grooving: Value of an Open Mind | Jonathan Malesic (Republish)
Aug 28, 2025
In a captivating discussion, Jonathan Malesic, a writer and philosopher from Southern Methodist University, delves into the perils of 'knowingness' and its impact on learning and communication. He emphasizes the need for empathy and moral imagination in writing, advocating for open-mindedness in a world saturated with information. The conversation also touches on the limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT and the importance of genuine connections. Malesic inspires listeners to embrace uncertainty and foster curiosity for deeper understanding.
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Podcasting From A Closet
- Malesic records podcasts from his clothes closet to avoid house noise during renovations.
- He adopted this after seeing another podcaster do the same and liking the acoustics.
Knowingness Blocks Learning
- Knowingness is a stance where people act as if questions are already settled and refuse to learn.
- Jonathan Malesic argues this habit blocks curiosity and makes public discourse boring and stagnant.
Students Avoid New Subjects
- Malesic recalls overhearing students refuse a Russian history class because they 'didn't know' Russian history.
- He uses this to show how education rewards showing you already know rather than embracing discovery.
