The Emergency Mind Podcast Episode 122 - Harry Moffitt on The Fourth Pillar
Nov 17, 2025
Harry Moffitt, a corporate psychologist and former SAS member, dives into the concept of modern stoicism and high performance. He introduces the idea of philosophy as the fourth pillar of human performance alongside physical, psychological, and social facets. Moffitt highlights the need to preserve humanity in today's fast-paced world and emphasizes practical philosophical practices for daily life. He encourages everyone to engage with philosophy actively, using metaphors that foster growth rather than mechanistic views, ultimately advocating for a balanced, fulfilling existence.
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Philosophy As A Performance Pillar
- Harry Moffitt argues a missing 'fourth pillar'—philosophy—should sit alongside physical, psychological, and social performance pillars.
- A philosophical foundation builds self-directed, resilient people who can set their own training and life purpose.
Cerutty's Candlelit Lessons
- Harry recounts Percy Cerutty lecturing athletes by candlelight on Socrates and Shakespeare to build philosophical training intelligence.
- Cerutty wanted athletes to become self-directed citizens, not just faster runners.
Philosophy Restores Human Capacities
- Harry says philosophy returns basic human capacities like wonder, awe, and the ability to sit with ourselves amid modern distraction.
- He warns modern life accelerates living at "1.5x" speed and erodes our humanness without philosophical practice.