Deep Talks | Cultural Theology with Paul Anleitner

John Vervaeke & Clay Routledge | Nostalgia & the Loss of Our Guiding Stories

Feb 10, 2025

Join philosopher John Vervaeke and existential psychologist Clay Routledge as they explore the pivotal role of storytelling in shaping identity and meaning. They dive into how modern nostalgia connects us to our cultural past while cautioning against the pitfalls of groupthink. The duo examines how generational shifts influence our narratives, especially for today’s youth grappling with existential questions. Tying it all together, they emphasize the importance of shared stories in fostering community and finding purpose in an increasingly complex world.

01:30:20

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Episode guests

Clay Routledge

John Vervaeke

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Narratives are essential for conveying values and meaning across generations, fostering skills and moral character beyond mere facts.

Humans possess an innate desire to connect with larger cultural narratives, reflecting a universal quest for meaning and identity in society.

Nostalgia in contemporary culture signifies a longing for shared stories, revealing complexities in individual and community identities amid societal changes.

Deep dives

The Role of Narrative in Meaning-Making

Narrative plays a crucial role in how humans transmit and internalize meaning across generations. Rather than abstract facts or data, stories are used to communicate values, aspirations, and the essence of a meaningful life. This narrative approach allows individuals to engage with concepts of relevance and significance in a way that facts alone cannot achieve. Through narratives, people can develop skills, perspective-taking abilities, and moral character that are vital for understanding their place in the world.

Intro

2min

The Power of Narrative in Meaning-Making

13min

Nostalgia and Narrative in Contemporary Culture

24min

Exploring Generational Narratives and the Complexities of Nostalgia

5min

Nostalgia and Purpose in a Cynical Age

25min

The Quest for Meaning in Modern Life

16min

Community Narratives and the Search for Purpose

6min

John Vervaeke, PhD is a philosopher and cognitive scientist. He is an associate professor and award-winning lecturer at the University of Toronto, teaching in the Department of Psychology. His work and research is far-ranging, including topics such as human intelligence, rationality, wisdom, and AI.

Clay Routledge, PhD is an existential psychologist, a writer, and a consultant. Clay is Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at Archbridge Institute and coeditor of Profectus, a magazine on human progress and flourishing. As a leading expert in existential psychology, Clay’s work focuses on helping people reach their full potential and build meaningful lives.

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