The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Wisdom Over Power: Why Contemplation & Wonder Are Essential for the Future of Humanity with Iain McGilchrist

Feb 26, 2025

Nate Hagens talks with Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and neurologist known for his insights into the divided brain. They explore the impact of analytical thinking on society and the urgent need for wisdom over power. Iain emphasizes how nurturing our internal landscapes can lead to meaningful societal change. The conversation dives into community-driven initiatives, the relationship between language and thought, and balancing productivity with stillness. They advocate for humility and wonder as vital qualities to navigate the complexities of our times.

01:59:48

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Iain Mcgilchrist

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Wisdom must be prioritized over the pursuit of power to foster sustainable progress and avert societal crises.

Integrating both analytical and holistic thinking is essential for balanced decision-making and effective interactions in modern society.

Re-evaluating societal values towards sustainability and community well-being is crucial for addressing pressing global challenges.

Deep dives

The Need for Wisdom Over Power

Emphasizing the importance of wisdom, it is suggested that merely increasing power without the requisite wisdom can lead to self-destruction. The discussion highlights that as humans navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s essential to seek wisdom that can guide the use of power effectively. Wisdom entails an understanding of context and the ability to see the bigger picture, while power without such insight makes society vulnerable to crises. Thus, fostering wisdom must be prioritized over the pursuit of greater power, as it lays the groundwork for sustainable progress.

Intro

3min

The Balance of Thought: Healing the Mind and Society

10min

The Power of Principles and Compassion

24min

Navigating Humanity's Challenges

17min

The Power of Perspective and Truth

20min

Exploring the Brain's Dual Nature and Human Experience

16min

Navigating the Social Contract

12min

The Influence of Language on Thought and Culture

3min

Adapting to Existential Threats

14min

(Conversation recorded on January 2nd, 2025)

When looking at our global challenges, it can be easier to focus on the external factors that could be different. Yet a critical part of creating impactful change is turning the scope of reflection inward towards how our patterns of thinking influence the way we contribute to our surroundings. Is it possible that a path toward a better future begins in our own heads?

Today Nate is joined by psychiatrist and neurologist Iain McGilchrist for a deep dive on the implications of western society’s over-reliance on analysis and categorization on the quality and expectations of our leadership and governance systems. Iain emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective, advocating for wisdom over power and a deeper understanding of the impact of technology on our values and attention.

How can spiritually healthy and aware individuals lead the way towards societal change rooted in wisdom? How can focusing on the well-being of our closest communities create ripple-effects of emergence for broader humanity? Finally, how can embracing wonder and humility throughout our lives – in the face of our scariest challenges – guide us towards a more interconnected and sentient humanity?

About Iain McGilchrist:

Dr. Iain McGilchrist is a Quondam Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, an Associate Fellow of Green Templeton College, Oxford, a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and former Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director at the Bethlem Royal & Maudsley Hospital, London.

Iain has been a Research Fellow in neuroimaging at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore and a Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Stellenbosch. He has published original articles and research papers in a wide range of publications on topics in literature, philosophy, medicine and psychiatry.

Iain is the author of a number of books, but is best-known for The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World (2009); and his book on neuroscience, epistemology, and ontology called The Matter with Things: Our Brains, Our Delusions and the Unmaking of the World (2021).

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