Svend Brinkmann, a Danish philosopher and psychologist, challenges the empty promises of self-help culture. He explores 'liquid modernity' and how it complicates personal fulfillment, arguing that striving for meaning should prioritize community and ethical principles over self-optimization. Brinkmann critiques the trend of viewing relationships as transactions and redefines intrinsic values like dignity and responsibility. By standing firm on these philosophical ideals, he believes we can find true significance beyond ourselves.
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insights INSIGHT
Liquid Modernity
Modern life, or "liquid modernity", is characterized by constant change and a pressure for self-improvement.
This fluidity creates anxiety and a sense of meaninglessness, as there's no stable ground.
insights INSIGHT
The Problem with Self-Help
Self-help often focuses on internal solutions, encouraging introspection to find meaning.
However, this can lead to despair as the self is constantly changing and influenced by external trends.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Finding Meaning
Seek meaning and stability outside yourself, not through introspection.
Focus on relationships, traditions, and commitments to find more stable values.
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In 'Standpoints: 10 Old Ideas in a New World', Svend Brinkmann critiques the self-improvement industry by highlighting intrinsic values like goodness, freedom, truth, and love. He argues that focusing on these principles and prioritizing community can lead to a more fulfilling life. The book draws from philosophers such as Aristotle, Nietzsche, and Arendt to establish a philosophical anthropology that emphasizes interconnectedness and responsibility.
Self-help gurus, life coaches, and business consultants love to tell us that we must strive for constant self-improvement to realize our full potential and become truly happy. But it doesn't seem to work -- for many of us, life still seems hollow and meaningless. So focused are we on personal development and material possessions that we've overlooked the things that make life truly fulfilling and worthwhile.
But what are those things?
My guest today explores the answer to that question in his book Standpoints: 10 Old Ideas in a New World. His name is Svend Brinkmann, and he's a Danish philosopher and psychologist. We begin our conversation discussing why modern life can feel like liquid, and how the typical approach to personal development and self-help doesn't rescue us from drowning in it. Svend then contrasts the common approach to treating choices and people like instruments and means to an end with the idea of doing what's good simply because it is good. Svend argues that we can do that by standing firm on certain philosophic principles, and we spend the rest of our conversation discussing a few of what these are, including the importance of endowing others with dignity, making and keeping promises, and embracing responsibility.
The Art of Manliness 
