The Mo Show Mo Gawdat on Power, Money, Morality: The Collapse of Capitalism & The Military-Industrial Complex
Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and bestselling author, dives deep into the impact of AI and capitalism on society. He shares his personal journey through loss, spurred by the death of his son Ali, which inspired his mission to spread happiness. The conversation addresses the potential collapse of capitalism due to automation, ethical implications of AI, and the crucial role of empathy in technology. Gawdat also emphasizes the need for innovative education and entrepreneurship for a rapidly changing world.
02:28:26
A Vow To Make Ali Everywhere
- Mo Gawdat wrote Solve for Happy to make his late son Ali "everywhere and part of everyone."
- The book and One Billion Happy grew from that promise and reshaped his life's purpose after Ali's death.
Death As The Opposite Of Birth
- Mo explains space-time implies all time already exists and birth/death are portals in a larger consciousness.
- He uses this to reframe death as the opposite of birth, not life itself.
Use Silence To Recharge Creativity
- Practice regular silence retreats to recharge and surface deep insights.
- Use scheduled, device-free periods to let your mind organize and produce your best ideas.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
From IBM to Google X: Career Journey
02:00 • 2min
Losing Ali and the Birth of a New Purpose
04:14 • 4min
Solve for Happy and One Billion Happy Initiative
08:31 • 4min
Grieving, Meaning, and the Space-Time Perspective
12:52 • 13min
Life as a Video Game and Impact Over Ego
26:13 • 8min
Mission Strategy: Spreading the Message, Not the Ego
33:50 • 4min
Deep Thinking, Making, and Hands-On Work
38:08 • 7min
Silence Retreats and Meditation Practice
44:58 • 11min
The Loneliness Pandemic and Social Design
56:11 • 7min
When Technology Went Wrong: Social Media and AI Timelines
01:03:22 • 2min
Surveillance, Privacy, and Platform Power
01:05:10 • 2min
Would You Have Children Today? Parenting in Uncertain Times
01:07:21 • 3min
What Keeps Me Up: The Collapse of Capitalism
01:10:20 • 9min
Universal Basic Income, Communism, and Global Responses
01:19:24 • 4min
Will the Economic Bubble Burst? Stock Markets and Institutional Ownership
01:23:08 • 6min
War, Military Spending, and the Military-Industrial Complex
01:29:04 • 7min
Waking Up: Conspiracy, Propaganda, and Global Awareness
01:35:35 • 6min
Regional Strengths: MENA's Opportunity in Tech and Trade
01:41:51 • 5min
Building Ethical AI Locally: Emma and Solving Loneliness
01:46:32 • 5min
Entrepreneurship, Agility, and the Post-Job Economy
01:51:04 • 7min
Education Is Broken: Learn, Ask, and Double Down on Strengths
01:58:10 • 7min
Business vs. Capitalism: Ethics, Purpose, and Sustainable Models
02:05:10 • 4min
Culture, Resilience, and Changing Global Perceptions
02:09:31 • 4min
Talent Flows: Migration, Taxation, and New Global Hubs
02:13:31 • 5min
Governance Tradeoffs: Efficiency of Leaders Versus Democracies
02:18:26 • 4min
Mindset for Turbulent Times: Agility and the Squash Court Metaphor
02:22:00 • 3min
Rapid-Fire Reflections: Values, Aliveness, and Legacy
02:24:50 • 2min
Outro
02:26:40 • 2min
#28754
Half Monk
How to be purpose-driven and service-driven and well-being focused while you're still a soldier in the mainstream world
Mo Gawdat
This book explores purpose-driven and service-driven living while still participating in the mainstream world.
#20433
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
How To Talk To Strangers
Create The Life Club ATF Lynkez Family Trust
This book offers practical advice on how to decrease anxiety and build confidence by engaging with strangers.
It aims to help readers create a more connected and collaborative world through these interactions.
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• Mentioned in 58 episodes
The untethered soul
Michael A. Singer
In 'The Untethered Soul', Michael A. Singer explores the nature of the self and how to achieve spiritual growth by recognizing and releasing the inner blockages that prevent us from experiencing true happiness.
The book emphasizes the importance of accepting reality as it is, rather than trying to control or resist it.
Singer provides practical advice on how to manage negative thoughts, cultivate a positive mindset, and live in harmony with the natural flow of life.
#689
• Mentioned in 39 episodes
Loving What Is
Four Questions That Can Change Your Life
Stephen Mitchell
Byron Katie
In 'Loving What Is,' Byron Katie and Stephen Mitchell present 'The Work,' a simple yet powerful process of self-inquiry.
The book teaches readers how to apply four key questions to any problem, enabling them to see their troubles in a new light.
Katie's method emphasizes that suffering is not caused by the situation itself but by our thoughts about it.
Through clear examples and dialogues, the book shows how to apply 'The Work' in various areas of life, such as relationships, work, and personal anxieties, leading to lasting peace, clarity, and energy.
The process helps readers accept reality as it is, rather than resisting it, and promotes a transformative practice for spiritual growth and mental well-being.
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A New Earth
Eckhart Tolle
In 'A New Earth,' Eckhart Tolle expands on the ideas presented in his previous book, 'The Power of Now.' He argues that our attachment to the ego is the root of suffering, anger, jealousy, and unhappiness.
Tolle provides insights and practical advice on how to awaken to a new state of consciousness, letting go of ego-based thinking and embracing the present moment.
The book emphasizes the importance of living in the now, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, and finding true fulfillment by aligning with one's inner purpose rather than external roles or material possessions.
#690
• Mentioned in 39 episodes
Scary Smart
The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World
Mo Gawdat
In 'Scary Smart', Mo Gawdat explores the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence, its potential risks, and how humans can maintain control over their collective future.
With his extensive background in technology, particularly as the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X], Gawdat provides a clear and accessible blueprint for creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI. The book emphasizes the importance of human agency and responsible development of AI to safeguard humanity and the planet.
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Blink
The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Malcolm Gladwell
In 'Blink', Malcolm Gladwell explores the concept of 'thin-slicing', the ability of our unconscious mind to make rapid decisions based on limited information.
The book delves into both the strengths and pitfalls of this process, using examples from various fields such as psychology, medicine, sales, and law enforcement.
Gladwell discusses how these snap judgments can be both incredibly accurate and sometimes tragically wrong, influenced by factors like prejudice, stereotypes, and psychological priming.
He also examines how experts develop their intuitive judgment through experience and training, and how stressful situations can affect our decision-making abilities.
#160
• Mentioned in 108 episodes
Quiet
The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Susan Cain
In 'Quiet', Susan Cain presents a comprehensive argument that modern Western culture misunderstands and undervalues the traits and capabilities of introverted people.
She charts the rise of the 'Extrovert Ideal' and explores how it permeates various aspects of society, including workplaces, schools, and social interactions.
Cain draws on research from biology, psychology, neuroscience, and evolution to demonstrate that introversion is common, normal, and valuable.
The book offers advice for introverts on functioning in an extrovert-dominated culture and advocates for changes to support and recognize the contributions of introverts.
It also distinguishes between introversion, shyness, and anti-social behavior, and highlights the unique strengths of introverts, such as deep thinking, persistence, and excellent negotiation skills.
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• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Unstressable
Mo Gawdat
Alice Law
#586
• Mentioned in 44 episodes
Solve for happy
Mo Gawdat
In 'Solve for Happy,' Mo Gawdat applies his engineering mindset to the problem of happiness.
He argues that happiness is a thought process and can be achieved by aligning our perceptions with our expectations.
The book introduces the 6-7-5 Model, which involves dispelling six grand illusions, removing seven blind spots, and embracing five ultimate truths.
Gawdat shares practical strategies such as cultivating awareness, accepting change, and practicing unconditional love.
His approach is grounded in mindfulness and positive psychology, offering readers a roadmap to individual happiness despite life's challenges.
#2806
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Alive
J. Warner Wallace
In "Alive," J. Warner Wallace uses his expertise as a cold-case detective to investigate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He applies forensic principles and investigative techniques to analyze the historical evidence surrounding the event.
The book examines eyewitness testimonies, the empty tomb, and the transformation of the disciples, presenting a compelling case for the resurrection's historicity.
Wallace's approach aims to provide readers with a rational and evidence-based understanding of this pivotal event in Christian history.
The book is designed to equip readers with the tools to confidently defend their belief in the resurrection.
#698
• Mentioned in 39 episodes
The surrender experiment
Michael A. Singer
In 'The Surrender Experiment', Michael A. Singer shares his extraordinary story of how, after a deep spiritual awakening, he decided to relinquish his personal fears and desires and simply let life unfold before him.
This decision led him to remarkable success, sustained him through crises, and allowed him to cultivate profound inner peace.
The book chronicles his life from a young spiritual seeker living in the woods to becoming the CEO of a billion-dollar medical software company, and through a significant legal ordeal.
Singer demonstrates how surrendering to life's flow can lead to a peaceful and harmonious life, challenging readers to trust in life’s perfection and let go of the need to control everything.
#88
• Mentioned in 154 episodes
Outliers
The Story of Success
Malcolm Gladwell
In 'Outliers: The Story of Success', Malcolm Gladwell examines the often-overlooked factors that contribute to high levels of success.
He argues that success is not solely the result of individual talent or hard work, but rather is influenced by a complex web of advantages and inheritances, including cultural background, family, generation, and luck.
The book delves into various examples, such as the success of Bill Gates, the Beatles, and Canadian ice hockey players, to illustrate how these factors play a crucial role.
Gladwell also discusses the '10,000-hour rule' and the impact of cultural legacies on behavior and success.
The book is divided into two parts: 'Opportunity' and 'Legacy', each exploring different aspects of how success is achieved and maintained.
#68
• Mentioned in 187 episodes
The Power of Now
A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Eckhart Tolle
In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds.
Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs.
He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future.
The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind.
From IBM and Microsoft to serving as Chief Business Officer at Google X, Mo Gawdat has spent over three decades at the forefront of technology and innovation. Today, the bestselling author turns his engineer’s mind toward life’s biggest question: how can we live well and meaningfully in an age defined by artificial intelligence?
This monumental 2.5 hour episode, which Mo Islam called “the best I’ve ever shot”, is a journey through life, loss, and the future of humanity.Mo Gawdat opens up about his late son Ali and the lessons that inspired ‘Solve for Happy’, before diving into the decade of disruption ahead: from the rise of AI and autonomous weapons to universal basic income and the impending economic reset.
Together, the two Mo’s explore why Arabs are so misunderstood in the West, how ethical AI must be grounded in love and empathy, and how the Middle East can lead the next wave of innovation.
They challenge the failures of modern education, the grip of the military-industrial complex, and even the mysteries of the space-time continuum, all while searching for meaning in what Mo calls the “legendary level” of modern life.
A very big thanks to Merwas Studios in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for inviting us to shoot in their WORLD CLASS Studios!
00:00 Intro
03:18 IBM, Microsoft & Google X
05:07 Losing Ali: The Moment Everything Changed
09:27 Writing Solve for Happy
11:41 Leaving Google & Launching “1 Billion Happy”
13:35 Living with Loss
17:05 Fate, Life & the Interconnectedness of Everything
23:04 Death as the Opposite of Birth
26:02 The Video Game of Life
31:23 Ali’s Death & Mo’s Purpose
34:53 Redefining Success: Impact over Ego
38:54 Learning, Curiosity & Creation
44:08 Solitude & Silent Retreats
49:01 Meditation Practices
55:13 Mindfulness in Daily Life
57:06 The Loneliness Epidemic
1:01:02 East vs. West: Community vs. Individualism
1:05:10 Surveillance, Privacy & the Illusion of Security
1:08:11 Raising Children in a Broken World
1:11:03 The Collapse of Capitalism & the Rise of AI
1:21:16 China vs. The West
1:24:06 The Illusion of Stock Markets & Institutional Control
1:30:03 War Economics: How Weapons Drive Profit
1:35:19 Humanity’s Awakening & Questioning the System
1:41:08 Reclaiming the Arab Narrative
1:47:27 Building Ethical AI
1:52:18 Entrepreneurship, Self-Reliance & Believing in the Region
2:00:03 Education is Broken
2:07:03 Business vs. Capitalism: Purpose Over Profit
2:10:00 Reclaiming Global Perception
2:17:13 Governance, Fairness & Leadership in the Arab World
2:22:06 Living in Uncertain Times
2:25:17 The Ultimate Video Game of Life
2:26:57 Closing Reflections