Rainn Wilson On How His Deepest Struggles Led To His Best Roles
Sep 2, 2023
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Rainn Wilson, actor, comedian, author, podcaster, writer, and director, discusses entry points into philosophy and spirituality, his struggles in his early acting career leading to the role of Dwight Schrute, his take on the state of the writers' strike, and more. They also explore the power of audiobooks, finding meaning in struggle, the benefits of LinkedIn jobs, the power of stoicism, working on justice and spreading positivity, transmitting light and positivity, and settling philosophical differences through wrestling.
Embracing struggle and learning from difficult experiences can lead to personal growth and spiritual awakening.
Finding contentment in the present moment and managing expectations can help overcome suffering and lead to a more fulfilling life.
Living a virtuous life and making a positive impact on others is essential for personal growth and contributing to the greater good of society.
Deep dives
The Importance of Struggle and Suffering
Struggle and suffering are essential for personal growth and character development. The podcast discusses how embracing and learning from difficult experiences can lead to wisdom, meaning, and spiritual growth. The Stoics and Buddhist teachings are mentioned as examples of philosophies that emphasize the value of overcoming obstacles and finding purpose in suffering.
Managing Expectations and Finding Contentment
The podcast explores the concept of anxious discontent and the human tendency to always desire more. It discusses the Stoic philosophy of accepting what is in our control and letting go of attachment to external outcomes. By managing expectations and finding contentment in the present moment, we can overcome suffering and live a more fulfilling life.
The Importance of Practicing Virtue
The podcast highlights the significance of living a virtuous life and serving others. It emphasizes the connection between personal growth and making a positive impact on the world. The Stoic and spiritual perspectives are mentioned as ways to cultivate virtues such as kindness, compassion, and wisdom, and to contribute to the greater good of society.
The Changing Landscape of Streaming and Fair Pay
The podcast explores the current situation in the entertainment industry, particularly in relation to streaming services. It highlights the unfairness in payment for actors and writers in the new streaming model, where there is no correlation between the number of streams and the payment received. The podcast emphasizes the need for fair pay and better treatment of middle-class artists, who often struggle to make a living.
The Power of Coming Together and Fighting for Justice
The podcast discusses the importance of unity and collective action in fighting for justice. It cites examples from labor unions and historical achievements, such as the establishment of the eight-hour workday and weekends, thanks to people coming together and advocating for fair treatment. The podcast suggests that a similar approach is needed on a global scale to address various issues, promote cooperation, wisdom, and fight for justice in our interconnected world.
Ryan speaks with Rainn Wilson in this second of a two-part conversation about the best entry points for the average person into philosophy and spirituality, why the serenity prayer applies to everyone, how the struggles he experienced in his early acting career led to him landing the role of Dwight Schrute, why he wishes that he enjoyed his time on The Office more, his take on the state of the writers’ strike, and more.
Rainn Wilson is an actor, comedian, author, podcaster, writer, and director. He is most known for his role as Dwight Schrute on the NBC sitcom The Office (2005-2013), for which he earned three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Highlights of Rainn’s extensive film and television credits include Galaxy Quest (1999), Almost Famous (2000), Full Frontal (2003), Six Feet Under (2003-2005) and Mom (2018-2021). Outside of acting, Wilson published his autobiography, The Bassoon King, in 2015, and co-founded the digital media company SoulPancake in 2008, and as an author and podcaster he spreads a message of building togetherness and community by way of spiritual and philosophical awakening within the global culture. You can follow Rainn on Instagram @rainnwilson and Twitter @rainnwilson, and on soulboom.com.