James Fadiman, a pioneer in psychedelic research, and Jordan Gruber, a versatile writer and coach, dive into the fascinating layers of human identity in their compelling dialogue. They explore the idea of our multiple selves emerging in different contexts and moods. The discussion covers self-switching techniques for personal growth, the historical evolution of psychological theories, and the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy and meditation. Anecdotes about connecting with younger selves and navigating emotional landscapes enrich their insights.
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insights INSIGHT
Multiple Selves Beyond Moods
Humans naturally cycle through distinct selves that are more profound than moods.
These selves have observable behavior and internal state differences noticeable to oneself and others.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Jim's Baseball Self Example
Jim Rutt describes a 'baseball self' he inhabited during intense play, wholly absorbed in the game.
This self focused exclusively on baseball, neglecting social bonds and daily memories.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Angry and Warfighter Selves
Jim Rutt shares his 'angry self' from his business career that would explode in rage but cool down after a while.
This angry self could transition into a focused 'warfighter' mode, capable of strategic, sustained focus.
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Daniel Keyes' "The Minds of Billy Milligan" delves into the complex and controversial case of Billy Milligan, who was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder) in the late 1970s. Milligan was accused of several serious crimes, including robbery, kidnapping, and rape, but was ultimately acquitted on the grounds of insanity. The book explores the various personalities that resided within Milligan, each with their own distinct characteristics, abilities, and memories. Keyes provides a detailed account of Milligan's life, the psychiatric evaluations he underwent, and the legal proceedings that unfolded. "The Minds of Billy Milligan" raises questions about the nature of identity, responsibility, and the complexities of the human mind.
The origin of consciousness in the breakdown of the bicameral mind
Julian Jaynes
Julian Jaynes's "The Origins of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind" is a controversial but influential work that proposes a revolutionary theory about the evolution of human consciousness. Jaynes argues that consciousness as we know it emerged relatively recently in human history, and that earlier humans experienced the world differently, receiving instructions and guidance from internal voices they attributed to gods. This "bicameral mind," Jaynes suggests, was a state of consciousness where the left and right hemispheres of the brain functioned more independently. The book draws on evidence from ancient literature and mythology to support its claims, sparking considerable debate among scholars. While its central thesis remains highly contested, the book's imaginative approach to understanding consciousness continues to inspire discussion and further research.
Counterclockwise
Ellen Langer
Angela's Ashes
Frank McCourt
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Frank McCourt recounts his childhood in Brooklyn and Limerick, Ireland. Born to recent Irish immigrants, Frank's family faces severe poverty and hardship due to his father's chronic alcoholism. Despite the dire conditions, Frank's father nurtures his love for storytelling, which becomes a crucial element in his survival. The memoir vividly describes the family's struggles, including near-starvation, the death of siblings, and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors, all told with humor, eloquence, and remarkable forgiveness.
Your Symphony of Selves
Jordan Gruber
James Fadiman
Jordan Gruber & James Fadiman talk with Jim about their new book, Your Symphony of Selves: Discover and Understand More of Who We Are...
Jordan Gruber & James Fadiman talk to Jim about their book, Your Symphony of Selves: Discover and Understand More of Who We Are. They cover our multiple selves, self vs mood, arguing with ourselves, David Bowie, history of the single-self assumption, connecting with our younger selves, self-switching benefits & methods, authenticity, contextuality, connections to mental illness, psychedelics & meditation, integrating selves, cultural differences, and much more.
Episode Transcript
Mentions & Recommendations
Your Symphony of Selves: Discover and Understand More of Who We Are
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
Jordan Gruber, J.D., M.A., Renaissance Wordsmith—writer, collaborative writer, ghostwriter, editor, and coach—has created and sculpted authoritative volumes in forensic law, financial services, psychology, and health and wellness. A graduate of Binghamton University and the University of Virginia School of Law, he founded the Enlightenment.Com website. He has recently co-authored Your Symphony of Selves (on healthy multiplicity) with James Fadiman, as well as The Bounce (on rebound exercise) with Joy Daniels. He lives in Menlo Park, California, with his wife and family.
James Fadiman is an American psychologist and writer. He is acknowledged for his extensive work in the field of psychedelic research. He co-founded, along with Robert Frager, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, which later became Sofia University, where he was a lecturer in psychedelic studies.
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