Making Sense with Sam Harris #240 — The Boundaries of Self
11 snips
Mar 7, 2021 
In this engaging conversation, poet David Whyte shares his insights on everyday words and their deeper meanings, drawn from his work 'Consolations.' He explores the essence of fundamental concepts like friendship and ambition, describing how they shape our lives. The discussion delves into the transformative power of true friendship and the vulnerability needed to foster authentic connections. Whyte highlights the interplay of honesty, grief, and self-identity, emphasizing the importance of embracing our vulnerabilities for personal growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Inspiration for "Consolations"
- David Whyte was in Paris and asked to write a 300-word piece.
- This prompted him to reflect on the power of words and their connection to physical experience.
Words and Physical Experience
- Whyte felt that adults often use words abstractly, detached from their physical meaning.
- He contrasts this with how children experience words, using "door" as an example.
A Linguistic Frontier
- Whyte grew up in a linguistic frontier between Ireland and Northern England.
- He describes the contrasting linguistic styles, noting the directness of Northern England and the storytelling of Ireland.
