The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Thinking and Feeling | Frankly 89

Mar 21, 2025

The discussion explores the human tendency to categorize experiences into binaries, particularly in how we perceive thinking versus feeling. It highlights the risks of this polarized mindset, especially as global challenges grow. The speaker emphasizes the need for an integrative approach, merging emotional intelligence with analytical skills. By recognizing the importance of both sides, we can foster connection and cooperation, ultimately reshaping how we interact with complex issues. The conversation encourages individuals to rethink their relationship with the world, balancing knowledge and emotion.

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Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes the necessity of integrating analytical thinking with emotional awareness to effectively address complex global issues.

A call is made for fostering community connections that combine knowledge and emotional engagement to navigate future challenges.

Deep dives

The Dichotomy of Thinking and Feeling

There is an ongoing tension between analytical thinking and emotional feeling when addressing the world's complex issues. The concept of integrating both perspectives is emphasized, suggesting that neither can function effectively in isolation. The speaker reflects on a conversation revealing that, despite appearing calm, they feel an intense worry about the future, particularly regarding financial systems and environmental challenges. The need for balance is highlighted, advocating for a community that possesses both knowledge of crisis management and a sense of joy, love, and connection.

Integrating Thought and Emotion in Times of Crisis

10min

The human brain has proven to be particularly good at breaking down all sorts of things into categories and dichotomies - even our perception of the world itself is often split between ‘thinking’ and ‘feeling,’ shaped by the sensory input we receive. It seems that our values, beliefs, opportunities – even how we define ourselves as individuals – are limited to opposing and polarized options. Yet, does this binary mindset only lead us toward more blind-spots?

In this Frankly, Nate unpacks the influence of beliefs on our feelings, and how it ultimately affects our actions. As global risks and complexity intensify and those with political power accelerate deeper divides, adopting an integrative perspective will become essential for fostering connection, cooperation, and civility. The over-reliance of the last few decades on objective facts and science is no longer enough. Now is the time to re-align our analytics with values and emotions that will light our path forward through challenges of the next few decades.

What might we achieve if we moved beyond dichotomies and embraced dualities, recognizing the importance of both sides of the same coin? Is it possible for western cultures to embrace our ‘feeling’ capabilities, without losing our trajectory of great contributions to science and knowledge for the world? Lastly, in what ways can we as individuals shift the way we relate to the world - to integrate thinking and feeling - so that we might remain engaged and informed citizens during these uncertain times?

(Recorded March 18th, 2025)

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