Futurology

The Wisdom of Not Knowing (with Pico Iyer and Nathan Gardels)

Sep 16, 2025
Pico Iyer, a renowned travel writer known for his insights on culture and the inner journey, joins Nathan Gardels, co-founder of the Berggruen Institute. They discuss how globalization has complicated identities, revealing the clash of civilizations. Iyer emphasizes that wisdom often lies in embracing uncertainty rather than seeking certainty. They explore the synergy of science and spirituality, mindfulness in the present moment, and the transformative power of loss, ultimately promoting a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and the beauty of life’s impermanence.
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INSIGHT

Global Sameness Is A Surface Illusion

  • Global sameness is an illusion because cultures translate the same media into different meanings.
  • Pico Iyer says travel reveals how shared surfaces mask deep, persistent differences.
ANECDOTE

A Name Built For The Global Era

  • Pico describes his full name and its multi-religious origins given by philosopher parents.
  • The name combined Buddhist, Christian mystic, South Indian, and his father's theosophical lineage to prepare him for a global era.
INSIGHT

Travel Needs Stillness To Yield Insight

  • Travel and stillness form a complementary cycle that converts experience into meaning.
  • Iyer likens travel to gathering ingredients and stillness to cooking insights into a meal.
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