Michael Schur on the Virtuous Life and Humor in Philosophy | It’s Pointing Right At You
Jan 26, 2022
auto_awesome
Michael Schur, renowned for creating hits like The Good Place and co-producing Parks and Recreation, joins to discuss the challenge of making philosophy relatable. He emphasizes the importance of humor and positivity in storytelling and how they can illuminate complex moral questions. Schur delves into the interplay of virtue and selfishness in media, particularly during the pandemic. He also reflects on the significance of self-awareness in society and how comedic narratives can help us grapple with ethical dilemmas, making philosophy more accessible.
Continuous learning is vital for personal growth, echoing Stoic teachings on self-improvement through reading.
Embrace challenges and find strength in fulfilling your destined purpose, drawing inspiration from Marcus Aurelius' journey as Roman emperor.
Seek relaxation and comfort in TV shows like 'Law and Order' during hectic times, highlighting the need for light-hearted content.
Present philosophical concepts effectively for modern engagement, balancing theory and practicality for real-world application.
Reflect on ethical responsibilities in societal behavior amid the pandemic, stressing the importance of selfless actions and introspection.
Upholding virtuous behavior amidst societal indifference requires resilience and moral integrity, navigating the complexities of societal compliance and personal accountability.
Deep dives
Stoic Philosophy and Self-Improvement Through Reading
The podcast episode highlights the Stoic emphasis on self-improvement through reading, stating that the Stoics believed reading to be a fundamental way to enhance oneself. This is paralleled with a sponsorship message promoting Blinkist, a platform offering key takeaways from self-improvement books. The episode underlines the Stoic viewpoint that continuous learning is essential for personal growth.
Embracing Destiny and Fulfilling Duty
The narration delves into the story of Marcus Aurelius, illustrating how he accepted his unexpected role as Roman emperor. Marcus initially felt overwhelmed and inadequate but found strength through philosophical teachings. The episode draws parallels between Marcus's journey and the idea that everyone has a destined purpose to fulfill, emphasizing the significance of embracing challenges.
Escaping into Comfortable Entertainment
The conversation transitions to a discussion on entertainment choices, particularly TV shows that offer comfort and familiarity during stressful times. The speaker admits to preferring formulaic series like 'Law and Order' and 'The Office,' highlighting the need for relaxation and light-hearted content amidst busy routines and world complexities.
Philosophical Communication and Practical Application
Reflecting on ancient Greek philosophy's clarity and accessibility, the podcast explores the challenge of presenting philosophical concepts effectively to engage modern audiences. It examines the balance between theory and practicality, emphasizing the importance of communicating wisdom in an understandable and relatable manner for real-world application.
Ethical Reflections in Personal and Societal Choices
The episode discusses the moral implications of societal behavior during the pandemic, reflecting on individual choices impacting collective well-being. It highlights the disparity between personal convenience and ethical obligations, touching on the lack of societal empathy and selfless actions. The podcast emphasizes the importance of introspection and ethical decision-making in navigating challenging times.
Facing Challenges of Virtue and Societal Indifference
The narrative navigates the struggles of upholding virtuous behavior in the face of societal indifference and resistance. It explores the reluctance of individuals to engage in simple yet impactful actions for the common good, revealing a stark contrast between self-centeredness and compassionate actions. The podcast probes into the complexities of moral responsibility and societal compliance amidst adversity.
Striving for Virtue Amidst Societal Discord
The episode contemplates the challenges of maintaining moral integrity amidst societal discord and callous attitudes. It underscores the importance of resilience in upholding virtuous behavior, even when faced with widespread apathy and opposition. The discussion revolves around the dichotomy between selfish interests and ethical commitments in a world plagued by indifference.
Navigating Personal Integrity and Social Expectations
The podcast delves into the struggle of balancing personal integrity with societal expectations, particularly during crises like the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral principles despite prevailing indifference and resistance. The episode encourages self-reflection and ethical consistency in navigating ethical dilemmas and societal pressures.
Cultivating Virtuous Behavior amidst Adversity
Exploring the concept of virtue amidst adversity, the podcast examines the challenges of upholding moral values in the face of societal opposition. It underscores the necessity of consistent ethical conduct and personal accountability in turbulent times. The discussion reflects on the complexities of moral decision-making and the enduring importance of virtuous behavior in a world marked by societal discord.
Confronting Ethical Dichotomies and Societal Apathy
The episode delves into ethical dichotomies and societal apathy, highlighting the struggle to uphold moral values in a world rife with indifference. It underscores the need for individual accountability and ethical reflection in combating societal callousness. The narration confronts the challenges of navigating ethical dilemmas and societal resistance, emphasizing the enduring significance of ethical integrity.
The podcast advocates for the promotion of virtuous principles amidst societal challenges and indifference. It underscores the importance of personal integrity and ethical conduct in the face of societal apathy and resistance. The discussion highlights the enduring value of ethical reflection and selfless actions in building a more compassionate and principled society.
The importance of personal responsibility and integrity
Taking personal responsibility for our actions and choices, as highlighted in the podcast, is a crucial aspect of leading an ethical life. The discussion revolves around the notion that individuals are specially responsible for their own deeds rather than what others do. This emphasis on personal accountability, exemplified through the philosopher Bernard Williams' perspective, underscores the significance of maintaining integrity and ethical behavior, even when surrounded by negative influences or unethical actions.
Discovering humor in philosophy and its intersection with daily life
The podcast delves into the intriguing link between philosophy and humor, showcasing how certain philosophical concepts and thought experiments can contain elements of comedy. The speaker, drawing from their experience as a comedy writer, humorously discusses the trolley problem and other philosophical quandaries, shedding light on the unexpected humor within these profound topics. Furthermore, the exploration extends to how philosophy can be portrayed in entertainment mediums like TV shows, offering valuable insights into human psychology and moral dilemmas through engaging and entertaining narratives.
Ryan reads today’s daily meditation and talks to television producer and writer Michael Schur about the importance of making philosophy accessible, the difficulty of living virtuously without becoming cynical, the power of expressing humor and positivity in entertainment, and more.
Michael Schur created the critically acclaimed NBC comedy The Good Place and co-created Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and the Peacock series Rutherford Falls. He is also an executive producer on HBO Max’s Hacks and Netflix’s Master of None. He spent four years as a writer-producer on the Emmy Award-winning NBC hit The Office. His new book How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question is out now.
Blinkist takes top nonfiction titles, pulls out the key takeaways and puts them into text and audio explainers called Blinks that give you the most important information in just 15 minutes. Go to Blinkist.com/STOIC to start your free 7 day trial and get 25% off of a Blinkist Premium membership.
Shopify has the tools and resources that make it easy for any business to succeed from down the street to around the globe. Go to shopify.com/stoic for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.
DECKED truck bed tool boxes and cargo van storage systems revolutionize organization with a heavy-duty in-vehicle storage system featuring slide out toolboxes. DECKED makes organizing, accessing, protecting, and securing everything you need so much easier. Get your DECKED Drawer System at Decked.com/STOIC and get free shipping.
New Relic combines 16 different monitoring products that you’d normally buy separately, so engineering teams can see across their entire software stack in one place. Get access to the whole New Relic platform and 100GB of data free, forever – no credit card required! Sign up at NewRelic.com/stoic.
