#42: Are People Inherently Good? Evil AI and Intergalactic Wasps with Ryan A Bush

In this episode of The Mindform Podcast, host Frank Lawton sits down with Ryan Bush, founder of Mindform and author of Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture, for a rich exploration of what it truly means to grow. They examine two philosophies of self-development: one grounded in emotional awareness and self-connection, and the other in intentional design and habit formation. Their conversation unfolds from personal stories into philosophical questions about the nature of values, consciousness, and human nature.

Frank shares how his early approach was driven by insecurity and a desire to emulate others, leading to a disconnection from his deeper self. Now, he emphasizes growth through emotional awareness and curiosity, rather than effortful striving. Ryan introduces the psychitecture framework, which views growth as a process of aligning habits and character with one’s values. He advocates for both additive (skill-building) and subtractive (removal of harmful patterns) methods.

Midway, the discussion deepens into a philosophical debate on the nature of values. Frank argues that empathy and collaboration are universal among conscious, goal-seeking organisms. Ryan challenges this by imagining intelligent beings with opposing values, suggesting that consciousness doesn’t guarantee pro-social ethics. Despite differing angles, both agree that meaningful growth involves both self-connection and strategic design—combining inner awareness with intentional change.

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