The fear of death drives humans to accumulate money, possessions, and status symbols.
The debate between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome requires balancing social fairness and personal merit.
John Locke's philosophies on property and individual rights have influenced capitalist societies, but the relentless pursuit of material wealth can neglect ethical considerations and social responsibility.
American society's emphasis on individualism creates diversity and personal freedom, but also increases competition, inequality, and excessive focus on personal achievement.
Deep dives
Money and Death Denial
The human tendency to accumulate money and possessions is driven, in part, by a fear of death. Research shows that when people are reminded of their mortality, they become more interested in accumulating wealth, luxury items, and status symbols. The presence of money, even just holding a stack of bills, can reduce death anxiety. This suggests that material wealth serves as a symbolic defense against the reality of mortality. This can contribute to a society that values money and status over other qualities, leading to increasing inequality and a focus on individual achievement.
Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Outcome
The debate between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome is an ongoing discussion. While some argue that equal opportunity is crucial for a functioning society, others caution against striving for equal outcomes. The tension lies in balancing social fairness and personal merit. Critics argue that focusing solely on meritocracy can overlook systemic injustices and hinder the progress of marginalized groups. It is important to carefully consider the complexities of achieving both fairness and personal achievement within a society.
John Locke's Influence and Capitalism
John Locke's philosophies on property and individual rights have had a significant impact on capitalist societies. Locke believed that individuals have the right to private property and the pursuit of wealth, as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. However, the current capitalist system, with its emphasis on infinite growth and accumulating wealth, has led to societal issues. The relentless pursuit of material wealth often negates other values, such as ethical considerations and social responsibility. It is crucial to reflect on the consequences of unbridled capitalism and explore alternative systems that prioritize well-being and equitable distribution.
Individualism in American Society
American society is known for its individualistic values and diversity. The emphasis on individualism has created a heterogeneous society with a wide range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives. While individualism can foster personal freedom and self-expression, it can also lead to increased competition, inequality, and an excessive focus on personal achievement. Finding a balance between individualism and collective well-being is an ongoing challenge for American society.
Near-death experiences change perception of death
Near death experiences have been found to reduce death anxiety by changing the individual's perception of death. It shifts their understanding of death from immediate and total annihilation to a continuous transition. This change in perception can alleviate anxiety and lead to a broader understanding of existence and connectedness.
Psychedelics as palliative treatment
Psychedelic therapy, particularly with substances like psilocybin, has shown promising results in reducing anxiety and depression in terminally ill patients. These experiences can induce a sense of awe, humility, and gratitude by connecting individuals to a larger cosmic reality. The palliative effects of psychedelics are being explored in other psychiatric conditions, offering new perspectives and transformative experiences.
The significance of existential anxieties
Existential anxieties are fundamental to the human experience and can amplify psychological disorders. They underlie many psychological conditions, leading to a range of symptoms and behaviors. Recognizing and addressing the existential dimension of anxiety is essential to promoting psychological well-being and exploring the deeper meaning and purpose of life.
The search for meaning and connection
The human need for meaning and connection extends beyond conventional beliefs and pursuits. It involves embracing nuance, finding value in humility, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Engaging in explorations of consciousness through various means, such as psychedelics, can open doors to a broader understanding of existence and help individuals find personal fulfillment and purpose.
Sheldon Solomon is a social psychologist best known for developing terror management theory concerned with how humans deal with their own sense of mortality. Shaldon's book "The Worm at the Core" is based on 25 years of in-depth research, drawing from innovative experiments conducted around the globe that shows conclusively that the fear of death and the desire to transcend it inspire us to buy expensive cars, crave fame, put our health at risk, and disguise our animal nature. SPONSORS: https://bluechew.com - Try BlueChew FREE when you use our promo code KONCRETE at checkout. EPISODE LINKS: bit.ly/3KNcfgE https://www.skidmore.edu/psychology/faculty/solomon.php FOLLOW DANNY JONES https://www.instagram.com/jonesdannyhttps://twitter.com/jonesdanny JOIN OUR KULT: https://bit.ly/koncretepatreon OUTLINE 0:00 - The #1 driver behind human consciousness 6:49 - Human cognition & awareness of death 23:17 - Death experiments on humans 28:30 - What happens when children learn about death 35:35 - Jordan Peterson 50:23 - Equality of opportunity VS equality of outcome 1:02:03 - John Locke, government, & giving up freedom 1:12:37 - American values & individualism 1:21:55 - How existential dread relates to politics 1:45:43 - Civilization collapse 2:04:32 - Climate change 2:09:52 - Artificial intelligence & immortality 2:16:09 - UFOs & schizophrenia 2:23:18 - Psychedelics 2:35:55 - What happens after we die?
