Helen Lewis, a journalist at The Atlantic and author, dives into the intriguing world of modern gurus who have stepped in where traditional religions have lost their grip. She discusses why a Canadian man drinks his own urine and unpacks the multifaceted legacy of Steve Jobs. The conversation also critiques the allure of internet gurus, their authenticity, and the public's fascination with flawed figures. Lewis addresses rising tensions surrounding race, identity, and anti-vaccine sentiments, while navigating the complexities of productivity culture in today’s society.
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insights INSIGHT
Online Communities
Online communities are now interest-based, not location-based.
People seek advice online during moments of anxiety and uncertainty.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Guru Reinvention
Tom Torero, a pick-up artist, transitioned from a new atheist to religious, showcasing guru reinvention.
This highlights how some individuals seek validation and importance through various movements.
insights INSIGHT
Flawed Authenticity
Flawed gurus can appear more authentic and relatable to their audience.
People connect with those who are also struggling, not just those who have everything figured out.
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A book about time management and how to live a more fulfilling life.
Autobiography of a Yogi
Paramahansa Yogananda
This book is a detailed account of Paramahansa Yogananda's life, from his childhood in India to his spiritual quest and eventual establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship in the United States. It includes his encounters with various spiritual figures, his experiences with Kriya Yoga, and his mission to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation to the Western world. The book also delves into the prophesied writing of his autobiography and its significance in spreading the message of yoga globally[1][2][5].
Invisible women
Carol Bennett McCuaig
The Madness of Crowds
Gender, Race and Identity
Douglas Murray
In this book, Douglas Murray investigates the dangers of 'woke' culture and the rise of identity politics. He examines the most controversial issues of the current era, including sexuality, gender, technology, and race, and critiques the Marxist foundations of modern social justice movements. Murray argues that modern attitudes towards these issues have been distorted by a sense of victimhood and the negative impact of political correctness. The book is divided into sections dealing with different forms of identity politics and includes interludes on the impact of technology and the need to relearn the ability to forgive in an increasingly online culture. Murray's work has received both praise and criticism, with some reviewers appreciating his bravery and others criticizing his approach as provocative and divisive.
White Fragility
Why It's so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Michael Eric Dyson
Robin DiAngelo
María Enguix Tercero
Billy No-Mates
Max Dickins
In 'Billy No-Mates', Max Dickins embarks on a personal journey to understand male friendships after realizing he had no close friends to serve as his best man. The book delves into the science and sociology of masculine relationships, highlighting issues such as intimacy and isolation in male friendships. Through humorous anecdotes and research, Dickins offers insights into the dynamics of male friendships and how they can be improved.
The Evolution of Life Worth Living
Why we choose to live
C.A. Soper
This book presents a provocative theory based on evolutionary biology, suggesting that humans develop a zest for happiness and meaning to choose life over death in the face of suffering. It offers insights into suicidology and positive psychology, proposing mechanisms to protect against suicide.
Helen Lewis is a journalist at The Atlantic and an author
Humanity has become much less religious and in the ruins of this fresh, listless world, bereft of traditional insight, a cadre of new gurus have risen to take the high priests' place of dispensing insights about how to live. Helen's new BBC Sounds documentary series delves into this world of secular gurus.
Expect to learn why a Canadian man has started drinking his own urine, why Steve Jobs was much more than just a tech inventor, how much it costs to be accused of racism over dinner while being banned from crying, why so many people are turning away from mainstream media, Helen's post-mortem on the IDW, the mortal problem that productivity gurus are helping address and much more...
Modern Wisdom 
