In this engaging conversation, Costica Bradatan, a philosophy professor and author of 'In Praise of Failure', dives into the significance of embracing failure. He shares profound insights on how failures can teach humility, using poignant analogies and historical examples like Gandhi. The discussion explores existential themes, the wisdom gained from confronting our limitations, and the importance of acknowledging mortality. Bradatan argues that embracing failure can pave the way for personal growth and deeper understanding of life's rich tapestry.

Is our society's fixation with success hindering our ability to find humility? Sean Illing speaks with Costica Bradatan about his new book In Praise of Failure: Four Lessons in Humility, which explores failure through the lives of historical figures like Gandhi and the philosopher Simone Weil. They discuss the benefits of engaging with our limits and what we can learn from those who've embraced failure.Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray AreaGuest: Costica Bradatan, Professor at Texas Tech University and Honorary Research Professor of Philosophy at University of Queensland in Australia, Religion/Philosophy editor for the Los Angeles Review of Books, and author of In Praise of Failure: Four Lessons in Humility.References:  In Praise of Failure: Four Lessons in Humility by  Costica Bradatan (Harvard University Press, 2023) The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus, translated by Justin O'Brien (Vintage Books, 1991) The Birth of Tragedy by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufman (1872) The Trouble with Being Born by E.M. Cioran, translated by Richard Howard (Arcade Publishing, 1973) Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of The Gray Area. Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Support The Gray Area by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Engineer: Patrick Boyd Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Costica Bradatan, a Professor of Humanities and author of "In Praise of Failure: Four Lessons in Humility," dives deep into the transformative power of failure. He discusses four distinct types of failure, illustrating how personal and societal struggles can foster profound lessons. The conversation touches upon the dangers of striving for perfection, the allure of political movements, and the complex legacy of Yukio Mishima. Ultimately, Bradatan encourages embracing mortality and failure as vital elements for personal growth and humility.