How does consciousness weave its magical web of inner awareness-appreciating music, enjoying art, feeling love? Even when all mental functions may be explained, the great mystery—what it "feels like" inside—will likely remain. This episode features interviews with Charles Tart, Roger Walsh, Raymond Kurzweil, Hubert Dreyfus, Alva Noë, Henry Stapp, and George Lakoff. For subscriber-only exclusives, register for free at www.closertotruth.com.

George Lakoff, highly cited cognitive scientist, discusses his formative experiences and the genesis of his famous ideas in cognitive science and linguistics. Topics include living with a murder, childhood memories in Bayonne, studying with Noam Chomsky, exploring the metaphorical structure of mathematics and framing, and the concept of embodied cognition.

George Lakoff, a renowned cognitive linguist and author of "Metaphors We Live By," delves deep into how metaphors shape our understanding and experiences. He highlights their crucial role in education, particularly in childhood development, and how they can influence empathy in leadership. Lakoff discusses the intersection of metaphor, learning, and innovation, illustrating how language impacts our perception of complex concepts, including economics and mathematics. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing underlying values in effective communication.

Linguistics expert George Lakoff and philosopher Mark Johnson discuss the power of metaphors in language and perception. They explore examples of cultural metaphors and how they shape our understanding. The podcast also touches on the influence of metaphors on topics like cancer and invisible illnesses, urging listeners to challenge their own metaphors for personal growth.

Join George Lakoff, a pioneering linguist known for his work on metaphors, and Mark Johnson, a distinguished philosopher and linguist, as they delve into their groundbreaking ideas from 'Metaphors We Live By'. They discuss how metaphors are integral to our understanding of the world, shaping our perceptions and communication in daily life. Discover the transformative power of metaphors in defining reality, from viewing life as a stage to conceptualizing time as a river, revealing how deeply embedded these linguistic devices are in our thought processes.