Mariana Alessandri

Mariana Alessandri, a philosophy professor and author, challenges the cultural obsession with positivity and re-evaluates how we view dark moods. She argues that sadness and grief aren’t failures, but integral parts of the human experience. The conversation explores why societal pressure to 'cheer up' often backfires and critiques Stoic and Aristotle’s approaches to emotions. Mariana emphasizes the importance of sitting with grief and providing emotional honesty, particularly in parenting, and calls for a shift away from shame toward acceptance.

Mariana Alessandri, a philosophy professor and author of "Night Vision," delves into the importance of embracing darkness in our emotional lives. She critiques the societal tendency to equate light with positivity while dismissing dark emotions as negative. The conversation explores Stoic and Aristotelian perspectives on grief, advocating for emotional honesty and vulnerability. Alessandri emphasizes the need to acknowledge pain as a source of insight, challenging us to rethink our relationships with difficult emotions and promote deeper understanding.

In this enlightening discussion, Mariana Alessandri, a philosophy professor and author, delves into the often-overlooked value of dark emotions. She critiques the societal tendency to associate light with positivity, shedding light on how this influences our understanding of pain and grief. Alessandri contrasts Stoic philosophy with contemporary views on emotional intelligence and discusses how anger and sadness are shaped by personal and societal expectations. Ultimately, she advocates for embracing emotional honesty and redefining our relationship with darkness.

Mariana Alessandri, a philosophy professor and author of "Night Vision: Seeing Ourselves Through Dark Moods," discusses the complexities of human emotions, arguing for the importance of embracing sadness and grief rather than repressing them. She critiques the self-help narrative that promotes constant happiness and contrasts Stoic and Aristotelian views on grief. Mariana advocates for emotional honesty and the power of presence, encouraging individuals to accept their feelings and foster deeper connections through shared experiences of pain.

In this engaging discussion, Mariana Alessandri, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and author of "Night Vision," shares her insights on navigating dark moods. She emphasizes the need to embrace difficult emotions without feeling broken and critiques societal pressures to maintain positivity. Listeners learn about the impact of labeling mental health and explore the integration of conflicting feelings. Alessandri encourages self-compassion and presents practical strategies for managing anxiety, promoting a deeper connection between emotions and personal growth.