Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)

Nate Klemp, philosopher and writer, talks about practicing mindfulness in a technology-dependent world. They discuss screen addiction, exploring new perspectives through gun culture and psychedelic therapy, the benefits of meditation and mindfulness, and the importance of nature for grounding and staying present.

Discussion on human technology and the blurring line between artificial and natural intelligence. Delve into the relationship between human nature, technology, and the strangeness of the human. Exploring the failures of artificial intelligence and the distraction of contemporary AI. Discussion on eccentricity, disruption of norms, and the role of norms in decision-making. Importance of historical norms and social conditions in human survival. Focus on anticipation and decision making.

In this episode, Robert Harrison concludes his series on Dante's Characters with a focus on Brunetto Latini, Dante's teacher. He explores Dante's unflattering portrayal of Latini and discusses the historical context of political factions in medieval Florence. Additionally, he delves into Dante's personal experiences of exile and loss, as well as his depiction of a homoerotic encounter. The episode concludes by examining Dante's vision of good and evil and the universal appeal of his work.

Delving into the character of Guido da Montefeltro, the host analyzes his punishment in hell and compares it to Ulysses. They discuss Guido's use of a provincial idiom and delve into his regrets and self-deception. The parallels between Guido and J. Alfred Prufrock are explored, questioning the genuineness of Guido's repentance. Themes of self-doubt, insecurities, and the passage of time are also reflected upon.

Explore Dante's Ulysses, his thirst for knowledge and worldly experiences, and the parallels between his journey and Dante's own adventure in the Divine Comedy. Delve into the contrasting portrayals of Ulysses in Tennyson's and Dante's works, and the symbolism of Ulysses in Western expansionism. Reflect on the need to accept limitations and embrace solitude in the face of a finite world.

In this podcast, Professor Robert Harrison discusses Dante's captivating characters in his Divine Comedy. He explores the irony and deception in the sinners' monologues and analyzes Francesca da Rimini's tragic fate and passionate encounter. The podcast also delves into the intersection of Nietzsche and Francesca's happiness.

Garry Nolan, a professor of immunology at Stanford and active ufology expert, discusses the investigation of UAPs, the extraordinary technology of UFOs, the government's cover-up of UFO knowledge, speculation on the existence of extraterrestrial beings near black holes, and the revolutionary potential of fully informing the public about UFOs.

Dr. Maria Massucco discusses women's trauma in modern & contemporary Italy, exploring the evolution of the mad woman in literature, the portrayal of madness and violence in battle, the influence of feminist scholarship, the relationship between opera and madness, the therapeutic power of literature, and the works of Goliarda Sapienza and contemporary Italian cinema.

A conversation with Corey Dansereau, a PhD Candidate in Modern Thought and Literature at Stanford, about the impact of Giambattista Vico on James Joyce’s writing. Songs in this episode: “Echo” by Glass Wave, and “I Might Be Wrong” by Radiohead.

A monologue in which our host, Professor Robert Harrison, discusses the originality and continued relevance of Giambattista Vico’s New Science (1748). Songs in this episode: “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors, “Nausicaa” by Glass Wave, and “Cycle of Eternity” by Tangerine Dream.