Lives Well Lived

Dasho Dechen Wangmo, a prominent Bhutanese public health leader and former Minister of Health, shares her incredible journey navigating Bhutan through the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses achieving a remarkable 94% vaccination rate in just four days and the vital role of community trust in public health. Dechen also touches on Bhutan's unique Gross National Happiness approach, the significance of women in politics, and lessons learned during global health crises, all interspersed with cultural insights and reflections on the philosophical underpinnings of Bhutanese society.

Dean Spears, an economic demographer and co-author of 'After the Spike,' delves into the future of global population trends. He discusses the likelihood of depopulation, challenging fears of overpopulation. Spears highlights the ethical implications of reducing population and advocates for technology as a solution to environmental issues. He also examines the dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, immigration's role in population changes, and the philosophical 'repugnant conclusion' regarding quality versus quantity of life, making a compelling case for reevaluating societal choices.

Meg Smaker, a documentary filmmaker renowned for her immersive storytelling, shares gripping tales from her life, including a harrowing kidnapping in Colombia and encounters with Somali pirates. She delves into her controversial film, 'The UnRedacted', which explores rehabilitation for former Guantánamo Bay detainees and the complexities of de-radicalization. Meg discusses the backlash she faced amid cancel culture, her empathy-driven transition from firefighting to filmmaking, and how understanding motivations is key to addressing extremism.

Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot, director of the Affective Brain Lab at University College London and author of The Optimism Bias, dives into the intricate psychology of optimism. She discusses the optimism bias—why people remain hopeful despite societal challenges like climate change. The conversation highlights how anticipation can boost happiness and examines the balance between optimism and caution. Tali also explores the upsides of embracing change and the impact of online content on our mental well-being, advocating for healthier media consumption.

Joshua Greene, a Harvard psychology professor and expert in moral decision-making, delves into the nuances of expanding our moral circles. He discusses the interplay of tribalism and cooperation, advocating for a compassionate approach to utilitarianism. Greene unveils the innovative Giving Multiplier, transforming how we view charitable giving. He emphasizes the power of collaborative games to bridge political divides and shares insights from his research on fostering understanding and engagement across differing viewpoints.

Cyan Banister, an angel investor and entrepreneur, rose from homelessness to make early investments in companies like Uber and SpaceX. She shares her compelling journey of self-education and resilience. The discussion touches on the importance of empathy, personal growth, and the healing power of philosophy in overcoming adversity. Cyan also highlights her unique investment philosophy shaped by her experiences, emphasizing community support and the transformative impact of mentoring in navigating challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Slavoj Žižek, a provocative Slovenian philosopher known for blending Marxism with psychoanalysis, dives into the complexities of love, politics, and philosophy. He critiques historical and contemporary interpretations of communism and explores the paradoxes of capitalism, emphasizing the need for systemic change over mere charitable donations. Žižek also tackles the theme of 'Christian atheism', examining its ties to suffering, and reflects on the intricacies of personal relationships amid global turmoil, including the war in Ukraine.

Cass Sunstein, a renowned legal scholar and behavioral economist from Harvard, dives into the art of 'nudging'—a concept that influences decision-making while respecting individual choice. He tackles ethical dilemmas surrounding autonomy and manipulation. The discussion also highlights climate justice, emphasizing the moral duties of high-emission countries in global accountability. Sunstein's insights extend to organ donation ethics, contrasting opt-in and opt-out models, and the rise of animal welfare awareness, showcasing how small changes can lead to significant impacts.

Lawrence Krauss, a prominent theoretical physicist and cosmologist, delves into our cosmic insignificance and the fleeting nature of life. He highlights the importance of personal connections and living a reasoned life, advocating for happiness despite the universe's indifference. Krauss also examines the interplay between philosophy and science, discussing major concepts like the Big Bang and the future of inquiry. He emphasizes the necessity of free speech and open dialogue in academia, tackling critical societal issues like systemic racism while exploring life beyond academic boundaries.

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and advocate for social reform, discusses the crucial need for moral ambition in addressing global challenges. He delves into the founding of his School for Moral Ambition, emphasizing learning from history to inspire modern activism. Topics like universal basic income and a 15-hour workweek highlight pragmatic solutions to poverty. Rutger shares thoughts on finding purpose beyond mere happiness, underscoring the importance of community-driven efforts and the role of political engagement in effecting meaningful change.