Perennial Meditations

In this episode, I speak to my friend Cedric Ashley on The Meaningful Life. Cedric is someone I have always found to have a wise perspective on life and the world. You can learn more about Cedric and The Meaning Life Newsletter here. In the conversation, Cedric and I discuss:What is Meaning? Meaning and HappinessThe role of learning and meaningMeaning beyond the career, and much moreFollow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

We turn to the philosopher Aristotle for wisdom in this reflection. Specifically, the lesson is known as the golden mean. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great on this timeless lesson. Aristotle explained, “Virtue is the golden mean between two vices, the one of excess and the other of deficiency.” [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflection, we explore The Parable known as The Two Villages. "A man who was traveling came upon a farmer working in his field and asked him what the people in the next village were like. The farmer asked, “What were the people like in the last village you visited?” The man responded, “They were kind, friendly, generous, great people.” “You’ll find the people in the next village are the same,” said the farmer. [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflection, we explore the topic of progress. If we assume that we are all heading down a particular path, moving forward feels like the only suitable option. Although sometimes making progress includes choosing another way altogether.As the writer and theologian C.S. Lewis tells us, "Progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer." [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I connect with Matt Malcolm the creator of The Pocket Philosopher Newsletter on Substack. In the conversation, we discuss the wisdom of writing out your ideas, exploring different disciplines and traditions, the connection between compassion and wisdom, and much more.Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

This reflection begins with a passage from poet and novelist Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749–1832), known today simply by Goethe. This passage provides insight into finding our path in life.Goethe wrote, "Everyone holds his fortune in their own hands, like a sculptor the raw material he will fashion into a figure. But it’s the same with that type of artistic activity as with all others: We are merely born with the capability to do it. The skill to mold the material into what we want must be learned and attentively cultivated." [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflection, we explore navigating the inner voice. To begin, we turn to the Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh for wisdom. Van Gogh offers this practical advice, "If you hear a voice inside you say that you cannot paint. Then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

We turn to the ancient practice known as the view from above in this reflection. The philosopher Pierre Hadot said, “Philosophy deepens and transforms habitual perception, forcing us to become aware that we are perceiving the world, and that the world is that which we perceive.” How do you perceive the world? Are you seeing clearly? [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this reflection, we explore the topic of gratitude. The Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero called “gratitude not only the greatest of all virtues but the parent of all others.”But, how do we avoid taking things for granted amidst life’s challenges?The French philosopher and writer Voltaire, known for his wit, once quipped: "Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats." [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe

We turn to the philosopher Socrates for wisdom in this reflection. A curious paradox of wisdom is the need to let go of the traditional idea of knowing. Socrates now famously stated, “All that I know is that I know nothing.” [...]Follow Perennial Leader Project:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short reflections on wisdom).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit perennial.substack.com/subscribe