

Perennial Wisdom
Perennial Leader Project
Perennial Wisdom is a podcast for seekers and curious minds. Join the search with J.W. Bertolotti to discover universal truths and enduring ideas from philosophical and spiritual traditions. Learn more at perennial.substack.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2024 โข 1h 2min
True, Good, and Beautiful with Shane Trotter | The Character Lab
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
The Character Lab is a new series on In Search of Wisdom designed to explore various aspects of character development. The series is a joint venture with my friend and previous podcast guest, Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In this episode, Shane and I discuss the complex topic of objective morality and the shift towards moral relativism in society. We explore the role of judgment in ethics and the need for cognitive flexibility, the provisional nature of moral behavior, and the inherent insight humans have into right and wrong. We also touch on the tendency towards moral relativism, the need for clarity in virtues, and the importance of serving the greater good.
Key Takeaways
Society has seen a shift towards moral relativism, where individuals believe that there is no objective good or bad.
Moral objectivism suggests that there are universal truths of morality that humans have independently come to throughout history.
The tension between pluralism and dogmatism highlights the need for open-mindedness and the recognition of competing moralities.
Discerning right from wrong is challenging and requires wisdom, discussion, and the pursuit of excellence in character development.
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Mar 20, 2024 โข 16min
The Life (and Wisdom) of Socrates | Perennial Lives
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
Perennial Lives is a new series on In Search of Wisdom exploring The Art of Living: From Socrates to Aquinas. Each episode examines the life and wisdom of one perennial figure in an attempt to keep learning how to live.
๐ Read the transcript: https://perennial.substack.com/
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Mar 13, 2024 โข 1h 2min
A Philosophical Guide to Anxiety with Samir Chopra
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Samir Chopra, author of the new book Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide. Samir is a philosophical counselor and professor emeritus of Philosophy at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. In the conversation, we discuss the meaning of anxiety and how it can help us learn more about ourselves and the world around us. You can learn more about Samirโs work at Samirchopra.com.
Key Takeaways
Philosophy can provide comfort and insight in dealing with personal challenges and emotions like anxiety.
Anxiety can be a teacher, providing self-knowledge and insight into our values and priorities.
Medicating anxiety can be a complex issue, as it may suppress opportunities for self-discovery and growth.
Wisdom is an ongoing process of acquiring a vision of our place in the world and understanding the unalterable aspects of existence.
๐ง For more wisdom, subscribe to The Wisdom School (Apple Podcasts or Spotify).
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Mar 6, 2024 โข 1h 16min
โWhat is the Nature of God?โ with Simon Drew | Living the Questions
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Simon Drew from the Walled Garden Philosophical Society. As many of you know, Simon is a friend, poet, musician, philosopher, and someone deeply interested in lifeโs questions. Todayโs episode is Part V of an ongoing series called Living the Questions (Catch up on previous volumes: I, II, III, & IV). The title is inspired by a famous quote from Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke, "Live the questions for now. Perhaps then, without even noticing it, you will gradually come, on some far-off day, to live your way into the answer."
Summary
In this conversation, Simon and I explore the nature of God and the value of contemplating the question. We discuss the importance of living with the questions and embracing the mystery of God's nature. We also discuss the challenges of seeking and discerning the right way, the concept of living with unresolved questions, and the importance of embracing patience. We highlight the power of questions and the need for humility in the pursuit of truth and much more
๐ง For more wisdom, subscribe to The Wisdom School (Apple Podcasts or Spotify).
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Feb 28, 2024 โข 1h 2min
Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life with Ross D. Inman
Ross D. Inman, author of *Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life*, dives deep into the bond between Christianity and philosophy. He highlights how wonder sparks curiosity and intellectual growth, making life's big questions essential. The conversation emphasizes integrating philosophical values into daily life for personal well-being. Inman also explores contemplation's power in uncovering truths, discussing wisdom through a Christian lens as a blend of knowledge and divine guidance.

Feb 23, 2024 โข 52min
The Character Lab with Shane Trotter
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
The Character Lab is a new series on In Search of Wisdom designed to explore various aspects of character development. The series is a joint venture with my friend and previous podcast guest, Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In this episode, Shane and I introduce the new series and discuss the importance of character formation in todayโs society. We explore the impact of technology on character development, the role of community in shaping character, the need for shared virtues, and much more.
Key Takeaways
Character formation is more important than ever in today's society.
Community plays a crucial role in character formation, providing support, mentorship, and shared values.
Recognizing and avoiding vices is essential to character formation, as they can hinder personal growth.
Pursuing wisdom and developing virtues are lifelong practices that contribute to personal growth and a meaningful life.
๐ง For more wisdom, subscribe to The Wisdom School (Apple Podcasts or Spotify).
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Feb 19, 2024 โข 5min
Made to Work Together | Dying Every Day
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
๐ Welcome to another episode of the Dying Every Day series on In Search of Wisdom. This series delivers Stoic meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage, and a daily exercise to consider contemplating. You can expect our normal interview-style episodes every Wednesday.
๐ง For more tools, subscribe to The Wisdom School on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Feb 14, 2024 โข 57min
Socrates in Love with Armand DโAngour
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Armand D'Angour, the author of Socrates in Love: The Making of a Philosopher. In the conversation, we discuss the life and development of Socrates as a philosopher. We delve into Socrates' philosophy and why he is such a perennial figure. Specifically, you can expect to learn about the idea of the soul, the importance of questioning assumptions, self-reflection, and much more! (I really enjoyed the conversation and hope you do as well!!!).
Key Takeaways
Socrates' inner voice, known as his divine sign, was a physical condition that guided him away from danger.
The concept of the soul in Socrates' philosophy referred to the essence of a person that transcends the physical body and connects to the divine.
Socrates' philosophy emphasized questioning assumptions and examining one's life to determine how best to live.
The Delphic maxim 'Know Thyself' encourages self-reflection and examining one's qualities and priorities.
๐ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Feb 12, 2024 โข 6min
The Art of Living: From Socrates to Aquinas | Perennial Lives
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
Perennial Lives is a new series on In Search of Wisdom exploring The Art of Living: From Socrates to Aquinas. Each episode examines the life and wisdom of one perennial figure in an attempt to keep learning how to live.
๐ Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Feb 7, 2024 โข 1h 11min
Practical Stoicism with Tanner Campbell
๐ฎ Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Tanner Campbell (host of the Practical Stoicism podcast). In the conversation, we discuss Tannerโs journey into Stoicism and the adventures of starting a podcast. However, much of the conversation focuses on the ancient concept known as oikeiosis. We talk about understanding one's role in the world through the circles of concern and the importance of caring for oneself and others. Along with the need for humility and the recognition of interconnectedness. Learn more about Practical Stoicism.
Key Takeaways
Stoicism emphasizes caring for oneself and others and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
Humility is essential in adopting oikeiosis and recognizing the limits of one's control.
Balancing self-interest and the common good requires making contextually appropriate choices.
Living according to nature involves understanding one's role and the circles of concern.
Choosing the right path requires self-awareness and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses.
๐ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom
---
๐๏ธ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
---
๐ฆ Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts