The Wisdom Of
Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb
In this podcast we explore great works of philosophy and literature and art, and try to pull out of them what’s most interesting and inspiring! Whether they come from the works of Plato, or Dostoevsky or Picasso, here we explore ideas that move mountains and rock the soul! So, come join us, won’t you? Come worship at the alter of ideas, and come celebrate the dancing of thought. Welcome to the Wisdom Of!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 15, 2025 • 14min
Julian Jaynes - The Origin of Consciousness and the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind, and AI!
The American psychologist argued that before modern consciousness, we heard and obeyed the voices of the gods. With AI, is it any different today?
Sep 11, 2025 • 10min
A human history of intelligence without kindness - A cautionary analogy for the advent of AI
We've set a bleak precedent for what's to come.
Sep 8, 2025 • 21min
Cicero and Simone de Beauvoir on Old Age - The Self, the Other and growing old authentically!
Cicero and Simone de Beauvoir offer us two very different visions of growing old and the philosophy of aging!
Aug 31, 2025 • 14min
Eden, Adam and Eve: Thank God for the Fall! - Why paradise is deeply problematic!
Living an Edenic existence fails to give us what we truly need and want: namely, responsibility, love and meaning!
Aug 27, 2025 • 12min
Byung-Chul Han - The Transparency Society
According to Han, we live in a culture of constant self-exposure and exhibition. And, despite what we think, it makes us flat, banal and powerless!
Aug 23, 2025 • 7min
To our Children
Explore how our choices today shape the world of tomorrow. The discussion highlights the power of individual decisions in influencing historical events and societal challenges. Listeners are inspired to acknowledge their role in crafting a better future, urging a sense of justice and responsibility. Join in on this enlightening journey towards becoming intentional architects of change.
Aug 22, 2025 • 14min
Samuel Beckett - "I can't go on. I'll go on."
This is the famous last line in one of Beckett's novels. But it's not just a last line, it's a credo for human existence!
Aug 17, 2025 • 11min
Reclaiming the power of Melancholy!
We treat melancholy as a pathology, something to be cured or eradicated. But we've lost sight of it's real value!
Aug 17, 2025 • 14min
Alexander Nehamas - Platonic Irony!
Socrates doesn't just undermine his interlocutors, Plato undermines us! Or so argues the contemporary philosopher Alexander Nehamas!
Aug 14, 2025 • 11min
The Pathetic Nature of the Sycophant!
They all gushed over Nero, and they're no different today! It's all very embarrassing and sad.
