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
Oct 28, 2025 • 10min
Orwell's 1984 - Fake News and the destruction of language
Exploring Orwell's 1984 reveals how language can control thought. Newspeak aims to limit expression, making rebellion unthinkable. The rise in 1984's sales reflects modern concerns about linguistic manipulation. The term 'fake news' is dissected as a tool to delegitimize dissent. Alternative facts undermine objective reality, creating confusion in public discourse. Reductive labels bypass reason and inflame emotions, echoing the themes of Newspeak. Ultimately, the discussion warns that tyranny begins with the degradation of language.
Oct 27, 2025 • 13min
Feuerbach and Marx - We created God in our own image!
Man makes religion, religion does not make man, says the German philosopher Feuerbach. Karl Marx agrees. But why do we do this, and should we? Find out more!
Oct 24, 2025 • 13min
Aristotle - Why Competency is essential for Happiness!
You want lasting joy and fulfillment in your life? Then strive for excellence and competency! Or so argues Aristotle.
Oct 19, 2025 • 13min
Consciousness and the Universe - From Matter to Meaning!
What is the universe without human consciousness? Strangely, not much! Or so I argue!
Oct 15, 2025 • 10min
Byung-Chul Han and Fromm - Clean shiny machines and our Necrophilia!
Explore how modern society prefers clean, efficient machines to the messiness of human life. Delve into Fromm's idea of necrophilia, illustrating our tendency to prioritize order and precision over organic existence. Discover how technology sanitizes death, distancing us from its realities. Byung-Chul Han critiques our obsession with smooth surfaces, arguing it erases uniqueness and genuine connection. Together, these thinkers challenge us to confront our mortality and embrace the chaos of life.
Oct 12, 2025 • 14min
Kant vs. Aristotle - Duty vs. Character!
Aristotle and Kant argue for two very different ethical outlooks. I definitely prefer one to the other!
Oct 9, 2025 • 10min
The rise and the danger of binary thinking
We live in an age increasingly dominated by black and white thinking. When we leave no room for the complexity and ambiguity of reality, the outcome is going to be perilous.
Oct 6, 2025 • 12min
Montaigne's self-fashioning vs. the curated facade of today's self!
The French philosopher Montaigne made the exploration of selfhood the most important thing in his life. How does his project compare to today's version of self-fashioning?
Oct 3, 2025 • 10min
Optimize this! - The cost of constant improvement
Beneath today's trend of optimizing everything lies some deep philosophical and existential problems.
Sep 30, 2025 • 16min
Three famous philosophers who were practically unknown in their own time!
Ahead of their age, awaiting ours: Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche!
