The Wisdom Of

For the psychologist Rollo May, art is no dispensable luxury, it's an essential response to nihilism! ....  Check out my new book! It's called: The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Happy New Year to all across lands and seas! ...... Check out my new book! It's called: The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Nietzsche criticizes our modern infatuation with money-making, an infatuation that he thinks reveals a deep spiritual impoverishment and an erosion of character...... Check out my new book! It's called: The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Self-interest is directionless and ultimately, is an enemy of both self-actualization and love. For these things, we need a relation to something outside of our own egos. 

Why do we still crave originals in a world of endless duplication? Psychologist Paul Bloom reveals that objects possess invisible essences shaped by their origins and stories. Childhood attachments to loved toys illustrate this intrinsic value. Meanwhile, philosopher Walter Benjamin discusses how the unique 'aura' of artworks is lost through reproduction, stripping them of their history and presence. The conversation highlights a modern yearning for authenticity, pushing back against the digital age's relentless copying. It’s a fascinating dive into our quest for the genuine!

What is the essence of eroticism in today's world? Explore Kierkegaard's take on desire as shaped by distance and possibility. Discover Barthes's notion that elusiveness enhances desire. Proust’s reflections reveal how interpretation and absence sustain longing. Byung-Chul Han argues that true eroticism requires a real, resisting other. The discussion raises concerns about modern culture's transparency damaging the mystery that fuels eros, while Han critiques pornography for suffocating erotic imagination. Can eroticism thrive without shadow and silence?

Explore the contrasting lives of Goldmund and Narcissus, two characters who represent the choice between sensory experience and intellectual contemplation. Discover how Goldmund's adventurous spirit clashes with Narcissus’ desire for inner peace. Delve into the idea that achieving psychic wholeness is impossible, emphasizing the importance of embracing life's trade-offs. Reflect on how choosing a path in life means letting go of others, and learn about the struggle to integrate opposites, inspired by Jung's concepts. Embrace life's sacrifices and its illuminating possibilities!

Two philosophers from different eras tackle a timeless issue: self-absorption leads to unhappiness. Russell suggests that excessive inward focus limits experiences, while Han highlights how modern narcissism stifles genuine connections. Using Don Quixote as a metaphor, they illustrate how engaging with the world revitalizes life. Both thinkers agree that turning outward fosters happiness. Russell's zest and Han's eros present different pathways to transcend the self, ultimately emphasizing that joy springs from meaningful relationships.

Explore how aging can be seen as a time of possibility rather than decline. Discover Nietzsche's idea of reclaiming childlike playfulness and the Taoist perspective on yielding to change for vitality. Delve into Hannah Arendt's notion of natality, emphasizing our capacity to start anew at any age. Finally, reflect on Camus’s concept of an inner summer, representing enduring hope and youthful spirit. Aging can be a journey of growth, not loss!

Explore the intriguing blend of humor and despair in Samuel Beckett's work. Discover how his characters' physical comedy in 'Waiting for Godot' adds a humorous layer to their deep philosophical struggles. Delve into his vaudeville influences and the slapstick techniques that highlight existential themes. Unpack the irony in Beckett's use of meaningless dialogue, revealing how it can be both absurd and oddly comforting. Ultimately, laugh with the insight that Beckett's humor reflects our own dignity and absurdity in the face of life's challenges.