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
Aug 4, 2025 • 16min
The Philosopher and his Poodles: Schopenhauer's Ethics of Compassion!
The German philosopher Schopenhauer believed that compassion was the true foundation of morality. It worked best when it came to his dogs!
Jul 23, 2025 • 14min
The Fissure of Being, or Why You’re Never Whole: Sartre’s Existential Bombshell!
Why are we not like rocks or cabbage? Because there's a hole or fissure at the heart of our being! Or so says the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre!
Jul 16, 2025 • 14min
Carl Jung, Heidegger, and the California Gold Rush!
Explore the fascinating transformation of gold from a symbol of value to a mere commodity during the California Gold Rush. Delve into the philosophical insights of Carl Jung and Martin Heidegger, who scrutinize the implications of this shift on human existence. Discover Heidegger's critique of modern technology and its impact on how we perceive resources, challenging listeners to seek deeper connections with the world around them.
Jul 11, 2025 • 12min
Star Wars vs. Star Trek - Why Star Trek is better!
Star Wars and Star Trek: Which of these is more philosophically interesting? And which of these two universes would you want to live in? I got my answer!
11 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 11min
Byung-Chul Han - Why so many of us feel so empty today!
Explore the deep existential emptiness that lies beneath modern life's shiny surface. Discover how hyperactivity and self-exploitation lead to burnout and fatigue. Delve into the impact of echo chambers that erase diversity, making life feel smooth yet shallow. Understand how the erosion of rituals and fragmented time strips away depth and narrative from our experiences. Tune in to uncover why the fast pace and uniformity of contemporary life leave so many feeling hollow.
Jul 4, 2025 • 12min
ASMR - A sensory rebellion against our disembodied age!
Is ASMR just some superficial Youtube phenomenon? Or is there something important and deep behind its popularity? Find out more!
Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
Susan Wolf and Dostoevsky - The Problem with being a Moral Saint!
Exploring the concept of moral saints reveals intriguing dilemmas. Contemporary philosopher Susan Wolf argues that striving for moral perfection can limit personal experiences. Dostoevsky’s characters illustrate the emotional distress tied to the quest for morality, highlighting the dangers of self-proclaimed purity. Camus further critiques the pursuit of absolute justice, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of morality that accepts human flaws. Discovering the rich complexity of human morality is both enlightening and unsettling!
Jun 24, 2025 • 11min
Wisdom as Content, Grifters, and why Socrates wouldn’t have used Patreon!
In our attention-economy wisdom has now become content - ready-made for monetization! Socrates warned against this trend long ago!
Jun 21, 2025 • 13min
The Cynics - Ya gotta be TOUGH to be happy!
These ancient philosophers argued that physical toughness was a discipline essential to happiness. Relevant for us today? I think so! If interested, check out my new book series! The second book is available now! www.amazon.com/Manifesto-Beauty-Reclaim-Digital-World/dp/1069510815/
Jun 17, 2025 • 12min
Learning to Love: Nietzsche, Beauty and the Beast, and Don Quixote!
Nietzsche tells us that one must LEARN to love. That might sound a bit odd to us. What does he mean and why is it important? Find out more! If interested, check out my new book series! Here's the first one: A Manifest on Beauty: Reclaim Real Beauty in a Digital Agewww.amazon.com/Manifesto-Beauty-Reclaim-Digital-World/dp/1069510815/
