In the modern world, there is a prevalent feeling of a loss of personal agency due to factors like AI and algorithms. Kierkegaard's concept emphasizes the importance of realizing one's power to take intentional action rather than reacting to external stimuli. Matthew Crawford differentiates between agency and autonomy, stating that autonomy only offers the freedom to choose, while agency involves constructing choices. The abundance of choices in modern life may give the illusion of autonomy but can actually diminish true agency as individuals are presented with predetermined options, akin to how a parent offers a child limited choices.
The last time we had entrepreneur, professor, and author Luke Burgis on the show, he discussed the concept of mimetic desire, which says that we want the things we want because other people want them. Since that time, Luke has continued to explore the idea of mimesis, and how to resist its negative consequences, in his Substack: Anti-Mimetic. Today on the show, Luke and I dig into these ideas and discuss ways we can step outside the tempo, cadences, and priorities that the world would foist upon us and establish our own rhythms for our lives. Luke unpacks what it means to have “thick desires” and become a “political atheist” and how these concepts can help you live a more anti-mimetic life.
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