In the fantasy series "The Prince of Nothing" and "The Aspect Emperor" by R Scott Bakker, we are introduced to a concept called The Darkness that Comes Before. This describes the unknown place from where our urges and drives and decisions come from, that subconscious part of the brain that really calls the shots.

In this podcast episode, I explore what occurs in that darkness, and how other people get into your mind to control you. We look at how to be sceptical about your own thoughts and feelings and beliefs, in such a way that ensures you make better long-term decisions and prevent others from manipulating you.