Freedomain with Stefan Molyneux

"In the last couple of weeks, you have repeatedly reiterated your stance that you don't believe in a soul or any other sort of divine essence that could be "dug out" or set free and give people the ability to change. Yet empirical evidence shows that you spend an enormous amount of time talking to people attempting to do just that — showing them the parts of themselves that have been hurt and giving them the tools to protect and nurture those parts in order to heal and improve their lives. You have also repeatedly used phrases such as "selling your soul to the devil", "soul murder", etc.

"Isn't that evidence that you actually DO believe in a soul (even if perhaps it is not immortal and can be damaged beyond repair or somehow sold for material profit) or some similar construct? Because otherwise, it would seem to imply that all of your work is merely entertainment..."


"Hi Stefan, thanks for the forum and time you give to the community, you’ve helped tremendously over the years. I’ll do my best to support more of your good works when I’m financially better able. Onwards, my question is what constitutes a genuine or acceptable apology from a parent to a child regarding verbal and physical abuse sustained during the childhood? for example hypothetically would a simple “I’m sorry” cover it? if genuine or would you see it necessary for a more detailed and context based apology? If this has been asked and answered before, feel free to skip if so, and thanks again!"


"Hi Stef, I’ve been thinking recently about the idea of living a life guided by rational and moral principles at which point the question emerges. What does it mean to be rational? I think you have done some great work on elaborating on what it means to be moral, but I still find myself unsure about rationality (perhaps due to my lack of research).

"As such here is my question. Is it rational for parents to hit their children? If rationality is seen as behaving in such a way that you make a perceived outcome more likely, are parents acting rationally in this case? If what they want is their children’s obedience, or to socialise their children to be able to fit into the world as it is, is it irrational for them to hit their children?"

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Hello Stefan,

This is time-sensitive, as I likely will make a decision within a week. Here is some background:

I've been seeing a girl long distance for several months. I am physically fit, have a solid income, and work full time after completing my undergrad. We briefly met on a dating app in college and rekindled the relationship over a year later. Our relationship is long distance, so we call regularly, and I visit each month as my work schedule allows for decent time off.

We share many values and goals, and both come from similar backgrounds—our families are together, and our parents haven't divorced. We don't have political conflicts, and she agrees with me on most values. Both of us intend to have kids, and I see being a father and husband as one of the grandest honors a man can ever have.

The shared values and character traits I perceived in her made me think I had a real catch on my hands.

She recently invited me to meet her family, where I had an excellent time. They all live near each other, so I had a real trial by fire in an extended family reunion. Nonetheless, we all enjoyed each other's company, and her father particularly seemed to enjoy my company.

There is another upside to this situation: Although I am an atheist and she is a Christian, she saw past this. After the first two months, I told her about my atheism. Although unexpected, she was understanding and wanted to continue seeing me. This has been a dealbreaker for people in my past, so her acceptance was significant to me.

Now, here's where I am conflicted. When we met, she told me she was waiting for marriage. I was happy to hear this as I have been as well. It has been a serious struggle for me, but I knew I wouldn't endanger my future marriage over something temporary.

However, after last week's family meetup, she revealed that she is only NOW waiting for marriage. As recently as the beginning of this year, she had not abstained. She has a body count of 3, and in her last three relationships, she has only partially abstained, given her Protestant view of what is and isn't sex. This revelation has left me very conflicted.

I recognize the tentative nature of my situation and wonder if I might not find someone who shares all my values, especially given our age. I wonder if I am asking for too much, particularly from someone who understands my lack of religiosity.

Part of me says I'm young and have time to try again—this is what the gambler in me says and what most men I trust in my life suggest. The other part of me, which cares for her very much, doesn't want to end things. Some of the women in my life have expressed that I should forgive and forget.

Well, Stefan, do let me know what you think. Your advice is truly appreciated.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

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Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

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In this episode of Feminology, I examine the distinctions between people-pleasing and fawning, discussing how intentions shape our relationships. Through personal anecdotes from my film industry experiences, I highlight the difference between genuine connection and manipulative flattery. I also address the implications of choosing isolation over family, advocating for the maturity that comes with marriage and parenthood. Additionally, I explore the philosophical notion of infinity as an anti-concept, and tackle listener questions on gratitude and balancing work with enjoyment. Throughout, I encourage a reflective and balanced approach to interpersonal dynamics and life’s complexities.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I analyze the film "It Ends With Us," featuring Blake Lively, examining its exploration of the cycle of abuse. Despite strong performances and writing, I critique the film's lack of psychological depth. The narrative, centered on Lily's tumultuous love life with Ryle and Atlas, raises questions about her growth and the portrayal of flawed masculinity. I highlight the film's failure to explore women's complexities and its reliance on victimization tropes. However, I acknowledge a powerful moment of reflection by Lily, urging viewers to approach the film with critical awareness of its themes on love and pain. I invite listeners to share their thoughts on the film's portrayal.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this compelling discussion, we deeply explore the profound impact of challenging family dynamics on individuals by sharing experiences of callers coping with manipulative and toxic relationships. Themes include vulnerabilities in relationships, the concept of sexual market value, childhood trauma, parental relationships, establishing moral boundaries, confronting past traumas, and seeking autonomy amid deceit and manipulation. Through poignant stories, reflections, and insights, we unravel the intricate layers of family relationships and the transformative journey towards healing, personal growth, and self-discovery in the face of adversities.

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS: MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING' - AND THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI AND AUDIOBOOK!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, I explore the connections between love, virtue, and emotional experiences. I discuss whether true love can extend to pets, arguing that moral virtue is essential. I analyze the literary trope of orphans, showing how it allows authors to address resilience and redemption without familial complexities.
I also tackle unequal friendships, emphasizing the need to recognize and address exploitative dynamics for healthier relationships. Sharing insights from my entrepreneurial journey, I stress the importance of family support during transitions.
In romantic contexts, I highlight red flags in potential partners and the value of personal growth and mutual respect. I conclude with reflections on loyalty, inspired by Samwise from "The Lord of the Rings," encouraging listeners to pursue genuine connections based on shared commitment and emotional health.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this lecture, Stefan Molyneux examines the complex interplay between individual privacy rights and societal expectations. He raises important questions about how privacy concerns manifest, particularly in situations like mandatory checks for potential child abuse, while advocating for a balance between personal privacy and societal needs. Molyneux employs relatable analogies to depict how privacy affects employment and personal relationships, illustrating the risks of excessive privacy on opportunities and trust. He discusses how individuals often trade privacy for convenience in everyday interactions, emphasizing the economic repercussions tied to privacy choices in various industries. Ultimately, Molyneux urges a thoughtful approach to privacy, urging listeners to reflect on the long-term effects of their choices on social and professional dynamics.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

This lecture examines conflict resolution, asserting that most disputes arise from deception and miscommunication. The speaker emphasizes that honesty is essential for resolving conflicts, highlighting how personal relationships often suffer due to superficial connections. Real-life examples illustrate the consequences of false premises, such as misunderstandings leading to blame and dissatisfaction. The discussion critiques societal norms around love and commitment, advocating for authenticity and virtue as foundational to genuine relationships. The lecture concludes with a call for courageous conversations about truthfulness to foster authentic love and trust.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

Sunday Morning Live 1 September 2024

In this episode, I tackle the challenges of political expression in a climate of fear and hostility, responding to a listener's experience of backlash for supporting a candidate. We discuss the complexities of political allegiance, coercion, and the implications of silence in discourse.
The conversation broadens to examine economic dependency and its effect on societal attitudes toward change, alongside philosophical questions about self-ownership and moral principles. I critique the neglect of peaceful parenting in libertarian thought, highlighting its role in perpetuating cycles of violence.
Ultimately, I stress the importance of action over rhetoric, particularly in parenting, as a means to foster values of non-aggression and freedom in future generations. This episode invites reflection on personal beliefs and the legacy we create.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022

In this episode, we explore the U.S. Surgeon General's public health advisory on the pressures modern parents face. Highlighting alarming statistics, we discuss rising levels of stress linked to financial worries, social media influence, and the youth mental health crisis. The conversation addresses how unrealistic standards contribute to feelings of inadequacy and emphasizes the importance of strong family partnerships. We advocate for redefining parenting priorities to focus on meaningful connections with children and shared responsibilities, aiming to reduce stress and foster healthier family dynamics amidst today�s challenges.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/parent-stress-warning-1.7307945

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK!

https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!

https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022