In this episode, I connect with Matt Malcolm the creator of The Pocket Philosopher Newsletter on Substack. In the conversation, we discuss the wisdom of writing out your ideas, exploring different disciplines and traditions, the connection between compassion and wisdom, and much more.

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In this episode, I speak to Catherine Wilson the author of How to Be an Epicurean: The Ancient Art of Living Well.  Catherine received her Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University and has taught at universities in the US, Canada, and Europe. Her research is focused on the relationship between the natural and social sciences and classical philosophical problems in the following areas: the history of atomism and materialism; theories of life and sensory awareness; visuality and aesthetics, and morality and emotions from an evolutionary perspective. 

In the conversation, Catherine and I discuss:

• Catherine’s path to philosophy
• The pivotal figures in Epicureanism
• Pleasure and Pain
• The virtue of Justice 
• Managing our desires and much more 

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This reflection begins with a passage from poet and novelist Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749–1832), known today simply by Goethe. This passage provides insight into finding our path in life.

Goethe wrote, "Everyone holds his fortune in their own hands, like a sculptor the raw material he will fashion into a figure. But it’s the same with that type of artistic activity as with all others: We are merely born with the capability to do it. The skill to mold the material into what we want must be learned and attentively cultivated." [...]

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In this reflection, we explore navigating the inner voice. To begin, we turn to the Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh for wisdom. Van Gogh offers this practical advice, "If you hear a voice inside you say that you cannot paint. Then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." [...]

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We turn to the ancient practice known as the view from above in this reflection. The philosopher Pierre Hadot said, “Philosophy deepens and transforms habitual perception, forcing us to become aware that we are perceiving the world, and that the world is that which we perceive.” How do you perceive the world? Are you seeing clearly? [...]

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In this episode, I speak to Lodro Rinzler the author of Take Back Your Mind: Buddhist Advice for Anxious Times. Lodro’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Good Morning America, CBS, and NBC. 

He is the author of seven meditation books including The Buddha Walks into a Bar and is the co-founder of MNDFL meditation studios in New York City. Lodro has taught meditation for 20 years in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and travels frequently for his books, having spoken across the world at conferences, universities, and businesses as diverse as Google, Harvard University, and the White House. 

In the conversation, Lodro and I discuss:

• Navigating anxiety and stress
• Finding wisdom
• Cultivating compassion
• Meditation in daily life and much more 

Connect with Lodro Rinzler: lodrorinzler.com/

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In this episode, I am sharing a portion of the conversation we had with Kristi Nelson the author of Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted. Kristi has spent most of her adult life in non-profit leadership, fundraising, and organizational development. In a wide variety of roles, she has helped to lead, fund, and strengthen organizations committed to progressive social and spiritual change.

In this portion of the conversation, Kristi provides an important distinction between gratitude and being grateful. Go to episode #10 of In Search of Wisdom to hear the full conversation.

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In this reflection, we explore the topic of gratitude. The Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero called “gratitude not only the greatest of all virtues but the parent of all others.”

But, how do we avoid taking things for granted amidst life’s challenges?

The French philosopher and writer Voltaire, known for his wit, once quipped: "Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats." [...]


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In this episode, I speak to Susan Liautaud the author of The Power of Ethics: How to Make Good Choices in a Complicated World. Susan is the founder and managing director of Susan Liautaud & Associates Limited, which advises clients from global corporations to NGOs on complex ethics matters. She teaches cutting-edge ethics courses at Stanford and has a forthcoming book titled: The Little Book of Big Ethical Questions. 

 In the conversation, Susan and I discuss:

• The Power of Ethics
• Avoiding perfectionism 
• Ethical resilience
• Courage and ethics  
• The importance of expertise and much more

Connect with Susan Liataud:

• Homepage: susanliautaud.com/
• Twitter: twitter.com/SusanLiautaud

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We turn to the philosopher Socrates for wisdom in this reflection. A curious paradox of wisdom is the need to let go of the traditional idea of knowing. Socrates now famously stated, “All that I know is that I know nothing.” [...]

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