Dean Rickles is Professor of History and Philosophy of Modern Physics at the University of Sydney and a Director of the Sydney Centre for Time. Life doesn't last that long. The ever present spectre of death looms large, even if you life to be 100. This can feel like a tragedy in many ways. What use are our efforts if they'll all be turned to dust eventually? A philosopher is needed here, to give us a fresh perspective. Expect to learn why keeping your options open is a path to an early grave, how you can remind yourself of the miracle that you're alive at all, the solution to living a listless, unintentional life, whether death is actually the only thing that gives life any meaning, the danger of being a sailor without a journey or a route and much more... Sponsors: Get 5 Free Travel Packs, Free Liquid Vitamin D and Free Shipping from Athletic Greens at https://athleticgreens.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied) Get 83% discount & 3 months free from Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/MODERNWISDOM (use code MODERNWISDOM) Get 10% discount & free shipping on the best Ketone Drink at https://ketone-iq.com/ (use code MW10) Extra Stuff: Buy Life Is Short - https://amzn.to/3Hsk2PV Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/
Greg McKeown explains why keeping your options open is a path to an early grave, and the solution to living a listless, unintentional life.
The fear of death can make one realize the importance of living life to the fullest without worrying about having all options open, and avoiding settling or commitment. The value of memories could also be affected by technology and the passing of time.
The desire to keep our options open can result in a life without commitment or direction. Provisionality is the concept of waiting for something better and sacrificing the potential benefits of making a firm decision.
In this episode, the host talks about the concept of choosing the path in life and the importance of making such choices meaningful. The episode emphasizes that the decision making process is essential, that it can be a difficult thing to do but worth it.
Experimental results have shown that having a clear and vivid image of a future goal or aim in life is key to achieving it. This future target drives individuals to identify as the person they want to be, and motivates them towards their goal.
The psychoanalyst Gene Arendale’s concept of the fortress of I explains how people present a shiny and perfect persona to the world, while audience capture happens when content creators cater their content to their audience’s preferences without working on their inner selves.
The rise and fall of a YouTuber has highlighted how we all present a version of ourselves on the internet, and how people can become obsessed with observing others' lives online. There are concerns for the internet celebrity's mental health, as his every move is watched by millions of subscribers.
In this episode, the importance of picturing a vivid future, the role of decision making, and the shortness of life is discussed. A mantra or insight to remind oneself of the importance of making the most out of life is also explored.
The importance of reflecting on the direction of our lives and ensuring we are on the right path is discussed. While it may be challenging, as long as we genuinely care about the destination, the challenges become enjoyable.