Keep Talking Episode 146: James Hollis - How To Be Who You Are
Mar 14, 2025
James Hollis, a Jungian psychoanalyst and author of *A Life of Meaning*, dives into the importance of confronting our shadows and discovering our true selves. He discusses how modern distractions can lead to lethargy, urging listeners to embrace their personal journeys and find meaning. Hollis reflects on his transition from introversion to public education and the challenges of authenticity in a world that often prioritizes niceness. He emphasizes the need for courage to face fears and the significance of finding one’s vocation beyond societal roles.
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Rabbi On An Island Story
- Hollis shares a rabbi-on-an-island story to illustrate shadow-driven duplication and exclusion.
- He uses the two-synagogue joke to show how people build institutions they then won't enter.
Second Half: Recover The Lost Self
- The second half of life is about recovering the person you left behind through adaptations.
- Ignoring that recovery leaves a sour, sickened interior despite outward functioning.
Fight Lethargy — Remember Your Journey
- Resist lethargy and distractions that make you forget your journey and purpose.
- Pursue the hard work of asking where upset or dreams come from and follow through on the inquiry.
