The Wisdom Of
Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb
In this podcast we explore great works of philosophy and literature and art, and try to pull out of them what’s most interesting and inspiring! Whether they come from the works of Plato, or Dostoevsky or Picasso, here we explore ideas that move mountains and rock the soul! So, come join us, won’t you? Come worship at the alter of ideas, and come celebrate the dancing of thought. Welcome to the Wisdom Of!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 8, 2024 • 21min
Marinetti and Futurism - Welcome to the machine!
The Italian futurist Marinetti called for the absolute glorification of everything new and modern, a worship of everything machine! What resonance all this has today!
Oct 30, 2024 • 23min
The lost art of reading! And why reading makes us truly happy!
Reading has become nearly obsolete in our age of momentary gratification. This is a great loss as reading engenders all sorts of important qualities that benefit us!
Oct 20, 2024 • 17min
The problem with lying and liars!
Lying seems to be on the rise, especially in the political world! I don't think we realize how dangerous and how morally problematic it is!
Oct 14, 2024 • 15min
Why the existentialists hate the bourgeois!
The French existentialists have a problem with bourgeois morality and relationships! What's their beef all about? Find out more!
Oct 5, 2024 • 19min
Aristotle, Leisure and AI - Outsourcing our humanity!
For Aristotle, leisure is the most important human activity. Unfortunately we're contracting out our leisure activities to AI, and with it, our humanity!
Sep 30, 2024 • 16min
Freud, the Uncanny and AI!
Why do we feel so disturbed by dolls and robots that are human-like? Why do we really fear AI? Freud has an answer!
Sep 22, 2024 • 21min
Can you be good WITHOUT god?
Dostoevsky said that if God is dead, then everything is permitted. In other words, morality depends on religion. Is that true? I don't think so!
Sep 13, 2024 • 15min
Horace and Carpe Diem - What this famous phrase REALLY means!
Carpe Diem is usually translated as seize the day. But that's not quite accurate, and it's a reflection of our times! Sit back and enjoy, like a good Epicurean!
Sep 8, 2024 • 17min
The Presocratic philosophers - From myth to matter!
The Presocratics, the first philosophers and scientists, rejected traditional mythological explanations in favour of rational ones! Huge turning point! Find out more!
Sep 2, 2024 • 19min
The THREE most important things I learned from graduate school!
Graduate school instills vital life skills like discipline and the joy of writing for its own sake. Daily writing practices cultivate consistent growth and fulfillment. There's also a compelling discussion on the importance of embracing the present, shifting focus from external accolades to finding intrinsic value in daily experiences. By altering our perspectives, we can transform ordinary moments into profound insights.
