

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

11 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 11min
Byung-Chul Han - Why so many of us feel so empty today!
Explore the deep existential emptiness that lies beneath modern life's shiny surface. Discover how hyperactivity and self-exploitation lead to burnout and fatigue. Delve into the impact of echo chambers that erase diversity, making life feel smooth yet shallow. Understand how the erosion of rituals and fragmented time strips away depth and narrative from our experiences. Tune in to uncover why the fast pace and uniformity of contemporary life leave so many feeling hollow.

Jul 4, 2025 • 12min
ASMR - A sensory rebellion against our disembodied age!
Is ASMR just some superficial Youtube phenomenon? Or is there something important and deep behind its popularity? Find out more! ... Check out my new book! It's called: The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
Susan Wolf and Dostoevsky - The Problem with being a Moral Saint!
Exploring the concept of moral saints reveals intriguing dilemmas. Contemporary philosopher Susan Wolf argues that striving for moral perfection can limit personal experiences. Dostoevsky’s characters illustrate the emotional distress tied to the quest for morality, highlighting the dangers of self-proclaimed purity. Camus further critiques the pursuit of absolute justice, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of morality that accepts human flaws. Discovering the rich complexity of human morality is both enlightening and unsettling!

Jun 24, 2025 • 11min
Wisdom as Content, Grifters, and why Socrates wouldn’t have used Patreon!
In our attention-economy wisdom has now become content - ready-made for monetization! Socrates warned against this trend long ago! ... Check out my new book! It's called: The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Jun 21, 2025 • 13min
The Cynics - Ya gotta be TOUGH to be happy!
These ancient philosophers argued that physical toughness was a discipline essential to happiness. Relevant for us today? I think so! If interested, check out my new book series! The second book is available now! www.amazon.com/Manifesto-Beauty-Reclaim-Digital-World/dp/1069510815/

Jun 17, 2025 • 12min
Learning to Love: Nietzsche, Beauty and the Beast, and Don Quixote!
Nietzsche tells us that one must LEARN to love. That might sound a bit odd to us. What does he mean and why is it important? Find out more! ... Check out my new book! It's called The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Jun 12, 2025 • 15min
Astrology - The Zodiac delusion!
Does astrology make any sense? And if not, why do we still believe in it? ... Check out my new book! It's called The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Jun 9, 2025 • 15min
Jesus and Rousseau on Hypocrisy (or Wolves in Virtue's clothing!)
What's wrong with hypocrisy? Well, Jesus and Jean-Jacques Rousseau agree on at least one thing that's wrong with it! ... Check out my new book! It's called The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/

Jun 3, 2025 • 21min
Will Durant - The top ten greatest thinkers of all time!
Dive into a captivating exploration of the greatest thinkers in history! Discover who tops the list and the profound impact they've had on civilization. From ancient philosophers to modern visionaries, the conversation delves into their originality and influence. Uncover the legacies that shaped our world and the ideas that continue to resonate today. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this discussion illuminates the brilliance of human thought.

May 31, 2025 • 17min
Henri Bergson - Overcoming the tyranny of mechanical time!
The French philosopher Bergson criticized the scientific notion of time, instead turning to what he called lived time. Find out more! ... Check out my new book! It's called The Last Human: How Technology is Changing What it Means to be Humanhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Human-Technology-Changing-Means/dp/1069510831/


