In the pursuit of success, safety, fulfillment and various other achievements besides, people make use of their particular advantages, circumstances and tools at their disposal. Whether they are born with certain talents or seek to improve their lives through sheer effort and will, self-advancement is a relevant topic for all of us. This week, we want to examine the distinctions between talent and hard work as two, oft-compared means of achieving a goal. Does society prefer one over the other? Do we associate either with a certain class or economic background? Does one provide a more compelling story or narrative?
Episode 187: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff IV
This week, we return to the tradition of reacting to a book of insights entitled "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". In particular, we look at chapters encouraging us to let others be right most of the time, to imagine those around us as infants and as hundred-year-olds and to tell someone everyday something we like, appreciate or admire about them. How do these perspectives encourage empathy, thoughtfulness and creative approaches to social interaction? How to they define kindness in new ways?
Episode 186: In a World of Ego Threats
Difficulties and obstacles come from all sides and throughout life. We might envision circumstances surrounding work, survival and relationships as some of the most common. But what about our internal battles with doubt? This week, Ron Levine joins us to discuss the "ego threats" we face as a result of evolutionary selection for negative thinking and anticipation. How might we learn to listen to these thoughts without obeying them? What wisdom or perspective can our doubts and negative thoughts reveal?
Episode 185: Between These Eyes of Ink II
“I am the only person in the world I should like to know thoroughly.”
This week, we return to "Between These Eyes of Ink," a series which dissects and considers quotations and the insights they contain. For our second episode, we're looking at the words of Oscar Wilde, who said "I am the only person in the world I should like to know thoroughly". What pressures, personal or external, might exist behind the phrasing of "should like"? Is it even possible to know another thoroughly? Does Wilde imply that this condition is an achievable one?
Episode 184: Headline Culture
Despite its essential role in our lives and agency as citizens, many of us consume journalistic works minimally or inefficiently. In particular, study after study in the past decade have shown that 40 to 80 percent of would-be readers only actually consider headlines before sharing posts or moving on. This week, we consider the effects of doing so and the danger posed by "headline culture". How do consumers influence the headlines that journalists will craft and consequently inform consumer perspectives? Where does the attribute of being "well-read" come into play? How can we more deeply and meaningfully consume carefully-crafted and well-researched journalism?
