Perennial Wisdom

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Dr. Daniel McInerny, author of the new book Beauty and Imitation. Dr. McInerny is an associate professor and chair of the philosophy department at Christendom College, as well as a novelist and dramatist. In the conversation, we discuss the wisdom of imitation, the art of contemplation, the way of beauty, and much more.Key Takeaways:The connection between humility and art.Why it’s possible to ‘fail to see’ objective beauty.How ‘works of art’ can guide us through challenging times. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we explore what it means to answer the call to the “better angels of our nature,” as Abraham Lincoln put it. We discuss whether or not we have better (and worse) angels of our nature. And if so, what can we do to lead a life that’s guided by the wiser sides of our nature?Key Takeaways:The wisdom of dignityThe wisdom of opposing ideasThe call to compassion --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe What can we know for sure? A curious paradox of wisdom is the need to let go of the traditional idea of knowing (or learning). In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we explore the art of not knowing; another meditation from our Wisdom is the Way course. Today’s episode discusses how and why we must practice not knowing, working with our assumptions, and much more. Key Takeaways:The many names of not knowingThe meaning of ignoranceThe beginning of learning --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe If philosophical and spiritual traditions point to interconnectedness as an eternal truth, why do we ever feel disconnected? In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we explore the art of connection, a topic from our Wisdom is the Way course. Today’s solo episode discusses how and why connection plays an integral role in shaping our philosophy of life. Key Takeaways:Perennial QuestionsCircles of ConcernLoneliness to Connection --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we explore impermanence, a topic from our Wisdom is the Way course. We discuss why understanding how the world works is an integral part of a philosophy of life and the various ways that philosophical and spiritual traditions think about impermanence. We also discuss how embracing uncertainty can help us lead an intentional life. Key Takeaways:The Wisdom of ChangeThe Art of BecomingThe Shortness of Life --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Prof. Emily Austin, the author of Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life. Living for Pleasure is part of the Guides to the Good Life series by Oxford University Press. I’m a big fan of the series; it’s dedicated to the idea that philosophy can, as it was for hundreds of years in the ancient world – be a way of life.***This episode is a rebroadcast (it was originally released on January 18th, 2023). Key Takeaways:Why Epicurus is a perennial figure.How to find tranquility.The meaning of pleasure.Virtue, Gratitude, and much more. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is John Oakes, author of The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without. In the conversation, we explore John's spontaneous initiation into fasting and his insights from the practice. We delve into the historical prevalence across various cultures and religions, its philosophical and spiritual dimensions, its effects on the mind and body, and much more. Key Takeaways:The historical roots of fasting.The different types of fasting.Why fasting is not a path to weight loss.How fasting can help us gain insights about ourselves. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe The Dying Every Day series delivers guided meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage (from an original Stoic text), and a reflection prompt to consider. These meditations are designed to help you (and me) reflect on what it means to live a good life.--- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe The Way of Contemplation is a weekly series that delivers meditations, prompts, and practices on the art of living. These short guided contemplations are designed to help us think deeply about perennial ideas, questions, insights, and what it means to live an intentional life.--- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe The Dying Every Day series delivers guided meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage (from an original Stoic text), and a reflection prompt to consider. These meditations are designed to help you (and me) reflect on what it means to live a good life.--- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, I welcome my friend Shane Trotter (author and creator of Setting the Bar) back to show for another edition of The Character Lab. In Part Three of our series, we explore the importance of role models in character formation. We discuss the need for a standard to measure ourselves and how the lives of others can help us realize our potential.***Listen to Parts One and Two of the Character Lab series. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Today’s episode is an audio version of the Monday Muse on Perennial Meditations. A little about this series, for anyone not familiar. It’s a weekly collection of what I call perennial reminders, insights, and maxims on the art of living. The term muse is an ancient one; it derives from ancient Greece and mythology. It typically has two meanings today: (1) a state of deep thought; (2) a source of inspiration. As I mentioned in a previous episode, each of the new series has its own distinct podcast cover. Today’s episode includes a reminder on What Makes Life Meaningful, a maxim on Happiness, and an insight on the virtue of hope—by way of a short clip from my conversation with the philosopher Kieran Setiya (author of Life is Hard). --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Welcome to Sundays with Seneca on In Search of Wisdom. On today’s episode, I’m sharing part II of Seneca’s essay, ‘On the Shortness of Life.’ If you would like to read these in your email each week, you can subscribe to Perennial Meditations (on Substack). You can also help support the podcast and my work by becoming a member. There are multiple options to do so, and there’s even a free membership link for anyone who cannot afford it. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe The Way of Contemplation is a weekly series on In Search of Wisdom that delivers meditations, prompts, and practices on the art of living. These short guided contemplations are designed to help us think deeply about perennial ideas, questions, insights, and what it means to live an intentional life.--- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe The Dying Every Day series delivers guided meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage (from an original Stoic text), and a reflection prompt to consider. These meditations are designed to help you (and me) reflect on what it means to live a good life.--- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, I welcome Rachel B. Griffis and Julie Ooms to discuss their new book, Deep Reading: Practices to Subvert the Vices of Our Distracted, Hostile, and Consumeristic Age. The conversation explores their formative experiences with reading and the concept of deep reading. We delve into how reading can combat modern distractions and how literature can lead to a greater understanding of ourselves and others. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Today’s episode is an audio version of the Monday Muse on Perennial Meditations. A little about this series, for anyone not familiar. It’s a weekly collection of what I call perennial reminders, insights, and maxims on the art of living. The term muse is an ancient one; it derives from ancient Greece and mythology. It typically has two meanings today: (1) a state of deep thought; (2) a source of inspiration. As I mentioned in a previous episode, each of the new series has its own distinct podcast cover. Today’s episode includes a reminder of what makes us human, a maxim on thinking well, and an insight on becoming who we are—a short clip from my conversation with the philosopher Skye Cleary (author of How to Be Authentic). Listen to my full conversation with Skye Cleary here. Read the transcript from this week's Monday Muse here. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Welcome back to another episode of In Search of Wisdom. As I mentioned in yesterday’s episode, there will be a few changes to the podcast and newsletter. One change is that I’ll be sharing a few more episodes each week, one being our Sundays with Seneca series that we’ve been running exclusively for Perennial Meditations members. If you get any value from the podcast and some of these additional episodes, I ask that you consider becoming a Perennial Meditations member. We’re going to begin with a selected reading from Seneca’s essay “On the Shortness of Life,” where he explains the ways we tend to waste the short time we have on unnecessary and immoral pursuits. He urges us to focus on the study of philosophy instead, which is the best preparation for living and dying well. I’m excited to share our Sundays with Seneca series with In Search of Wisdom listeners. I believe that you’ll find Seneca’s writing is a source of wisdom for modern life. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, I introduce a new series, The Way of Contemplation, and discuss a few changes to the podcast and newsletter. You can expect to learn about the wisdom of contemplation, the art of deep reading (and thinking), why the practice of contemplation is a lifelong endeavor, and much more. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Eric Weiner, author of the new book Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder's Formula for a Long and Useful Life. Eric is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and speaker. He’s a previous guest on the show; we discussed his book The Socrates Express in our last conversation. I’m incredibly grateful to have Eric back on the show; I consider anything Eric writes a must-read. As you’ll hear in the episode, he has the rare gift of making the search for wisdom both practical and entertaining! Key Takeaways: Franklin’s guide to virtue The need for intellectual humility The philosophy of gratitude How to become wiser in daily life --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Welcome to another episode of In Search of Wisdom. In today's episode, I share a Stoic meditation from the Dying Every Day series (from my Substack - Perennial Meditations). Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage (from an original Stoic text), and a reflection prompt to consider. These meditations are designed to help you (and me) reflect on what it means to live a good life. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, I’m joined by my good friend Brandon Tumblin (Host of The Strong Stoic Podcast). In this conversation, we discuss Stoic philosophy and making intentional changes in life. Brandon shares the significance of the practice of memento mori (remembrance of death) in daily life and how contemplating mortality can reorient actions, instill gratitude, and help us overcome fear. We cover practical aspects of adopting change, the value of small steps, the complex nature of personal growth, and much more. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Welcome to another episode of In Search of Wisdom. Today, we’re searching for lessons on the art of living from the sixteenth-century philosopher Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592). In this episode, you can expect to learn why we need a direction for our lives, the wisdom of solitude, and why we should question everything, at least according to Montaigne. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we discuss how to make space for paradox in daily life. By paradox, I mean the ability to hold opposing truths (or practices) in our minds. You can expect to learn what it means to be more open to life, how Carl Jung defined psychological and spiritual development, what Joseph Campbell meant by saying “yes” to life, and much more. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Welcome to another episode of In Search of Wisdom. In today's episode, I share a Stoic meditation from the Dying Every Day series (from my Substack - Perennial Meditations). Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage (from an original Stoic text), and a reflection prompt to consider. These meditations are designed to help you (and me) reflect on what it means to live a good life. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, you’ll hear a compilation of three previous guests share insights on life and the search for wisdom. Dean Rickles, a professor of history and philosophy of modern physics, delves into the need for limits and constraints in life. Leslie Stein, a professor and Jungian analyst, discusses the search for wisdom. Valerie Tiberius, a professor of philosophy, helps us figure out what matters in life. Listen to the full episodes featured today here: The Shortness of Life with Dean Rickles (Listen here) Becoming Whole with Leslie Stein (Listen here) A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters with Valerie Tiberius (Listen here) --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Simon Drew from the Walled Garden Philosophical Society. As many of you know, Simon is a friend, poet, musician, philosopher, and someone deeply interested in life’s questions. Today’s episode concludes the series “Living the Questions” (You can catch up on the previous five volumes here: I, II, III, IV, & V). Throughout this series, Simon and I have explored several perennial questions and attempted to follow the poet Ranier Maria Rilke’s advice to “Live the questions for now. Perhaps then, without even noticing it, you will gradually come, on some far-off day, to live your way into the answer.” In our final conversation in this series, Simon and I explore the question: “What is the meaning of life?” We discuss the importance of finding meaning in everyday life. We explore the themes of interdependence and interconnectedness, maturity and wisdom, aligning oneself with what truly matters, the role of hardships, and much more. Key Takeaways: Finding meaning in everyday actions and relationships, such as being a loving spouse and parent, can bring a sense of purpose. Discernment and clarity are essential in identifying what matters most and creating meaning in our lives. Finding meaning amid suffering can be a challenge, but holding onto hope and resilience is crucial. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Welcome to another episode of In Search of Wisdom. In today's episode, I share a Stoic meditation from the Dying Every Day series (from my Substack - Perennial Meditations). Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage (from an original Stoic text), and a reflection prompt to consider. These meditations are designed to help you (and me) reflect on what it means to live a good life. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Dr. Dilip Jeste, author of Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good. In this conversation, Dr. Jeste emphasizes the importance of social connections and compassion in developing wisdom and improving overall well-being. He also highlights the negative impact of loneliness on mental and physical health and suggests that wisdom can serve as an antidote to loneliness. The conversation concludes with insights on the importance of humility, self-reflection, and finding meaning and purpose in life. Key Takeaways: Wisdom is a characteristic pattern of behavior that can vary in individuals and across different components. Social connections and compassion are essential for developing wisdom and improving overall well-being. Loneliness has a negative impact on mental and physical health, and wisdom can serve as an antidote to loneliness. Humility is essential for wisdom and involves recognizing our own ignorance and the limitations of our knowledge. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, we discuss a practice I usually refer to as the wisdom to know the difference. Specifically, we revisit and reflect on a previous meditation (from the Letters to a Young Seeker series) titled Neither Good Nor Bad. You can expect to learn what it means to discern between what matters and what doesn’t (in everyday life). Key Takeaways: The meaning of neither good nor bad Why we are wired to categorize and label How to get comfortable with ambiguity The wisdom of questions and clarity --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Todd May, author of A Decent Life: Morality for the Rest of Us. Todd is a philosopher and author of eighteen books, including A Significant Life, A Fragile Life, and a forthcoming book titled Should We Go Instinct?. Todd worked as a philosophical advisor on the hit show The Good Place and has written extensively on meaning, friendship, fragility, and other topics. Key Takeaways: The meaning of a moral life The art of knowing oneself Expanding our circles of compassion Practical wisdom for modern living --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, I reflect on a previous meditation titled Think Like a Mortal (from Perennial Meditations on Substack) and explore what it means to live an intentional life. I discuss how realizing that we are “dying every day” can help us live in the present moment and lead more meaningful lives. Key Takeaways The wisdom of accepting life’s eternal truths The paradox of uncertainty The need for constraints and limits Happiness (and Life) is in the present --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Prof. Jay Garfield, author of Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live without a Self. Jay Garfield is the Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy, Logic, and Buddhist Studies at Smith College and a visiting professor of Buddhist philosophy at Harvard Divinity School. Prof. Garfield is the author of multiple books, including Buddhist Philosophy, Engaging Buddhism, and Buddhist Ethics. Key Takeaways: What it means to lose ourselves The difference between conventional and ultimate truths Why losing ourselves connects with an ethical life How to reclaim our humanity ***If you enjoyed the conversation (and are interested in learning more), I encourage you to listen to Jay’s conversation on The Wisdom Podcast. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe The Character Lab is a new series on In Search of Wisdom designed to explore various aspects of character development. The series is a joint venture with my friend and previous podcast guest, Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In this episode, Shane and I discuss the complex topic of objective morality and the shift towards moral relativism in society. We explore the role of judgment in ethics and the need for cognitive flexibility, the provisional nature of moral behavior, and the inherent insight humans have into right and wrong. We also touch on the tendency towards moral relativism, the need for clarity in virtues, and the importance of serving the greater good. Key Takeaways Society has seen a shift towards moral relativism, where individuals believe that there is no objective good or bad. Moral objectivism suggests that there are universal truths of morality that humans have independently come to throughout history. The tension between pluralism and dogmatism highlights the need for open-mindedness and the recognition of competing moralities. Discerning right from wrong is challenging and requires wisdom, discussion, and the pursuit of excellence in character development. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Perennial Lives is a new series on In Search of Wisdom exploring The Art of Living: From Socrates to Aquinas. Each episode examines the life and wisdom of one perennial figure in an attempt to keep learning how to live. 🔆 Read the transcript: https://perennial.substack.com/ --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Samir Chopra, author of the new book Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide. Samir is a philosophical counselor and professor emeritus of Philosophy at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. In the conversation, we discuss the meaning of anxiety and how it can help us learn more about ourselves and the world around us. You can learn more about Samir’s work at Samirchopra.com. Key Takeaways Philosophy can provide comfort and insight in dealing with personal challenges and emotions like anxiety. Anxiety can be a teacher, providing self-knowledge and insight into our values and priorities. Medicating anxiety can be a complex issue, as it may suppress opportunities for self-discovery and growth. Wisdom is an ongoing process of acquiring a vision of our place in the world and understanding the unalterable aspects of existence. 🎧 For more wisdom, subscribe to The Wisdom School (Apple Podcasts or Spotify). --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Simon Drew from the Walled Garden Philosophical Society. As many of you know, Simon is a friend, poet, musician, philosopher, and someone deeply interested in life’s questions. Today’s episode is Part V of an ongoing series called Living the Questions (Catch up on previous volumes: I, II, III, & IV). The title is inspired by a famous quote from Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke, "Live the questions for now. Perhaps then, without even noticing it, you will gradually come, on some far-off day, to live your way into the answer." Summary In this conversation, Simon and I explore the nature of God and the value of contemplating the question. We discuss the importance of living with the questions and embracing the mystery of God's nature. We also discuss the challenges of seeking and discerning the right way, the concept of living with unresolved questions, and the importance of embracing patience. We highlight the power of questions and the need for humility in the pursuit of truth and much more 🎧 For more wisdom, subscribe to The Wisdom School (Apple Podcasts or Spotify). --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Ross D. Inman, the author of Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life. In the conversation, Ross discusses the connection between Christianity and philosophy, the importance of asking big questions, and the role of wonder in daily life. We discuss how philosophy can be a way of life, why contemplation leads to a deeper understanding of truth and much more. Learn more about Ross’s work here. Key Takeaways Christianity and philosophy are interconnected and can provide a framework for understanding reality and the good life. Asking big questions is an integral part of intellectual and spiritual growth. Wonder is a natural human experience that can lead to a deeper appreciation of the world and a sense of awe. Philosophy can be a way of life, guiding one's beliefs, principles, and practices. 🎧 For more wisdom, subscribe to The Wisdom School (Apple Podcasts or Spotify). --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe The Character Lab is a new series on In Search of Wisdom designed to explore various aspects of character development. The series is a joint venture with my friend and previous podcast guest, Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In this episode, Shane and I introduce the new series and discuss the importance of character formation in today’s society. We explore the impact of technology on character development, the role of community in shaping character, the need for shared virtues, and much more. Key Takeaways Character formation is more important than ever in today's society. Community plays a crucial role in character formation, providing support, mentorship, and shared values. Recognizing and avoiding vices is essential to character formation, as they can hinder personal growth. Pursuing wisdom and developing virtues are lifelong practices that contribute to personal growth and a meaningful life. 🎧 For more wisdom, subscribe to The Wisdom School (Apple Podcasts or Spotify). --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe 💀 Welcome to another episode of the Dying Every Day series on In Search of Wisdom. This series delivers Stoic meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage, and a daily exercise to consider contemplating. You can expect our normal interview-style episodes every Wednesday. 🎧 For more tools, subscribe to The Wisdom School on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Armand D'Angour, the author of Socrates in Love: The Making of a Philosopher. In the conversation, we discuss the life and development of Socrates as a philosopher. We delve into Socrates' philosophy and why he is such a perennial figure. Specifically, you can expect to learn about the idea of the soul, the importance of questioning assumptions, self-reflection, and much more! (I really enjoyed the conversation and hope you do as well!!!). Key Takeaways Socrates' inner voice, known as his divine sign, was a physical condition that guided him away from danger. The concept of the soul in Socrates' philosophy referred to the essence of a person that transcends the physical body and connects to the divine. Socrates' philosophy emphasized questioning assumptions and examining one's life to determine how best to live. The Delphic maxim 'Know Thyself' encourages self-reflection and examining one's qualities and priorities. 🔆 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Perennial Lives is a new series on In Search of Wisdom exploring The Art of Living: From Socrates to Aquinas. Each episode examines the life and wisdom of one perennial figure in an attempt to keep learning how to live. 🔆 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Tanner Campbell (host of the Practical Stoicism podcast). In the conversation, we discuss Tanner’s journey into Stoicism and the adventures of starting a podcast. However, much of the conversation focuses on the ancient concept known as oikeiosis. We talk about understanding one's role in the world through the circles of concern and the importance of caring for oneself and others. Along with the need for humility and the recognition of interconnectedness. Learn more about Practical Stoicism. Key Takeaways Stoicism emphasizes caring for oneself and others and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Humility is essential in adopting oikeiosis and recognizing the limits of one's control. Balancing self-interest and the common good requires making contextually appropriate choices. Living according to nature involves understanding one's role and the circles of concern. Choosing the right path requires self-awareness and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. 🔆 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe 💀 Welcome to another episode of the Dying Every Day series on In Search of Wisdom. This series delivers Stoic meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage, and a daily exercise to consider contemplating. You can expect our normal interview-style episodes every Wednesday. 🔆 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, Joshua interviews Elizabeth Kelly about her book Love Like a Saint. They discuss the concept of saints, their mutual fascination with their lives, and each person's unique call. They also explore the virtues of patience and love and delve into the lives of several saints. The conversation concludes with a discussion on cultivating the skill of learning to love and defining wisdom. Learn more about Elizabeth Kelly. Key Takeaways: Each person has a unique call and path in life. Patience is an important virtue that plays a role in love. All love is undeserved and a pure gift. Cultivating the skill of learning to love requires practice. Wisdom is the ability to discern and act on what is truly good and true. 🔆 Support the show? Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe 💀 Welcome to another episode of the Dying Every Day series on In Search of Wisdom. This series is focused on delivering Stoic meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage, and a daily exercise to consider contemplating. You can expect our normal interview-style episodes every Wednesday. After producing the show for about three years now completely ad-free. I’ve decided to start a Patreon page for the show. This will hopefully help keep the podcast ad-free for years to come! 🔆 Become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/searchwisdom --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📩 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, Mike Mariani discusses his new book What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us. In the conversation, Mike discusses the concept of afterlives and the transformative experiences that shape our identities. He shares the stories of six individuals who have faced catastrophic events and examines how their lives were altered. His work delves into human nature, the power of narratives, and the importance of acceptance and adaptation. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d81h4NWYAks Key Takeaways: Afterlives are transformative experiences that shape our identities and can lead to profound life changes. Acceptance and adaptation are vital in navigating afterlives, allowing individuals to find new aspects of their identity and cultivate resilience. Support systems are crucial in helping individuals navigate afterlives, providing understanding, compassion, and patience. Detachment from competition and results is essential for finding wisdom in daily life, allowing individuals to focus on their actions and perseverance. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📩 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe 💀 Welcome to a new series on In Search of Wisdom called Dying Every Day. This series is focused on delivering Stoic meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage, and a daily exercise to consider contemplating. You can expect our normal interview-style episodes every Wednesday. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmxwArLQQUA --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📩 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Dear Listeners, With the new year upon us, I decided to make a few changes on In Search of Wisdom. One is releasing more episodes (but more on that later). You might have noticed a change to the podcast cover — this is what I want to discuss. Some of the longtime listeners may have heard me mention A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy. I want to tell you a little more about this book and how it influenced my own journey to start this podcast (a few years ago now). The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy is arguably one of the greatest writers of all time. Tolstoy was not just a great writer; he was a seeker of wisdom! His last major work is known as “A Calendar of Wisdom,” which is intended to be a wise thought for every day of the year from the greatest philosophers and thinkers of all time. Tolstoy’s project was largely for himself (much like this podcast). [...] --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ --- 🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📩 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe💀 Welcome to a new series on In Search of Wisdom called Dying Every Day. This series is focused on delivering Stoic meditations on the art of living. Each meditation provides a quote, a selected passage, and a daily exercise to consider contemplating. You can expect our normal interview-style episodes every Wednesday.---🖇️ Stay Connected:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPodsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/ ---🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts