Freedomain

In this episode, I explore key questions about time travel, philosophy, and societal constructs after a decade of listener engagement. I discuss the physics of time travel, emphasizing the impossibility of returning to the past and how our understanding of time shapes our present and future. I examine the critical role of philosophy in society, arguing that a promising future depends on our commitment to reasoned discourse and critical thinking. I also address societal misconceptions about language and moral responsibility, advocating for confronting uncomfortable truths to foster genuine progress. Critiquing the growing influence of government over personal freedoms, I emphasize the importance of personal accountability and rational dialogue. Conclusively, I call for a future grounded in philosophy and reason to ensure depth and meaning in our lives. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

In this episode, I examine the complexities of consent and incest through the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP). I address the challenge of determining when trauma impairs meaningful consent and explore the emotional defenses that complicate discussions on this topic. By drawing parallels between philosophical principles and legal frameworks, I highlight the importance of personal responsibility and the potential for modern technologies to aid in establishing consent mechanisms. I encourage listeners to confront their discomfort with clear moral solutions, emphasizing the necessity of honesty and ethical accountability in navigating these challenging issues. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

In this episode, I examine conspiracy theories, focusing on chemtrails as a case study for critical analysis. I pose three vital questions: Is the theory provable? Can it be affected? Is it more important than pressing issues like child abuse? Although chemtrails highlight environmental concerns, I argue that urgent matters affecting vulnerable populations take precedence. Drawing from my background in business analysis, I emphasize the necessity of prioritizing real ethical dilemmas over abstract theories. I also discuss the Universal Proof of Bonafide (UPB) framework, which challenges personal moral inconsistencies and societal norms. Ultimately, I urge listeners to confront these issues and reflect on the ethical implications of their choices, especially regarding the welfare of our children. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the personal journey of a young man grappling with his childhood neglect and its impact on his life. He reflects on his mother’s emotional absence and the struggles with substance abuse that followed. The conversation explores his feelings of inadequacy linked to financial dependence on his parents and his aspirations for independence in his romantic life. He also expresses concern for his younger sister, wrestling with the desire to help while understanding the limits of his responsibilities. This episode highlights his quest for healing and self-discovery amidst the complexities of familial relationships. PART ONE: https://fdrpodcasts.com/5700 GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

In this episode, the caller shares her experiences of a tumultuous upbringing characterized by neglect and abuse from her alcoholic father and emotionally abusive mother. At 24, she reflects on the lasting impact of her childhood trauma, the struggles of her siblings, and her journey toward breaking the cycle of dysfunction. She candidly discusses the complexities of navigating family dynamics, her desire to support her younger siblings, and the importance of setting boundaries. Her resilience and commitment to healing shine through, highlighting the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of hope amidst adversity. PART TWO: https://fdrpodcasts.com/5701 GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the importance of defining terms in debates to avoid disagreements and promote productive discussions. We delve into the debate between principles and consequentialism, explore varying viewpoints on equality, and address the impact of educational opportunities on small towns. We also examine arguments surrounding the welfare state, emphasize the significance of logical consistency, and emphasize the role of defining terms and logical reasoning in productive discussions. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

In this episode, I explore listener questions on personal and societal challenges, covering topics like emotional struggles, online relationships, and the impact of social media on parenting. I provide philosophical insights on approaching these complex issues, emphasizing the importance of seeking therapy for emotional well-being. I discuss the dynamics of online relationships, the influence of societal norms on loneliness, and the role of absent fathers in children's emotional development. The episode underscores the significance of genuine human connections over material possessions in fostering emotional fulfillment and healthy relationships. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Today's discussion delves into the intricate dynamics of abuse and trauma on relationships. We explore how past experiences shape responses to abuse, leading to patterns of replication or enabling. By examining the impact of early dynamics on connections and validation-seeking, we highlight the importance of self-awareness in breaking destructive cycles. Join us in challenging traditional narratives and unraveling the complexities of abuse, resilience, and healing in interpersonal relationships. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Friday Night Live 27 September 2024 In this episode, we tackle the challenges of social interactions and romantic connections, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. I share personal experiences to highlight how anxiety can stem from projecting a false self. We explore the motivations behind attraction and the need for introspection regarding our values and contributions to relationships. Listeners gain practical advice on overcoming social anxiety by prioritizing others' experiences. We conclude with a call to engage courageously and authentically in the complex dance of human relationships. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Part 1 can be found at https://fdrpodcasts.com/5661 In this episode, we delve deeper into the disturbing Turpin family case, examining the escape of 17-year-old Jordan Turpin and the unimaginable abuse her siblings endured. We highlight the systemic failures that allowed such neglect to go unnoticed and confront the alarming patterns of indifference from those around them. The discussion continues with the tragic aftermath for the Turpin children in foster care, where allegations of further abuse emerged. We emphasize the urgent need for reform in child protection and the collective responsibility to safeguard vulnerable children. By reflecting on these harrowing truths, we seek to inspire a more compassionate society committed to preventing such suffering in the future. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

https://www.amazon.ca/Sisters-Secrets-Leading-Turpin-Arrest/dp/1946265209 In this episode, I examine the tragic story of the Turpin family, focusing on the abuse suffered by 13 children at the hands of their parents. Joined by insights from Elizabeth Flores, Louise Turpin's sister, we explore themes of childhood trauma, neglect, and the cyclical nature of violence. Elizabeth�s account highlights the societal failures that allow such horrors to persist, prompting reflection on our collective responsibility to protect vulnerable children. The discussion confronts uncomfortable truths, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the unimaginable events within the Turpin household in the next episode. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

In this episode, Keith Knight speaks with Stefan Molyneux about the philosophy of anarchism, focusing on respect and property rights. We explore the core principles of non-aggression and ownership, and how they relate to wealth creation and economic inequality. Molyneux critiques minimum wage policies and discusses the challenges of challenging societal norms. We examine historical narratives surrounding slavery and the impact of propaganda on contemporary moral discussions. Molyneux emphasizes the importance of truth and integrity in personal relationships, and advocates for transparency to build trust. Our conversation concludes with reflections on establishing a moral framework that prioritizes clear communication and universal standards of behavior, highlighting the role of truth in driving societal change. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Join me as I engage in a poignant conversation with a caller who bravely shares their journey of self-discovery, navigating family dynamics, addiction struggles, and enabling behavior. We emphasize the importance of self-awareness, seeking help for addiction promptly, and fostering accountability for healthier family relationships and personal growth. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

This lecture explores the connection between personal beliefs, societal pressures, and political support, using Kamala Harris as a case study. It highlights how individuals seek validation through conformity to accepted narratives, often prioritizing social standing over genuine assessment of facts. The speaker critiques the notion of morality shaped by social consensus and emphasizes the conflict between truth-seeking and social acceptance. Through analogies of bribery and punishment, the discussion frames compliance as a survival strategy. Ultimately, the lecture advocates for introspection to distinguish true beliefs from societal pressures in political endorsements. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Exploring the intricate relationship between philosophy and free will, we discussed how Universal Preferable Behavior shapes morality. Hedonism was scrutinized, noting that pursuing pleasure without aligning it with higher standards can limit meaningful choices. Additionally, we examined pleasure as an incentive mechanism and highlighted the importance of defining ideal standards of behavior to nurture free will. This episode underscores how philosophy plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards conscious and meaningful decision-making for genuine fulfillment. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Stefan Molyneux shares his views on politics, highlighting his disinterest due to perceived limitations on free will and speech. He discusses self-criticism, ideal standards, and free will, linking them to Christianity, liberalism, and atheism. Molyneux explains his Universal Preferable Behavior (UPB) framework, comparing it to the scientific method for assessing moral propositions. He envisions a society based on UPB principles emphasizing rationality, universality, and consistency in moral theories and voluntary interactions. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Flash Birthday Livestream 24 September 2024 In this special livestream episode, I celebrate my 58th birthday by reflecting on personal updates, amusing anecdotes, and the launch of the Spanish version of my "Peaceful Parenting" program. We explore themes like numerology, personal growth, and the perception of age while addressing the current political climate and the importance of truth-telling. Engaging with my audience, I tackle questions about forgiveness, parenting, and societal expectations. I express gratitude for the support over the years and invite continued discussion as we look to the future, feeling inspired for what lies ahead. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

"I would like to discuss some serious personality traits that are holding me back from achieving my goals(having a family, career, and growing in virtue). These traits include lack of assertiveness, indecisiveness, laziness, addiction, and more. These issues are extremely prevalent in the realms of dating and school. I would also like to gain clarity on my upbringing to help understand why I’m so dysfunctional. If nothing changes, I’ll be in serious trouble. Thank you Stefan for all you do." GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Sunday Morning Live 22 September 2024 In this episode, I explore the difficult themes of aging, family dynamics, and the emotional challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. As my birthday approaches, I reflect on how these conversations about mortality influence our relationships and legacy. We address a listener's question that highlights the harsh realities families face and challenge the notion that aging fosters clarity and connection. Through personal anecdotes, I examine how loss often intensifies emotional distance and complicates family obligations. I emphasize the importance of open dialogue and true intimacy, encouraging listeners to rethink the narratives surrounding death and family love. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Friday Night Live 20 September 2024 In this episode, I tackle the prevalent issue of stress, beginning with a personal reflection during my birthday week. I encourage listeners to assess their stress levels and discuss its various sources, particularly financial pressures affecting many. Highlighting that 66% of American adults cite money as a significant stressor, I explore its impact across demographics and emphasize coping strategies, including the benefits of nature and pets. We also address how modern politics heighten stress and the importance of self-ownership in our responses. I advocate for philosophy as a tool for mental well-being and invite listeners to continue this crucial conversation as we navigate our shared experiences with stress. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

"I am 35 and very much stuck in life. "I suffered a lot of violence in my childhood, from my parents and from other children in school. "I hold bachelors degree in computer engineering(software development), but I have never worked that professionally. "Currently I work as a dishwasher in hotel in [X], but that is so depressing. Low intelligence and/or traumatized people like myself working there...I am not finding a way out." GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Wednesday Night Live 18 September 2024 In this episode, I reflect on personal challenges with subscription trends and seek feedback on my content quality. This leads to a discussion on attracting toxic individuals, revealing my own patterns in relationships and the dynamics of dysfunction. I share insights from upcoming interviews focused on philosophical inquiries and emphasize the importance of stepping back from draining relationships. We explore personal responsibility, societal pressures, and how experiences shape our understanding of risk and resilience. I express gratitude for the community's support and encourage listener engagement, reminding everyone that our choices shape our journey. GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

"Women in power. Especially the HR Karen's hellbent in turning every organization into their personal powerplay fantasy. Not a particularly brilliant question, but I would value your insight. Your thoughts?" GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Hi Stef, not sure if this is much of an argument but I had something I'd like your thoughts on. Some creative writing on my part combined with some skepticism inspired by one of your characters from the 'The Future', I think you might know who I'm talking about. Feel free to rebut this with some creative writing too if you find it appropriate. :) "Do we mirror reality, and if so which parts of reality?" "Are animals not a part of reality? And are we not more animal than object? Why then should we look towards objects as a source of direction for how we should live our lives?" "Contradiction? Bah. Only heaven itself can afford the luxury of consistency. When put inside of a mortal body, I dare say even the sun itself would have days that it would feel like hiding its glorious light." "To live according to logic and rationality is to try to make ourselves Gods. But we are not. We have the capacity to see a glimpse of godhood, but so long as we need to eat, sleep and reproduce, we will forever remain animals struggling against the hand of death." "The humble farmer toils on his soil and regardless of how consistent he is in his labours, the locusts will devour that which he has sown." "So tell me Mr Philosopher; to whom does the farmer partition for his lost crop?" What is it about human beings that gives them the unique capacity to be sadistic? This question was inspired by my reading of “Survival I’m the killing fields”. Some the things the communists did to people is not something I can comprehend. Hey, Stef! How do you stop ruminating over people? my family is one to sweep things under the rug a lot and certain members seem to be in a consistent cycle of failure. my mother is an enabler and complains about it but never does anything to stop it. I distance myself from my family and only occasionally visit them because it's usually a very draining experience but I do ruminate over them and I really wish they didn't live in my head. any tips?! Thank you! GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND AUDIOBOOK! https://peacefulparenting.com/ Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free! Also get the Truth About the French Revolution, the interactive multi-lingual philosophy AI trained on thousands of hours of my material, private livestreams, premium call in shows, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more! See you soon! https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2022Listen to the Podcast

Divorced, remarried, I have one boy from the first marriage and two boys from the second one. After my first son was born, I managed to gradually work myself into one of these two horrible choices: catastrophic marriage or catastrophic divorce. I chose the second one out of selfishness and fear that I would replicate my parent's marriage. I denied my older son the joy of seeing his parents in love and I will forever be sorry for that. When I had my second boy with my current wife, she became very cold and distant to the one from the first marriage, which I suppose is quite normal when having to take care of a baby. But after all this time she still seems reluctant to fully accept my firstborn into our family when he's with us. I know that philosophy is about prevention, not cure, and I'm sure that my kids will never end up where I am right now, but any tips on how to help my family be happier would be greatly appreciated. Oh Stefan! I would love a show on how to throw an amazing dinner party! Sounds like you're a pro at it! Hey Stef, we have antibiotics, internet, relative peace and freedom and I most probably will not die as a drafted soldier, but I am still unable to feel gratitude and make myself happier just because my ancestors lived in incomparably worse conditions. Even if I am the 2nd wealthiest generation in the World history I tend to perceive myself as a tax slave in a luxury barn. Would you have any tips on how to practice gratitude and how to teach gratitude to my children? How to wish well rationally? In your presentation "Vampire Love Kills!" you describe that stating "you're lucky" means admitting helplessness to achieve goals like having a six pack through hard work at the gym. Is "Freedomain dot com slash donate" the new well wishing phrase? You keep referring to the shortness of your remaining days which is depressing. PART 1 Thank you for answering my previous question regarding the rationality of child abuse. I’d like to continue that discussion if possible by raising a few points. First I’d like to clarify why this matters to me personally because without the context, I think we might misunderstand our intentions. My brother recently became a parent. I tried to advocate for peaceful parenting (this was before you finished the book), and he said he trusted more in how he was raised, with corporal punishment. The typical points of “I turned out fine”, etc were raised by him. It was a lost cause, and by the end of it, he felt as though his honour was challenged by me calling it cowardly. He wanted to spar with me in a ring for 5 rounds as a way for me to prove my point (he’s older than me by 4 years and also more muscular). The only other way he’d accept my proof would be through raising my own children peacefully and seeing what kind of adults they would be. At that point course, the damage to his own children would already be done. Long story short this was the end of our relationship. I have grieved, and I’m still in the process of accepting things, but a part of that process for me is steel manning his position. Maybe in seeing it completely destroyed I’ll have more peace of mind. As such in Part 2, I shall continue to play devils advocate. There might appear to be some level of disassociation in part 2 since there is clearly an emotional undercurrent to this discussion. A call-in might be good, but for this I prefer the slower process of contemplating and responding through argumentation. The emotions are still being processed and this sore emotional underbelly might also be why I haven’t yet read peaceful parenting. First I think you made a few fantastic points which are worth repeating and rephrasing just to make sure I understand you. 1. “If you can’t hit any characteristic of a child, how can you hit a child?” I.e. if there is no justification for violence against someone with a single characteristic of a child, how can violence be justified when you have those characteristics in aggregate? 2. “Rationality is an abstract thing and abstract things judge abstract things. You don’t judge particular actions, you judge arguments. It’s a category error to say that reason should judge individual actions.” I.e. Reason is a standard that we use for judging the quality of abstractions. If we want to judge the quality of actions outside of practicality, we use morality. 3. “Practicality is taking the steps in order to achieve a goal. Morality is universally preferable behaviour.” I.e. something is given the quality of being ‘practical’ when it makes it likely that a given goal will be achieved. Something is given the quality of being ‘moral’ when it is universally preferred and enforceable. With these points in mind, I have a question regarding point 3. If the act of copying yourself / reproduction is universally observed across all living organisms, does this qualify as a universally preferable behaviour? Since morality is exclusive to human beings, then does reproduction both (physically or memetically) qualify as a universally preferable behaviour since human beings show a universal preference for this? If it is universally preferable to reproduce, with memetic reproduction as one part of this process, then child abuse can be considered a form of memetic reproduction that has a moral status because it is an enforceable subset of a universally preferable behaviour (reproduction). On the other hand, memetic and physical reproduction is goal oriented and practical. Since you made a distinction earlier between the practical and the moral, is this not a case of the two overlapping? If the two can overlap, then are we back to the point I was arguing earlier of rationality and practically overlapping, since you said that morality is a subset of reason. The key mechanism here is to first say that reproduction is a UPB. Then to say that child abuse is a form of reproduction (memetic). Once child abuse is seen as a form of reproduction, it has moral and rational status. On the other hand, reproduction is also practical. Therefore, you have the moral/ rational intersecting with the practical. Thank you in advance. I am struggling with how to navigate raising children: should I participate in creating the belief that Santa Claus exist ? I don’t have children, but actively planning to have children. I’m leaning towards not wanting to participate in creating the belief in Santa Claus because it seems like a huge deception. When I explain to people why I don’t find it healthy for children to be deceived then I’m typically met with “oh! you have to! it’s just for fun! it’s magical! It’s Christmas! It’s part of childhood!” My best answer would be to explain to my children that Santa Claus is not real, explain the concept, and allow them to enjoy the fictional character. ( Then , I’ll face the problem when my child tells other children that Santa Claus is fictional, future podcast question I suppose, lol) Recently, you’ve said that Izzy is quick to identify contradictions because you’ve never asked her to believe in contradictions. I recall the age I realized Santa Claus wasn’t real, but feared if I let anyone know then I wouldn’t be getting as many gifts. This led me to develop an ability to deceive the “giver” into “yes, I’ll believe what you want in order for me to get what I want”. It all seems so innocent when looking at a fat jolly man dressed in a red suit. Is Santa Claus (maybe include Easter bunny, tooth fairy, other pagan folk lore, etc) a contradiction that Izzy was never asked to believe in? thanks! Hello Stefan! My first question is: How can I become a more content person? For example, I fall into a cycle of saying, "This is going to be our forever home!" and then after a few years, I start dreaming of something bigger and better, getting excited about the prospect of moving again. I can't seem to go 3-4 years without feeling the itch to move up! My second question is: Why am I struggling with feeling left out? Maybe my two questions are somehow linked. Lately in my community and circle of mom/homeschooling/neighborhood friends, I've been aware of recent instances where I haven't been invited to join a dinner or gathering. Logically, I tell myself that it's okay! We live in a small town and I don't have to be invited to everything! Emotionally it still hurts though. Thank you! 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