Philosophy is perfectly right in saying that life must be understood backwards.
But then one forgets the other clause – that it must be lived forwards.
                                                                                                  Søren Kierkegaard, Journals

Live 2 Thrive

In this section, I look at the wisdom of the past and the science of the present with a twofold aim in mind. First, to help you cope with the vicissitudes of existence or to find (some) meaning where there’s seemingly none. Second, I hope to give you reasons to celebrate life, regardless of your station therein. The lessons I will draw upon may come from various religious traditions, philosophers, and literary works. However, the primary goal is not to make you understand a certain doctrine or viewpoint, but rather to discover ways in which you could improve your relation to ourself, your interaction with others, and your appreciation of the world around.

Intro

This video introduces the entire series. It briefly states the latter’s goals and method.

Contents

  1. Welcome;
  2. Goals and method.

Moderation. Benefits and pitfalls

This video deals with the issue of moderation, more exactly, with its advantages and disadvantages from a personal standpoint. It encourages moderation as part of a balanced life, as well as that kind of immoderateness which contributes to one’s self-development.

Contents

  1. Welcome;
  2. Contemporary lack of moderation;
  3. My goal;
  4. Universal praise of moderation;
  5. Examples of immoderateness;
  6. Regretting moderation;
  7. The conundrum of moderation;
  8. Possible solutions.

Thoughts on, in and out of, isolation (01). Our heroes

This video takes its cue from the current covid-19 pandemic. It seeks to offer suggestions for how to improve one’s psychological well-being during this time of isolation and social distancing. In this episode I offer a paean to all essential workers, whom I consider the true heroes of our unprecedented predicament.

Contents

  1. Welcome;
  2. Reasons and goals;
  3. Some good news; 
  4. However…;
  5. Who’s the real hero?

Thoughts on, in and out of, isolation (02). Dangers & troubles

In this episode I analyze very briefly some of the psychological dangers we are exposed to during any prolonged period of involuntary isolation.

Contents

  1. Welcome;
  2. Isolation and its perils;
  3. A better alternative?

Thoughts on, in and out of, isolation (03). Vulnerability and its strengths

In this episode I show how the coronavirus crisis reveals our physical and emotional vulnerability. However, I suggest that the same crisis can be seen as a means of acquiring a deeper self-knowledge, increased self-control, and courage.

Contents

  1. Welcome;
  2. Summary of previous episode;
  3. Goals and caveats of present and further, isolation-related videos;
  4. Difficulty and genuine progress;
  5. Episode’s main theme: vulnerability;
  6. Fear of pain and lethal diseases;
  7. Pandemics as revelation of sickness and source of emotional distress;
  8. The full half;
  9. Trauma & possible beauty;
  10. Pandemics as means of self-knowledge;
  11. Fear vs. self-control;
  12. Viral enemy vs. courage;
  13. It’s really about YOU.

References

John Joseph Evoy, The Rejected, University Park, Pa.: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1981

Susan T. Fiske and Mariko Yamamoto, “Coping with Rejection,” in Interpersonal Rejection, edited by Mark Leary, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001, pp. 185–198.

Thoughts on, in and out of, isolation (04). Compassion & solidarity

In this episode I continue explaining what the coronavirus crisis can teach us for the sake of a fuller life. The first lesson I draw has to do with a greater compassion for all those who struggle with pain and suffering on a permanent basis. The second regards the need for a new, different and more committed sense of togetherness.

Contents

  1. Welcome;
  2. Summary of previous episode;
  3. Becoming (more) compassionate and why;
  4. The need for a better way of living with one another.

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