Common Knowledge is what everyone knows that everyone knows.
Is why coronations and executions are held in public – not so a crowd can see the new king or the hanged man, but so a crowd can see a crowd seeing the new king or the hanged man. Is why
<ul>
<li>sitcoms have laugh tracks</li>
<li>the Egyptian government fell in 2011 after a televised protest</li>
<li>the Romanian government fell in 1989 after a televised protest in Palace Square</li>
</ul>
We are sheep. Our behaviour changes when we think others share our perspectives. It's not enough to notice the emperor has no clothes, but to be sure others noticed it too.

Common Knowledge

Interesting perspective inspired by current politics.

Understand yourself and those around you.

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The Common Knowledge Game

Spirituality refers to the experience itself of deep connection to self and outside of self that we call awe, transcendence, meaning, and interconnectedness. Spirituality is fundamental to our existence.We are spiritual beings more than we are rational decision makers. We seek patterns of meaning in our experiences more than we seek patterns of truth. It's why we are born to be more attracted by stories than abstract explanations.

The Unescapable Need for Spirituality

In the West, there are essentially 3 main available options for spirituality.<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Organized Religion: The default choice being the Abrahamic flavour. The foundation for the Western culture but also riddled with corruption and dogma.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">New Age Spirituality. Rediscover the world of the ocult. Tarot cards. Psychedelics. Astrology ...</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Skepticism or Atheism.</li></ol>Religion has been what has historically housed the sacred, the mystical, and the profound. The occult has tools for intuition—beneficial for conversing with the edges of our subconscious. Science clears the table of nonsense.

The 3 Common Paths to Spirituality

Organized religion, as opposed to just religion, refers to a structured and established system of beliefs, rituals, practices, and doctrines shared by a group of people within a community. It usually has a formal organizational structure, leadership roles, shared beliefs & practices.But it also comes with bad like dogma, hoping for the end of the world, religious wars, theocracies, oppression of marginalized groups, political entanglements, battles with science, sex scandals, and abuses of power.

The Organized Religious Path

Esoteric knowledge is considered profound, hidden involving deeper, or more intuitive-based knowledge vs popular teachings. Usually ancient, these practices often revolved around manipulating natural forces, spiritual entities, and hidden wisdom. In the modern world they can vary from tarot cards to pop mindfulness or plant medicine.However, our intuitions can be wrong. We are very susceptible to superstition or for our intuitions to be guided by what we want to be true, by our fears, or our desires to feel in control. And most of the gurus can be just as abusive as religious leaders.

The Path of New Age Spirituality

Using science can be a powerful way to ground one self into a hard reality. Religions are nothing but fairytales. Spirituality, another way to guard against ignorance.Atheism however is a rejection of other claims. By definition, is it has nothing to offer. Atheism as a culture is a religion with no soul. Rejecting everything leads to nihilism. There is no inherent meaning to the universe. It is neither inherently positive nor negative. Some find it freeing, but for most is terrifying.

The Path of Atheism and Skepticism

Rejecting everything leads to nihilism. There is no inherent meaning to the universe. It is neither inherently positive nor negative. Some find it freeing. But for most it is a black hole. We can’t make decisions. Don't know what to do with our life.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">How do we accept death?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">How do you live morally?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">How do you raise children and tell them what to do or not do?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">How do you choose one way or another?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Is it unethical to bring children into the world to suffer?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">How do you keep functioning in the matrix when you see it’s an illusion?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">How do I make sense of not having free will?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What do I do now?</li></ul>

Problem of Nihilism

“To be or not to be” is what Camus calls it the first question of philosophy. “The one truly serious philosophical problem - Why not kill yourself?"The insight that saved Brittney was "that if I removed myself from this world, I only spread more suffering into the world. There’s a part of heaven on earth that only I can build, in my community and family. If I removed myself from this web of life to which I am connected, I become the very monster I was trying to run away from because I become the suffering I was trying to escape."Start playing life rather than life playing you.

Salvation from Nihilism

Secular spirituality is an approach that gathers the wisdom and tools in religion, the intuitive space of the occult, and the preeminence of science to create a path that uses the benefits of all.As a secular spiritualist, one is free to play in holy texts, celebrate Christmas, hang out with mystics, meditate, do a tarot reading for fun, visit holy temples, explore rituals, dabble in psychedelics, or gather wisdom from myths. It gives you the most liberty to explore any and all of these spaces without becoming a robot to the dogmas that demand your attention, money, time, and allegiance.

Secular Spirituality

"Deconstructing [...religion] felt like becoming increasingly enraged upon learning that your family was, in fact, the mafia, but also paradoxically missing the family spaghetti dinners."

Personal (secular) spirituality means a deep connection to self and outside of self, without deferring to the supernatural. In the past, faith and belief have been the hoops one has to jump through.It is the game of learning how to fall in love with existence itself without falling into the seductive traps of make-believe through the science of human well-being.On this personal journey you can pick and choose from some of the traditional spirituality. There is value in rituals, awe or community. In exploring your inner self or in understanding love.

The Personal Spiritual Path

If all cult leaders died today, we would recreate them tomorrow because it’s so much easier to give your moral compass and life to someone else who seems trustworthy than to accept that you are ultimately responsible for your own choices.

Ritual is the act of sanctifying action—even ordinary action—so that it has meaning. I can light a candle because I need the light or because the candle represents the light I need.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">You can partake in rituals by dissociating them from their mythological roots. Jews are mostly atheistic but they sticked with their rituals.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">You can make your own rituals. Because it's you that brings meaning by focusing your attention to a certain action. Make a ritual out of anything that matters to you.</li></ul>

Rituals

Awe is an intense emotional experience often characterized by a sense of wonder, amazement, and reverence in the presence of something profound, often leaving a person feeling humbled and deeply moved. It registers differently in our brain than feeling joy or happiness. This place is the center of spirituality, the experience that starts religions rather than the religions themselves.The concept of God stems from this feeling: collective consciousness, something that is bigger than us, but that we are a part of. "I am to God as bees are to a hive."

Acknowledging and accepting the hidden flaws of ourselves, allows for greater self-awareness & personal growth. Karl Jung brought this to limelight in the West.In Buddhism, this is called “Inviting Mara to tea.” On the eve of his enlightenment, the Buddha fought Mara, the Demon God, who unleashed temptations and afflictions on the Buddha: lust, greed, anger or doubt. Rather than dismissing or repelling Mara, the Buddha greeted her presence with serenity, saying “I see you, Mara.” In a remarkable display of equanimity, he would extend an invitation for tea, treating Mara as an esteemed guest.

Shadow Work: I see you Mara

Life becomes more enjoyable when it’s not just Mario against the world level after level for 80 years, but there’s a Luigi, a Yoshi, and a Toad with you. You have a Team!Community comes down to embracing vulnerability. We must dare to be vulnerable ourselves and provide a safe space for others to do the same. Vulnerability is the birthplace of trust, belonging, and empathy.Magic happens when people take off their masks and see and love each other as the complex and beautiful humans they are right now, without having to hustle for worth or hide our shadows.

Community

Mysticism is the focus on the experience that people have called god. Mystics simply value the experience and worry less about what it is called, or by which path it comes. “Theologians may quarrel, but the mystics of the world speak the same language.”Mysticism steers clear of what gets people into trouble in religions or cults, which is the proclivity to have a profound experience and then say, “Therefore…”. “Therefore, the Book of Mormon is true.” “Therefore, Jesus is my Savior.”

Mysticism

When Harry faces death and goes to the train station, he is met by his own dead mentor, Dumbledore. They speak for a time and towards the end, Harry asks:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">“Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?” To which Dumbledore replies ...</li><li class="ql-align-justify">“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”</li></ul>

Reality happens in our heads

Love is not a duty but a realization.Loving yourself is to appreciate the universe that lives within you. To recognize that we hold the pen and are writing a chapter in a story that started when time itself began. To love ourselves is to tend to our chapter enough to write a good story while we have the power to hold the pen.Loving others is recognizing that the universe that is inside you is also in them in a whole different and beautiful way. Love naturally emerges when you understand your place in the grand tapestry of existence.

Love

Brittney offers a personal spiritual path that is free of dogma or false beliefs but also meaningful. She calls it Secular Spirituality. 

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Philosophy

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Religion & Spirituality

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Mindfulness

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Books

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Meditation

Brittney Hartley

No Nonsense Spirituality

To be intelligent is to be a general problem solver. You can learn about history, learn how to dance or speak languages. The 2 meta problems you have to solve:<ol><li>The capacity to anticipate. The further you can see things unfolding into the future the more intelligent. </li><li>The ability to zero-in on the relevant information. The further you look into the future the more options you have to consider. Recognizing the important while ignoring the rest is a sign of intelligence. We do ignore most of our sensory inputs anyway.</li></ol>The more you are anticipating the harder it is to pick up on relevant information.

What does It Mean To Be Intelligent?

You are not intelligent by how much information you can take in, but by how much information you can ignore.

There is nothing in physics, chemistry or anything else that can measure the relevance of something. Relevance is contextual and personal.I grasp this bottle. Grapability is not an attribute of the bottle, as it can't be grassped by an ant. Nor an attribute of the hand since I can't grasp a car. The graspability is in the fitness of my hand to the bottle. It's in how the hand and the bottle belong to eachother, how they connect to eachother.

There Is No Relevance Marker

... are not the same, but somehow we got to treat them as synonyms. But you can be very well informed and foolish. Wisdom is about avoiding our self deception, our innate ability to lie to ourselves. Too much information can act as amuntition for the deception more than its antidote.Wisdom can be thought. But it's more of a practice than a simple information exchange. Socrates figured it out 2000 yrs ago with his dialectic method.

Knowledge And Wisdom

We are told meaning is purpose. It's actually more than that. Meaning has 4 components:<ol><li>Coherence. Your experience needs to make sense. It can't be absurd.</li><li>Significance. How real is the experience. You may have the perfect relationship but if (s)he cheated ... was the love real?</li><li>Connectedness. Being part of something greater than yourself.</li><li>Purpose. Working towards something. </li></ol>

What Give Life Meaning

<ol><li>Aristotle famously said cultivating character is the most important thing one can do. How much time do you spend per week to cultivate yours?</li><li>What do you want to exist, even if you don't? Do you care about something that transcends your ego?</li><li>What do you do right now to impact that thing?</li></ol>These questions don't have easy answers. It may take years to formulate them.

3 Question To Explore Meaning

Join James Beshara on a riveting journey into the mind of Dr. John Vervaeke, whose work at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy is setting the internet ablaze. This episode, recorded live in Venice Beach, explores the "Awake from the Meaning Crisis" lecture series, offering profound insights into how we understand and navigate our world.  Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential.  James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles.  James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.co).

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Learning & Education

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Science & Nature

Host James Beshara is an angel investor, advisor, founder, & general startup-helper in Los Angeles, CA. He has started three companies, sold one (Tilt; acq by Airbnb), and invested in multiple billion-dollar startups in his career. Now he's talking openly and honestly with others about what's going on "below the line" — the 90% of the story you don't read about or hear about anywhere else.  Below the Line has evolved into a powerful weekly show that consistently takes a deep dive into the real journeys, the unspoken perspectives, and the psychological side of creating, founding, and learning.

Below the Line with James Beshara

Navigating the Meaning Crisis With Dr. Vervaeke

"Love is to realize there is truth beyond yourself"

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Love expands your perspective: In a self-centered view, the world revolves around you and your needs. Love, however, encourages you to see the world from another person's perspective.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Love fosters connection: When you love someone, you connect with them on a deeper level than just your own wants. You become invested in their happiness and well-being, creating a bond that transcends you.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Love opens you to growth: True love motivates you to become a better person. You might be willing to make sacrifices or compromise for the sake of the relationship.</li></ul>

What has love got to do with truth

This quote stuck with me for a long time. Very Buddhist in nature. 

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Motivation & Inspiration

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Love & Relationships

Love is the truth beyond yourself

Cultural imprinting is a mechanism by which an ad changes the culture, by changing how we are perceived by others when we use a product. Cultural imprinting works because it relies on the principle of common knowledge, which means both the ads and the product usage has to be conspicuous. We all see the ad advertising "Corona" as the drink for chilling at the beach. And we all communicate the association to the message when we pick a Corona at a party. This is why cultural imprinting ads are found on billboards. And why it works for Coca-Cola but not for a bedsheet company.

Brand advertising = Cultural Imprinting

Imagine you see an ad for a new brand of sneakers. The ad features cool people wearing the sneakers and having fun. This might make you think that if you wear those sneakers, you'll also be cool and have fun. That's cultural imprinting!Ads don't directly tell you the sneakers are good, instead, they try to make you think that wearing them will change how other people see you. In other words, according to the article, ads don't convince you a product is great, they try to convince you that using the product will make you look great in the eyes of others.

Cultural Imprinting in Real life

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Emotional imprinting is the idea that ads can create positive associations between a product and feelings. These associations can influence us to buy a product later, even if we don't consciously remember the ad.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Cultural imprinting is about how ads change the culture by creating associations between a product and a group of people. </li></ul>So, the key difference between the two is the former works on an individual level, by creating positive associations between a product and our emotions, while the later works on a societal level, by creating associations between products and social groups.

Cultural Imprinting vs Emotional Imprinting

Not every company can play the cultural game. Alternatives:- Informing customers about a product: "FYI, product X exists. Here's how it works. It's available if you need it." Hopefully by repeating it enough time sales happen.- Overt persuasion: "4/5 doctors prefer Camels" or "Verizon: America's largest 4G LTE network"- Making promises: Guarantee or warrantees, but more often a brand image. Like Disney = "family entertainment"- Honest signaling: an ads in a very expensive location. A huge billboard announces (subtextually), "We're willing to spend a lot of $ on this. We're committed to it."

The Alternative Ways to Advertise

A compelling explanation for the psychology of  brand advertising.

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Marketing & Sales

Ads Don’t Work That Way

James Lang proposes that educators can significantly improve student learning by making small, research-backed changes to their teaching methods.He focuses on practical applications from cognitive science that don't overwhelm with complex theories. 3 main areas of focus:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Memorisation - students must bear in mind things before they can put them in order</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Understanding - increase comprehension and acquisition of complex cognitive skills </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Motivation - getting excited about the topic</li></ol>

Small Teachings Framework

Small tweaks can. provide the conditions in class for students to actively retrieve information that they have encountered previously:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Stopping mid way to ask students for predictions: "What do you think happens next"</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Frequent low stakes quizzing. Stopping from time to time to ask question witthout making it seem like a test.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Having students summarize the main points of the class</li></ul>

Hacks for Understanding

Lang suggests polling students about their prior knowledge of subjects. This strengthens memory and understanding:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Before introducing a new concept, ask students what they already know about it.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Have students make mental maps together.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Make connections to real-world applications.</li></ul>

Developing student motivation is crucial for academic success. Here are some tips to keep students motivated:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Arrive early to class to establish a connection with students</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Remind students of the bigger picture and why the course is important</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Show enthusiasm and passion for the subject</li></ol>

Hacks for Student Motivation

“Asking students to predict and retrieve or self‐explain won’t get them very far in their learning if they truly don’t care about the course material or if they believe that they are incapable of learning from it”

James Lang is an educator who proposes tactical changes in class to improve the performance of his students. 

Employ cognitive theory in the classroom every day Research into how we learn has opened the door for utilizing cognitive theory to facilitate better student learning. But that's easier said than done. Many books about cognitive theory introduce radical but impractical theories, failing to make the connection to the classroom. In Small Teaching, James Lang presents a strategy for improving student learning with a series of modest but powerful changes that make a big difference—many of which can be put into practice in a single class period. These strategies are designed to bridge the chasm between primary research and the classroom environment in a way that can be implemented by any faculty in any discipline, and even integrated into pre-existing teaching techniques. Learn, for example: <ul> <li>How does one become good at retrieving knowledge from memory?</li> <li>How does making predictions now help us learn in the future?</li> <li>How do instructors instill fixed or growth mindsets in their students?</li> </ul> Each chapter introduces a basic concept in cognitive theory, explains when and how it should be employed, and provides firm examples of how the intervention has been or could be used in a variety of disciplines. Small teaching techniques include brief classroom or online learning activities, one-time interventions, and small modifications in course design or communication with students.

James M. Lang

Small Teaching

It's very hard to make meaningful change on something you are not naturally passionate about. Your energy, focus, and resilience will be much higher, and you will be much more likely to succeed. A passion is a gift. Use it.

You don't choose a passion, a passion chooses you

Your talents are a gift, you didn't earn them.Take pride in how you use them, not just having them.True excellence comes from combining gifts with dedication and effort. Put in hard work and consistent practice, and see your talents shine.

Pride in Effort, Not Talent

"Being right a lot" has nothing to do with intelligence, it's a skill that requires discipline, humility, & comfortability with looking like an idiot. How:<ol><li>Listen a lot. Most of being right a lot is about gathering as much data as possible. Good leaders listen. They develop the ability to ask good questions and to challenge bias. They seek out people with different perspectives.</li><li>People may say you're a fool/don't know what you're doing. To be great, you must get rid of any internal need for people to think you're smart.</li><li>You must seek out info that challenge your most deeply held beliefs. </li></ol>

Good leaders are right a lot

You have to be constantly experimenting. Avoid sunk cost bias at all cost. Be willing to pivot all of your work to something new when you encounter new data. The startup graveyard is filled with companies rigid on details.

Be stubborn on vision, and flexible on details

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos shares tips about his management style and philosophy with a crowd at the 2016 Pathfinder Awards at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Bezos is interviewed by Steve Taylor, chief pilot for Boeing Flight Services.

More details here: http://www.geekwire.com/2016/amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-offers-6-leadership-principles-change-mind-lot-embrace-failure-ditch-powerpoints/

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Jeff Bezos shares his management style and philosophy

Jeff Bezos on his management style and philosophy

Religion us not really ablut deities. Religion is about interpreting the world through myth, rituals and folklore. As opposed to data, experimentation and rarionalism.Religion imposes a narrative structure to the world as opposed to the scientific approach. This also explains why the religious impulse is so universal.

Religion Is Not About Gods Necesarily

Orthodox Religions like Catholicism focus on belief and the manifestation of that belief. You have to șah the right words, pray and so forth. Orthopractic Religions like Judaism are much more focus on acting a certain way. How you act is more important than what you say. Clearly the first are much more popular than the second. Because talking is cheaper.

Orthodox vs Orthopractic Religions

Christianity is Judaism with product market fit.

In this conversation, Erik Torenberg sits down with Antonio Garcia Martinez, founder of Spindl and author of ‘Chaos Monkeys’, and Parker Thompson, partner at SAX Capital, TNT Ventures, and AngelList, to explore the influence of social media on society. They discuss media literacy and journalism, how politics change people's views of social media, and the rise of unique religious movements in social activism. This episode marks the first time Erik interviewed Antonio Garcia Martinez on Venture Stories back in 2019 and remains relevant today. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen. -- SPONSORS: NETSUITE NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.  --  FOLLOW ON X: @antoniogm (Antonio) @pt (Parker) @eriktorenberg (Erik) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia  -- BOOKS CITED: Chaos Monkeys by Antonio Garcia Martinez Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man by Marshall McLuhan  Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America by Daniel J. Boorstin The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium by Martin Gurri Seven Types of Atheism by John Gray --  TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (01:23) Impact of Facebook (02:41) Evolution of Media and Its Influence on Society (10:10) Journalism and Media Ethics (26:25) Effectiveness of Media Regulation (33:10) Facebook's Content Curation (34:02) Content Control (35:32) Impact of Algorithms on Society and Business (38:50) Generational Shifts in Media Consumption (45:57) Exploring the Ideology of Silicon Valley (49:44) Secular Religions and the Quest for Community (58:39) Future of Religion and Community in the Digital Age (01:03:36) Wrap  This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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History

Every week, Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and frequent special guests discuss what's happening in technology, business, politics, and beyond. Moment of Zen is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

"Moment of Zen"

E70:  Antonio on Social Media, Journalism, and New Religions with Parker Thompson

New Religions with Antonio Garcia Martinez

Dune is the best-selling SF novel of all time. Created by Frank Herbert in the 1960s, it changed SF forever with its deeply philosophical flavor of science fiction. The story takes place in a distant future where humanity is divided into a feudal system, ruled by an emperor and armies that fight using blades. There is no technology except for a magical drug called "spice" that can only be found on the planet Arrakis, home of the giant sand worms.Paul is a prince from House Atreides who leads the Fremen, the natives of Arrakis, against the enemies of his house and then the empire at large.

Frank Herbert's Dune

Frank Herbert's Sources of Inspiration:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Studying sand dunes for work</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Experimentation with psychedelic drugs in the 60s</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Basing Paul on historical figures like Alexander the Great or Lawrence of Arabia</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Comparing the fremen to Arab bedouins and the Harkonens to Soviets</li></ul>In Dune, Herbert weaves historical lessons through an allegorical tale that is both complex and intriguing.

The Inspiration Behind Dune

Arrakis is the only planet in the Dune Universe where the spice is produced. The spice is essential for interstellar travel, as the operators of spaceships need it to plot courses & for the religion in the empire as a conscience-enhancing drug. <ul><li class="ql-align-justify"> Frank Herbert consumed both magic mushrooms & LSD during the hippie revolution and came to believe that expanding our consciousness is a better path forward for humanity than technology. </li><li class="ql-align-justify"> During his time, the importance of oil became obvious, which at that time came from the Middle East. </li></ul> Herbert thus combined these two magical ingredients into one.

Where Does the Spice Come From?

Paul's history is Greek. Atreides, Leto, and all are Greek names. Leto's banner was a bull, an ancient Greek symbol. Like Alexander the Great, Paul had a great dad, a powerful mom who belonged to a religious sect & had to blend with the desert people to rule over them.But Paul's story is also that of T. E. Lawrence, a famous Englishman who led the Arabs against the Ottoman occupation during WW1. Like Paul, Lawrence adopted the culture of the Arab population and was a big advocate for Arab nationalism.However, Paul is not a good guy. His accession serves as a warning against prophets.

The Messiah

Feudalism is the system of government in "Dune," similar to the Middle Ages or "Game of Thrones." This is because Frank Herbert believed feudalism was the natural political order. He believed most people want to be led and that freedom was a burden for most. So, in "Dune," society is divided into houses:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Atreides represent the civilized West.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Harkonnen are the Soviets, which Herbert despised (he was related to Joseph McCarthy, a U.S. anti-communist).</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Corrinos, the house of the Emperor, are the Ottomans who created the modern standing army (like the Sardaukar in "Dune").</li></ul>

The Houses

The Fremen are the Arabs, conquered by the Ottomans and ruled by the British and the French. Arabs became the model for the Fremen, the native population of Arrakis.Like the Arabs sitting on piles of oil, the Fremen's planet is the only planet producing spice. And like the Arabs, their religion is heavily dependent on prophecies. Frank Herbert believed that the Arabs could form a new superpower if they managed to unite under one banner. A unification that has to be religious in nature, just like in his book.

The Fremen

There are no computers in Dune. The interstellar ships are operated by humans and the fighting is done with blades, not lasers. Before the events in the books, Herbert imagined a war between humans and AI, after which technology became banned. Personal shields, immune to projectile weapons, elevated the use of swords.Herbert was distrustful of technology. After experimenting with psychedelic drugs, he became convinced that our progress relied more on the expansion of our consciousness. That's why the spice plays such a key role in his books.

The Ban on Technology

What are some of the themes and historical references for Dune? 

Frank Herbert's original Dune was published in 1965, and became the best selling sci-fi novel of all time. With the release of Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two, the novel has been successfully adapted for the big screen, after decades of misfiring attempts. But what are the origins of the Dune universe? Who are the Fremen? Is it an allegory for the world we live in? 

In this video, Matt Lewis talks through the history behind this epic story, from Arab nationalism to magic mushrooms and the origins of the Atreides. The script and editing was by James Carson. 

Frank Herbert portrait credit: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, 2000.107.087.11.01, photo by Gilbert W. Arias.

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00:00 Intro and Plot
03:08 The Origins of Dune
06:00 Cold War in the Middle East 
10:00 Arabic Influences
11:28 Religious Belief Systems
14:15 Laurence of Arabia and the Arab World
17:37 Greek Influences
21:08 Imperialism and Feudalism
22:40 Technology

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Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, and iOs & Android.

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The History Behind Dune | Arab Nationalism, Magic Mushrooms and The Cold War

The History Behind Dune: Arab Nationalism, Magic Mushrooms & The Cold War

Dr. Ramani Durvasula defines narcissism as a collection of traits that center around an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a deep lack of empathy for others.However, Dr. Ramani also emphasizes the complexity of narcissism. She highlights that narcissists can be very charming and charismatic at first . It's the shift, where the manipulative and controlling behaviors emerge, that can be confusing.

What is Narcisism?

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Grandiosity: An inflated sense of self-importance, believing they are superior</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Entitlement: A sense of deserving special treatment and privileges</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Lack of empathy: Inability to understand the feelings of others</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Need for admiration: Constant craving for praise & validation.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Hypersensitivity to criticism: Reacting poorly to any feedback or disagreement</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Charismatic but manipulative: Initially charming, but controlling</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Prone to gaslighting: Deliberately manipulating situations to make their target question their own reality</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Projecting blame: Shifting responsibility to others</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Un-accountable</li></ul>

Signs of a Narcisist

Grandiose Narcissism: They have big dreams and appear larger than life. Successful, but also tend to hold grudges and view others as obstacles to their success.Vulnerable Narcissism: They see themselves as victims and struggle with feelings of inadequacy. A grandiose narcissist can become vulnerable if they do not get their way.Malignant Narcissism: The most severe type, it involves manipulative and isolating behavior. They may show some remorse, but it is the stepping stone towards psychopathy.Communal Narcissism: They are fixated on being seen as kind and charitable.

Different Types of Narcissism

How many narcissists are there in society?<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The estimated percentage of observable narcissists is about 18%. Approximatively 1 in 6 people. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Narcissism exists on a spectrum and can be observed in varying degrees in all individuals.</li></ul>Some professions tend to attract more narcissists, such as management or business, while others, like politics and social activism, are dominated by narcissists.

Narcissism in Society

Many successful individuals are narcissists. From politicians to business leaders, the qualities that make them successful often include a lack of empathy & a strong sense of self-importance. While this may lead to great accomplishments, their intelligence and charm can also make them terrible partners:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Narcissists are often driven by their own self-interest, rather than the greater good.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">They may achieve great success, but it can come at a cost to those around them.</li></ul>As the saying goes, "You can appreciate a narcissist in charge of a company, just don't marry one!" 😜

Narcissism and Success

There is no numerical difference between men and women when it comes to being narcissists. But they are different in type.Men tend to be more grandiose, while women tend to be more vulnerable. They manifest differently, but they are equally damaging in a relationship.

Narcisism and Gender

No, narcissism is a psychological trait that cannot be created by technology. However, social media amplifies existing narcissism and turns a small-scale issue into a larger one. "Virtue signalling," for example, is a phenomenon fuelled mostly by communal narcissism.While most teenagers may appear narcissistic on social media, it is impossible to know for sure until they reach adulthood. The behavior of teenagers is not identical to that of narcissists.

Is Social Media Making Us Narcissists?

How to know you are one?Self aware narcissist are very rare. A true narcisist will have very little self awareness of the effect they have on other people. Most would see their narcisism as a super power. A commitment to a goal or an ideal.

Are you a narcisist?

Can you be happy being a relationship with a narcisist? Yes, but not from the relationship.

If you are trapped in a relationship with a narcisist the main practice is radical acceptance. You have to be aware of the trait of the other person and stop hoping you can change him or her.When the inevitable manipulations begin it's important to stop engaging. You can't productively argue with a narcisist. They will default to gaslighting:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Denial: The narcissist will deny things they clearly said or did, twisting the situation</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Rewriting history: Rewrite past events to fit their narrative, making you doubt your own memories.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Diminishing your feelings: Dismiss your emotions as "overreacting"</li></ul>

Dealing with a narcisist

Narcisism is a one the main negative psychological traits. It's impirtant to be aware of it. 

1 in 6 people are narcissists, so what is a narcissist and how can you spot one?Dr Ramani Durvasula is a clinical psychologist, Professor of Psychology at California State University, and the Founder and CEO of LUNA Education, Training & Consulting. She is also the author of books such as ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist’, and ‘"Don't You Know Who I Am?": How to Stay Sane in an Era of Narcissism, Entitlement, and Incivility’.In this conversation Dr. Ramani and Steven discuss topics such as, whether your partner is a narcissist, the 4 types of narcissist, why up to 50% of famous people are narcissists, and whether narcissists are better in bed.(00:00) Intro(02:08) Why Dedicating Your Life To Studying Narcissism(03:10) The Cost Of Narcissism(06:07) How To Spot A Narcissist(12:27) How To Differentiate An Asshole From A Narcissist(15:19) Can You Cure Narcissism?(16:39) What Gender Tends To Be More Narcissistic(18:24) The Types Of Narcissism(25:07) How Many People Are Narcissists?(27:21) Is Social Media Fuelling More Narcissists(32:09) Where Does Narcissism Come From Genetics Environment(36:06) Narcissism Lives In A Spectrum(37:08) Are Narcissists More Successful(40:12) The Empathic CEOs Are Rare(43:04) Does Money Make You More Narcissistic?(47:03) How Do You Know If You Are A Narcissist(50:19) What People Get Attracted To Narcissist?(53:41) How To Know If My Partner Is A Narcissist(55:32) The Three Rs: How To Know If You're In A Negative Relationship(59:28) Pathological Manipulation(01:00:56) What's Projection?(01:04:20) Can They Take Feedback(01:05:55) Gaslighting, What Is It?(01:10:49) How To Deal With Being Gaslit(01:13:10) Do Narcissists Engage In Domestic Behaviour(01:15:17) What Should I Do If My Boss Is A Narcissist(01:17:31) Can You Get Out From A Narcissistic Person(01:21:32) Can You Be Happy In A Relationship With A Narcissist(01:23:08) What Is The Weak Point Of A Narcissist(01:24:44) Why Don't They Like Authentic People(01:25:51) Famous Narcissists(01:31:55) You Can Come Back From Narcissistic Abuse(01:34:04) Hardest Day Of Your LifeYou can order Dr Ramani’s most recent book, ‘It's Not You: How to Identify and Heal from NARCISSISTIC People’, here: https://amzn.to/42YI79KFollow Dr RamaniTwitter - https://bit.ly/3wF91raInstagram - https://bit.ly/48A634KWatch the episodes on Youtube - https://g2ul0.app.link/3kxINCANKsbFollow me:https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceoSponsors: Eightsleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/uk/steven/Uber: https://p.uber.com/creditstermsLinkedin Ads: https://www.linkedin.com/doac24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Teamwork

A few years ago I was a broke, university dropout, living in a studio-flat in a rough area. At 18 I started a company which would eventually become "Social Chain" - an industry leading marketing company. At 26 the company was generating $600m a year in revenue. At 27 I resigned as CEO, and launched 'The Diary Of A CEO' podcast with the simple mission of un-filtering success and giving you the knowledge you need to create the life you want. Thank you for listening. My New Book: https://smarturl.it/D IG: https://www.instagram.com/steven LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbartlett-123

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