Episode

[@nikslobodjanac2665]

"The terror of the same, affects all areas of life today. One travels anywhere but does not experience anything. One catches sight of everything. Yet reaches no insight. One accumulates information and data. Yet does not attain any knowledge. One lusts over adventures and stimulation. But always remains the same. One accumulates online friends and followers. Yet never encounters another person."

[@nikslobodjanac2665]

🥶

[@wastedblues2]

❤

[@romanzenz6807]

More Byung-Chul Han, please!

[@GreyBearLine]

It would be too soon to jump over to Zizek already. There is more good stuff to get from this.

[@ale3is18]

I agree more Byung!! Got a couple of books of his and i straggle 😅

[@milkywaylibrary]

i'd like to listen more from 한병철 too. i'll be reading what's been covered in this episode till the next one comes out.

[@milkywaylibrary]

oh and if by any chance you're reading this steven, byung chul han would be the westernized version of his true name. correct way of calling his name would be han byung chul, family name first.

[@PAX---777]

& Guy Debord, 'Society of the Spectacle' ~~~Clown World, bro....

[@timi_haze]

As a Korean American man it's amazing seeing people become more aware of our culture and now even listen to one of our philosophers. Thank you for this.

[@NYKWHY]

"When you remove the Otherness from somebody you can't ever really love that person, all you can do is consume them. When you remove the otherness from an Idea, it can never really affect you fully, all you can do is consume it. I think of all they ways people are turned into things to consume when it comes to Romance on the internet." This certainly gave me something to think about.

[@PAX---777]

Rad comment, cheers

[@MikyKoneko]

Love this episode. I fell trapped being my best possible self everyday and I just realised how this stripped me of the single thing I love in life which is creating art. It used to be a contemplating and relaxing activity but now I persecute myself for not creating enough and not beeing already a famous artist. Thank you for reminding me my purpose.

[@zinka777]

Being an artist myself, it helps being around other artists (community is very important and is quickly being lost in this Instagram reels tik tok snap "communities") and it helps intentionally making bad art, keeping a sketchbook, drawing or painting on an ugly piece of newspaper, whatever helps for you to not consider it "precious". Because it isn't, nothing is. It's a noble thing working towards being better, but running yourself mentally in the ground won't help you achieve that, which is exactly what this glow-up trend is doing to people. I wish you good luck.

[@giuseppecalafiore4608]

Han nailed it… I’ve been struggling with depression for 3 years and this is the golden piece of the puzzle I have been missing. Thank you ❤️

[@anthonybarsness1462]

Keep with Han. I love Zizek but we have All the time in the world to get to it. I want to hear more Han first

[@acardinalconsideration824]

15:16 Love em’ or hate em’ Han was spittin facts

[@jimmy-sees-stars8166]

This is big. I felt you building up to this over the last few episodes, and I've been thinking about the digital penopticon concept without knowing it was a concept yet.

[@selwyndavis3272]

More Byung-Chul Han, for next episode! It makes it easier to follow a single thinker when they're in episodes bundled together. And love when you get a chance to go more in depth into a single thinker/idea. Looking forward to next episodes and thanks for the all the episodes over the years!

[@FirstNameLastName-tb3rm]

My favorite part is the whipping noises. More sound effects 😂

[@philosophizethispodcast]

Hahaha 😂

[@Iderboldb]

Byung-Chul Han all the way! Away with self-important demagoges. More attention to the present!

[@lovmovement8477]

Just finished reading “Philosophy of Zen Buddhism” by Han, & just picked up “Agony of Eros” & “Psychopolitics”. Stoked that this episode aligned with my readings. Byung Chul Han is awesome !

[@ramilrosete2715]

More of Han. How fresh these ideas are.

[@9000ck]

read Han, its revelatory.

[@CobbyLouis]

I learned a "nursery rhyme" as a kid All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but all play and no work makes Jack a lazy boy... I hadn't thought about that in years, but I just did.... Thanks for the video

[@PAX---777]

Moderation, and the ability to be open-minded- in these times better to do the opposite of what is popular\common

[@MorePlausible]

There is a lot of wisdom in old rhymes and sayings, such as the one you mentioned.

[@executer40]

I've been referring to old rhymes and childhood stories as "the ancient lore" of the west. Why is lying bad, the boy who cried wolf Seems to good to be true, hansel and Gretel Be careful even in ordinary tasks/ don't get complacent, jack and Jill

[@romankolarik3274]

cute

[@Dmwntkp99]

I had a fuzzy vision of modern normal but this really defines it with clarity, wonderful.

[@marcomiranda9476]

More Han, there is much more already on Zizek than Han. Thanks

[@humanbeing9024]

Incredible episode. Best of the recent ones so far, I think. Thanks a lot, my dude. More of this guy would be just blissful

[@mycomputerdreamsinsound]

As a recovering wanna-be almost-ex-achiever, I found the first 10 minutes of this talk some of the most mindset shifting moments of my life. Thank you for challenging me.

[@RedShipsofSpainAgain]

This is a great episode Stephen, and actually changed my perspective (like most of your episodes). I wanted to add that there's a great scene from the 1999 film American Psycho, commenting on our society's obsession with ourselves that has been a thing at least since the mid 1980s, when Bret Easton Ellis wrote the book where Patrick Bateman is talking about the concept of empathy, illustrated on a Whitney Houston album to a prostitute named Elizabeth. He says: "The Greatest Love of All" is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, and dignity. It's universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it's not too late to better ourselves. Since, Elizabeth, it's impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It's an important message, crucial really. And it's beautifully stated on the album. Here Bateman does a great job demonstrating the fundamental problem: the condition and sociopolitical and economic forces of our modern world have made it such that it is difficult, if not outright impossible, to empathize with other people. There is little to no benefit to looking out for your colleagues and coworkers when the opportunity cost to focus on improving yourself and your own skills, because to neglect your own personal growth and personal improvement puts you at risk of being rendered "obsolete" by your employer, or "behind the times" or whose skills are "out of date", and that makes you expendable. We live in a decidedly transactional world: your value to a modern corporation only exists so long as you are providing value to it; as soon as you don't, that corporation will pounce on and fire that employee with zero hesitation, zero empathy, and zero remorse. So it is completely unsurprising that in the face of such forces and such incentives, that people will behave in the narcissistic way that Byung-Chul Han describes. Our economic system has reduced other people to mere pawns, whose value is reduced to "what can you do for me?" or "how can I leverage you to improve my state in the world?" Indeed, the entirety of capitalism is based upon this idea of using other people to generate profits. We have effectively been forced to see other people not as fellow humans, but as mere components to our own betterment and survival. A company does not see an employee as a human, nor does it care; a company only cares that that employee unit is doing work that is generating profit. Throughout history, humans have demonstrated an instinct to survive. And in our modern world, to survive means to survive *financially*. So it is unsurprising that we find ourselves forced to view other people through this lens of commodification and "How can you benefit me?" because this is how people use other people to make money and survive financially. It's not personal to take advantage of other people in our capitalist world; on the contrary, it is the socially accepted norm and, in fact, is actually REQUIRED for people to survive in this system that we all find ourselves. So as much as I hear Byung-Chul Han, his views and advice are, sadly, in direct odds with the modern world and its dehumanizing effects. To be clear, I'm not supporting this narcissistic behavior. But rather I'm saying it's impossible (or at least very difficult) to live otherwise in such a system, with such powerful forces being imposed on each and every one of us, every day.

[@Treasure_Tshabalala]

Byung Chul Han is a very deep and tricky author to understand and explain, but you do that with such ease and colloquiality. I've been hooked on this channel ever since I dicovered it, keep up the great work man.

[@billyranger2627]

Thank god critical thinking that stops one in their track hasn’t stopped in a world where people think they have failed simply because they don’t want more followers,more money, more more more

[@NicoLargi]

Hi Steven. Just taking one minute off out of my five and a half hours morning routine to thank you for your important and fascinating work. I love listening to your show in the workshop. Cheers

[@alfredghadimi5893]

I've been listening to your podcasts for a long time. This video like many of the other episodes is excellent. Many thanks for covering Mr. Han. I appreciate that we have such an accomplished contemporary philosopher. Keep up your impressive work!

[@DrVunderbahr]

Christopher Lasch wrote some good stuff on narcissistic culture that is worth checking out

[@Morgodor]

Over the years I have heard your videos. This is one that really describes something that I haven't even put into words but totally understand.

[@martinhovorka69]

So true, so true, unfortunately they don't teach this in school, yet such topics are the most important for life. Interestingly, animals don't suffer from over-motivation or burnout, they just take care of the basics and the rest is rest and play. This implies that in humans it is only the result of manipulation and evil intentions, not a natural inner tendency to overpower in the sense of constantly creating oneself as a superhuman.

[@mammamiapizzeria4911]

Hello Stephen, more Han please as well. Would love to hear as much episodes as possible dedicated to a single philosopher. Take care and best wishes to you.

[@TheLaterWay384]

Please, do more Han! He just put into words a philosophy so similar to my own personal philosophy - thank you for introducing him to me!

[@jagadeesharun]

"Smartphones are for digital confessions and Facebook is the Church". Some deep words. Thank you for doing this show!🙏🏽

[@BabygirlCottrill]

More Han before you move on.(I like the rhyme in that)!

[@Unknown-jf5sk]

This Podcast is so precious, please never stop sharing knowledge..you have helped me understand a lot of philosophical ideas.

[@artharris515]

More Han! I would like you to go deeper into the concept of self-discipline as a control mechanism for enforcing participation in the capitalist system.

[@arkiki2717]

Interesting take on post modernity. Smart phones, social media and ever present data connectivity were likely key enablers of the more recent acceleration in the development solipsism, self obsession and detachment from realness...

[@GazRatcliff]

Han and I second big H(Heidegger) maybe the Question concerning technology in the current climate. Great work.

[@jamesbarnes8016]

Hands up for Han.

[@bensadowyj1974]

Incredible episode, one of the most thought provoking, insightful and personally relevant to me for some time.

[@maria9567]

I love him.

[@andrewbowen2837]

Martin Coward has written that being and identity are reliant on others, and there is no self without other. There is a constant search for agonism and alterity that helps people identify themselves; one cannot be in a state of being-alone, but are always being-with. By removing alterity and promoting a myth of being-without-others, of homogeneity, we commit a great act against Being and anthropos. I hadn't thought of it outside of the realm of urbicide, but it is very similar. Perhaps this explains our current tribalist scene, where we have a drive to Other that is going unexpressed naturally due to globalism, neoliberalism, and democracy, leading to the artificial creation of others that is forced and thus much more toxic. Humans are communal creatures and need a sense of belonging, so it finds expression one way or another. I never thought to connect narcissism with the protestant work ethic either, but it makes perfect sense. But I also think the rampant hedonism we see is also a result of this, where people seek pleasure for themselves only. So there is a balance between the commodified self and the hedonic "joy" I suppose. My thoughts, or comments, on the video more specifically though are a little critical. For instance, there is a distinction made between a commodity as self, and a different type of self. What is this different type of self or personhood? How could you describe it to someone who may not know any other way to compose themselves except as a narcissist? Would it simply be the antithesis of narcissistic commodification? Second, I don't think there can be a proper distinction drawn between positive and negative power. Though I agree the panopticon of our age is based upon achievement (and inherently social, as I have elaborated in previous videos), I think these "can" ideas necessarily become "should" ideas. Why else would someone become depressed for not being maximally efficient, if not for a concern that they "should" be doing it? In practice, the two are indistinguishable. You "can" do anything, so you "should" devote yourself to success at all costs. Aside from that, it would be a pleasure to hear more from this thinker. While I could not say no to learning about Hegel through the lens of Lacan, that can wait while you trace out the intricacies of this person first.

[@UniMatrix_1]

Someone send this to @AndrewTate 😂. I love these videos Steven, as someone who is High in trait Narcissism, this has given me a new way to frame many of the issues that I deal with. I also now have more frames of reference to describe the commonalities between the way neurotypicals and myself see the world.

[@aliseyar4908]

I started to listen this podcast ti improve my english and general knowledge about philosophy and so on. I'm still working on my skills. And I'm here to thank you. What a public service this is! Love ya❤

[@Stars4Hearts]

The way you put it all together- it’s excellent. Thank you Stephen 🙏

[@benjousan8470]

There is a good long Veritas Forum talk called “The Closing of the American Mind” with Johnathan Haidt (atheist social psychologist and author) and Tim Keller (Presbyterian pastor and author) where they discuss this cultural anxiety. Haidt specifically mentions that there are increasingly fewer centripetal forces, things that hold different people together in society, especially since the 60s-70s Civil Rights era. Their thesis is that shared ritual, religious or otherwise, is essential to avoiding terrible social catastrophe.

[@holysriracha2613]

LOVE that everyone wants more Han ❤

[@allenandrews2380]

Thank you Stephen west!!! Love this channel and I feel like Han beautifully expresses thoughts I've been having for a long time. I love that it doesn't just end with a diagnosis but also some solution!!!

[@smarturh8121]

“Senior vice-peasant” this has to be the quote of the past 15 years and ideal state most corporations want people to strive for!

[@ds12189]

"Nobody is putting a gun to your head" Doesn't this largely depend on what part of the world and what strata of society one lives in (such as a country that provides natural resources for a neoliberal economy)? "Say you were born a peasant" Or an unfortunate member of the global south in today's neoliberal world of opportunity. But yes this does apply to those living with first world problems. I look at it as part of the collective karma of being a beneficiary of an exploitative and predatory global neoliberal economy. Its a soulless racket all too familiar in both form & effect, existential issues aside. Great podcast. Stuff gets me thinking....thanks for posting these!

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

Excellent episode, and definitely one for the times we live in. Someone mentioned the build up to this episode was excellent and I concur. More Bying-Chul Han!

[@farhadsaffaraval7038]

We don't need more intelligence in this world but more wisdom. 🙏🙏

[@arynsus]

More Han please, looking forward to the next episode!

[@jamesjoelholmes4541]

Just discovered Byung-Chul Han. This essay was enlightening. Thank you for putting it together!

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 9 months ago about self development. Now I have 1,641 subs and > 1k hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I could haven’t learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@srf2767]

More Byung-Chul Han plzzzz

[@sugarray1982]

Fantastic episode and one which resonates with me deeply. I will explore BCH more in-depth. Thank you PT!

[@joeyplater7743]

More Han! Came from listening to the podcast to say this.

[@EdT.-xt6yv]

3:59 positive form of control

[@courtneydaly-pavone448]

❤Thank you this episode really resonated with me!

[@stevenzheng5459]

Every enlightened man I've come across has something in common: he sees the truth that society is the sick, and that he cannot conform with the society while simultaneously be at peace with being his true self. In consequence, he goes hermit mode and thinks up a unique philosophy with all his unique insights from daily observations. He then creates a mindful lifestyle with the core principles of his philosophy in mind. Thus, he becomes his philosophy.

[@LemiDzi]

This is so well put. I know these thing but the complete picture this video gives is very helpful.

[@nicholasedland8706]

16:45-17:15 This sounds like it can be an issue that involves a lack of epistemic humility. It's uncomfortable for people to doubt their own beliefs and perspectives; and many may also presume to know what they simply believe without having a logically coherent foundation of what it means to know something. What's important is knowing how to think, not just what to think; and this of course involves a necessary degree of open mindedness and a willingness to challenge your own beliefs and argue against yourself to gain more insight and perspective. However there can of course be the other end of this problem in which one is too open minded to the point where it's impossible to come to a conclusion or make decisions. But this could also be a result of an intense aversion to the necessity of making decisions in uncertain circumstances while knowing that one doesn't know many of the things that they can only reasonably infer the plausibility of.

[@johngoldberg1387]

Thank you! Appreciate what your doing .

[@ladyinthelocker]

I’ll give you a shout out in my dissertation acknowledgement Steven. I feel warmth of academic knowledge here and that is a rare feeling

[@eancarana]

More Han, please 🙏

[@alex_on_the_web]

Zizek is covered by a lot of podcasts/essayists, I'd love if you can continue on Han. I've read his books, but until this podcast, it didn't stick that much, thanks! This episode sticks with me very well.

[@SamukelisoNgobese]

Profound. More Han!

[@OrdnanceLab]

As always great video and insightful video. Comment to satisfy our algorithmic SkyNet overlords.

[@TennesseeJed]

Agree with more Han!!

[@frankborsboom5218]

Wow! This felt personal! :D This, to me got close to episode 114 “the great refusal” in terms of emotional reaction. You really outdid yourself Stephen. I usually listen on Spotify, but I had to leave a comment. I also love how ferocious you sound with the arguments sometimes. :) Keep it up! I can’t wait for the next episode! Cheers!

[@maticdrempe1862]

Han the man

[@Herr_Vorragender]

I think Byung-Chul Han is more than interesting enough for a second episode. But Slavoj Žižek could be fun too. I see him as a philosophical punk. I guess, as long as the Han insights are not burried for future episodes, and in time we get to learn more about or from him, I'm cool with anything.

[@NickSchinder]

This is a serious contender for best episode ever. Thank you ❤

[@LONDONFIELDS2001]

This was brilliant. Your work is brilliant.

[@vvolfflovv]

The guy who runs my local Pita Pit directed me here when I started questioning everything. Looks like I've come to the right place.

[@RobRaptor49]

Hmmm. A lot to think about here. Thank you! One thought - there's a potential that BCH has latched onto "narcissism" and an associated "internal set of standards" and has thus conflated a particular personality type with "narcissism." I think there is some kind of line that divides narcissistic behavior from a person who has internal standards (vs. an external standard), although I can't currently articulate exactly where that line is.

[@nboisen]

More Han please

[@jadsoj]

Wonderful episode. Thank you

[@ismifaruq]

Baker coconut cream pie steven west is so preciost 🤣 Ps. More hans pls, technically not 24 hour yet lol

[@jayb150]

Really good stuff. Thank you.

[@andyramirez6016]

That whipping sound tho😂😂😂 that really made me smile

[@paulplatt2486]

Thanks Steve for your commitment and positive contribution to humanity. Your series will outlive you. Would it be appropriate to bring in Ayn Rand and Objectivism around now. From what I have read, her philosophy has greatly contributed to Neoliberalism and the rejection of altruism and possibly the rise of narcissism as you have discussed. Her metaphysics and epidemiology as explained by Leonard Peikoff seems quite solid when you look at her tripod of axioms. I’d really be interested in you discussing or even refuting these and possibly bringing down the deck of cards.

[@DigtalTurtle]

Maybe do one more Han than zizek! I really like Han, fantastic job on this one!!!

[@verdantbananas]

I'm going to play the self-interested narcissist and skip the finger to go for the whole hand. I'd love to hear more on Han and request your take on Zizek after.

[@XeniBeni]

More Han! ❤

[@helix0123]

😊This episode was refreshing. Sort of like climbing out of a rabbit-hole and climbing a tree. Cheers. Ps, thnx so much Big fan.

[@zachbostwick4736]

Thank you for "senior vice-peasant"

[@luminitamares1345]

More of Han!

[@TheoEvian]

I know a lot about Žižek but listening about somebody like Han doesn't get that much traction and I am sure that is true even inside Germany or Korea.

[@9000ck]

the terror of the same. someone ought to make a horror movie about this.

[@theabsurdist6652]

More Han please!!

[@joshrobison1125]

more Han we say!

[@federicolarosa1486]

Something on Facundo Cabral (the argentinian philosopher shot in 2011)

[@matanventura1842]

More of Byung-Chul Han plz

[@josephsuggs3672]

Hey Steven!! Thanks so much for all you do. Wondering, in your opinion, what the best order of Byung-Chul Han books would be, especially considering not all of his works are in English yet.

[@andyh7559]

Are there any recommendations on which book is a must read from Han? Have you reached out to see if he would like to contribute to the podcast?

[@andrewbeeman1048]

More Han!

[@Giakalope]

Love the Zizek, but more Han please 😊

[@shalmoniusi6899]

great episode.thanks

[@BinaryDood]

Very in line with Anselm Jaspe's work

[@baronbullshyster2996]

Apparently electricity gets depressed if it only has a positive. More people bond through their problems then their achievements. Jockeys carry whips not carrots, it always makes me wonder what they’ve done with the carrots.

[@khana.713]

This is some real shit. 🤝