Meaning of Life | John Danaher and Lex Fridman

Lex Fridman Podcast full episode: • John Danaher: The Path...
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GUEST BIO:
John Danaher is a coach, scholar, and educator of jiu jitsu, submission grappling, judo, MMA, and the martial arts.
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[@daniel_najar]

"It was hard to win the battle for survival but it's 10x harder to win the battle for meaning" John Danaher

[@denisbejtja9937]

That fucked me up

[@kolikari3813]

With that perspective we can all learn to stop and fucking chill for a second

[@BagHolder323]

That’s the quote.

[@DylansThoughts]

Mate such a shit quote ngl, nothing this guy said was profound, or even slightly inspiring. 1/10

[@alhfgsp]

One is grounded in easily understood physical conditions, the other is beyond the frontier of our understanding. Heavy stuff.

[@007SuperSoldier]

Truly one of the best answers Lex has received for this question.

[@tangohtai3995]

Could not agree more

[@codyevans6454]

I said the same thing to myself... This answer was the most coherent, critical, and Honest answer to that question, I've personally ever heard.

[@hustleup3840]

100%

[@Chris-hw4mq]

Answer is simple there is no meaning of life its what you make of it

[@Romans1-8]

@@Chris-hw4mq just something to pass the time.

[@TheSoggiestSao]

I’ve honestly watching so many podcasts and videos about this topic and no one has answered this better than John Danaher. Excellent job in explaining the connection between survival and meaning! I never thought of it like that. True legends, you two.

[@littledarkcollege]

Listen to sam harris answer to same question :)

[@houdinididiit]

“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer”. - Joseph Campbell

[@shadowdawg04]

BS....

[@kolikari3813]

Not really meaning but consequence

[@chaitalichatterjee4742]

​@@shadowdawg04 better Live Asking pointless questions which lead us no where 😂😂 LoL

[@jfdhkdfskn1024]

I am an admirer of Joseph Campbell. That might be the dumbest thing that guy ever said.

[@houdinididiit]

@@jfdhkdfskn1024 Really? Tell us the meaning of life?

[@HM-mw7cg]

I would love it if John wrote stuff, literally anything. He's made it clear before why he left philosophy and academia, so it's probably a very private endeavour for him, but I'd love it if he could share more of these thoughts.

[@HM-mw7cg]

@Ádhamh Ó Donnabháin he said he left it when he saw the coming wave of political correctness. He may have also said something about identity politics. But he mentioned that he loved the hurly burly world Of jiu jitsu and how there wasn't any of that bullshit. I believe this was all spoken about in the interview he did with Brian Rose

[@travisfoyil4625]

He writes a lot on social media, intriguing stuff

[@diddiecapitan2951]

The meaning of life is to wear your rush guard everywhere

[@breakdancerQ]

Gotta stay ready, at *all* times

[@chuckmcintosh6945]

And fanny pack.

[@anthonyjesse5880]

Lex filled the void that was JRE.

[@anotherangrymonkey7435]

Waaaaah?!

[@livinginthisgalaxy7961]

Indeed. Rogan lacks the intelligence for interviews with scientists/experts/doctors.

[@jasongodmere9882]

It's always been my opinion that physical pursuits mold the greatest philosophers. This man is testament to that idea.

[@deifor]

This was beautiful. Danaher is a truely enlightened being.

[@user-qp6vg9ho8u]

“It’s hard to win the battle for survival but it’s not 10x harder to win the battle for meaning” Wow!

[@jl6569]

This guy has a PHD in Epistemology (Philosophy). This is the right guy to ask haha.

[@brandono6784]

Does he really? I didn't know who this guy was when I clicked the video and was thinking "Wow this guy sounds like a literal philosopher with this answer." Every other sentence was just so clear and reasonable. Then when I exited full screen and saw it was John Danaher and I was like ..the MMA guy? Lol

[@bigfatjuice]

Epistemology does not directly deal with the meaning of life... That would be (analytic) existentialism in case you want to read into it. I had a uni course on it and it was extremely interesting

[@rhinobridge]

Actually he didn't finish his PhD. He dropped before presenting his thesis. But yeah he has the knowledge.

[@TA-hf6si]

His education leans more towards teaching ironically

[@matthunt7390]

When there is nothing more to eat, it eats itself.

[@Pclub4ever]

So damn deep.

[@anotherangrymonkey7435]

Where is this quote from?

[@matthunt7390]

@@anotherangrymonkey7435 tbt on my path to bettering myself, thru self reflection as to why I did some of the belligerent things in my past, is when that realization came to me.

[@rhyshebbs7970]

When thinking of the question “what is the meaning to life” realise it is Life who is asking the question. In the words of Viktor E Frankl “Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible”

[@deifor]

That could be an explanation for the existence of God, or god, or a generator of intelligence, of spirit.

[@brhanufentaw2833]

I agree with you

[@jcglez9491]

Danaher the most underrated philosopher of our times‼️

[@SCheco3]

One of the best answers to meaning of life ever, thank you to this podcast.

[@thefriendlyscaff6462]

That’s the coolest thing Iv seen on the tube for a while

[@headbussinninja]

Wow, watched this 10 times and still 😳 at the lost of words. Well played and I will continue to watch these videos

[@kamesh5846]

Thats one of the best answer i have ever come across regarding the meaning of life. This guy is the common man's philosopher. Made hell a lot of sense than any philosophers or psychologists answers to this question.

[@Lehmann108]

The philosopher coach. I had one in H.S. John Small, RIP,

[@jotarokujo7955]

what an exeptional human being is John Danher. I could listen him for hours. Always meaningful answers

[@giorgialeksandria6665]

John Danaher is a living legend Stoic Philosopher.

[@Karlytho]

"The minute mankind's existence became more or less guaranteed, the problem shifted from survival to meaning."

[@nuriddinburkhonov5214]

Thanks to both of you guys!

[@S4MBONE]

meaning is implicit to life and is instinctual like good music. You know it when you feel it

[@barryjb]

The meaning of life is to get to a position where each person can choose when their life ends.

[@eddiereyes3478]

I agree… what a great interview, Lex has had on many great minds but this man’s introspective really touched me in a profound way.. thx Lex and John

[@lindasapiecha2515]

Excellent discussion 👍

[@amospizzey1]

Brilliant conversation ⭐️

[@danielmohave8280]

Thank you so so much for these videos , there's nothing more enjoyable than to hear two intellectual people have meaningful conversations! I'm subing.

[@jacobwestfield3164]

I could listen to this guy talk all day.

[@WilliamJonesChess]

Lex asks John Danaher: What do you think is the meaning we have on this spinning ball? John: as humans, our existence is guaranteed. Now our mind shifts from survival to meaning. It is hard to win the survival battle, but it can be 10 times harder to win the battle for meaning. What I find the best people do is take charge of their lives as a form of authorship. They look at life as a tale to be written. We all have to write out own story.

[@danylemieux8903]

What a powerful answer !

[@nycgweed]

Great answer ! Thanx lex for the great content

[@porscheisamust]

Meaning of Life - Spiritual beings living a temporary physical experience to grow their spiritual awareness.

[@enesog]

And than die off at their peak due to nature? Hmmmm seems meaning only exists when you are alife. Relligions idea of eternal life in a spiritual world .... aren't that bad after all.

[@Oldhandlewasabitcringe]

Theres no real evidence of spiritual beings though, youve built a pre supposition into your conclusion

[@francescospezzanoarchimove6226]

Wonderful video literally

[@Indiadagreat18]

What an answer 🙏

[@issei4975]

Lex,brother,make a playlist of these!

[@TrillWillI]

This deserves 5 million views instead of 5,000. Amazing answer to the meaning of life.

[@TrillWillI]

@@Garrett1240 7,000

[@ishankhan1277]

This man is Fascinating , He should become a Guru for life , like other yogis who speak about everything in this world , Huge Respect for John Danaher.

[@behrad9712]

Amazing John Danaher!

[@FR-ty5vn]

Brilliant man - I’m not sure I’d say survival if guaranteed when every human is born with a death sentence, disease/violence/accidents kill many during their youth or early adulthood, but I get the point: we are much less vulnerable and more secure than in the past. Danaher strikes me as an existentialist: life’s meaning is what you assign it…

[@colin2utube]

That was a beautifully circular conversation. From the idea that a human alone and without technology is at the bottom of the food chain, but in a group with tools they're at the top, to the idea that a Meaningful life requires one to be part of a community larger than ones self. That makes perfect Evolutionary sense, we SHOULD feel a compulsion to be part of a community of tool developers !

[@FM-zj8jl]

We clearly think too much. It's quite simple, the meaning of life is to create life. We're made for it... If you can't create life, create a good life for yourself and others around you by giving away good things, good love, good work, good friendship... In this 'modern world', our ego is our worst enemy, comparing yourself to others isn't healthy, thinking about the past and worrying constantly about our future make people depressed and anxious and some insane to the point of committing suicide. Simplify your life, try to make good things for you and around you, and your life's meaning will be fulfilled.

[@raisnaix]

This clip, and the contemplation on it that followed for the next week, literally changed core beliefs in my belief system and, by proxy, my entire outlook on life. Thank you for this!

[@ethostattoo2172]

We need certainty,uncertainty,connection,meaning,growth,and contribution to something greater than self.

[@eIicit]

I enjoy his measured, thoughtful way of speaking

[@MrFribeiro9877]

First time hearing this perspective. nice,

[@anirudhupadhyay695]

What an articulate gem of a person. Best answer I have heard till now. Much respect Sir John Danaher.

[@User36282]

This is about as good an answer as you could ever receive for "what is the meaning of life?".

[@cdb0816]

Jordan Peterson has a great answer too

[@alastormeowly5102]

Meaning of life, to assist entropy creatively

[@joelpetersson4603]

I like your attitude

[@GoodDay2Smoke]

To learn and pass the knowledge.

[@zackpane7973]

The purpose of life is to live a life on purpose.

[@wertytrewqa]

I really liked this response.

[@villatour]

Very cool and thoughtful answer. That said I’m surprised a man of his intellect would fail to address the role that religion and art have long played in our existence - long before our survival was more or less guaranteed.

[@redgemini9851]

JD needs his own channel ASAP!

[@brianjoyce9040]

Finding meaning in the safest world humanity has ever known? It is clearly a luxury some cannot find an answer to. Selfishness is not the answer. Greed is not the answer. Appreciation of what humans accomplished, and sharing that seems a reasonable place to start. Peace.

[@aidenwilson9874]

Call listen to these two all day

[@_taxman_]

All I want is reassurance that we can see ourselves out from existence without repercussions.

[@Thomas-zh4dy]

Great job lex. John is a true genius.

[@TheCormacMcGuinness]

Holy shit. Food for thought

[@sojourndrummond1846]

The purpose of life is happiness. Yea! That’s it happy happy joy joy.

[@growyourown123]

In order to truly know life you must know and appreciate death. Someone who has almost lost their life or who has died and returned. That's who knows and appreciates life.

[@puddintime8107]

Solid answer but the game isn’t over. We went from the top of the food chain to self destruction capabilities along with a better understanding of existential risks. We have some working on many aspects that would greatly increase our long term chances, but we are a long ways from that reality.

[@jedimindtricks1463]

fbi agent asks serial killer the meaning of life

[@fingerpickinggood]

I recomend 2 books by the philosepher David Benatar. He is pessimistisch concerning questions around meaning but i think he got it right: 'The human predicament and 'Better to never have been.

[@thisisgettingold]

John coming through on this podcast with a MENSA level IQ, easily.

[@b00m3rh4nd_sol]

People's lives are essentially in danger even today, but the risks are largely hidden away from us in some weird set of shell games. It used to be easy to understand risk, nowadays people need a PhD to comprehend the various systems and what to do about them... I wonder if our survival instinct is perhaps driving AI and robotics as a way to hedge survival.

[@Thewonderingminds]

it's beyond and certainly above man's mere intellect intertwining in the dream world, that which scientists know neither why we fall unconscious at sleep nor what being is while unconscious and dream.

[@jamesabar207]

The meaning of life is to live ✌

[@nuggzay8556]

one thought i have about the "afterlife" or "incarnation" of our individual consciousness, is that IF we do live in an eternal universe/multiverse, then it is an inevitability that we will exist again...

[@vladyslavkorenyak872]

It's doing what you want.

[@kazlee7985]

Wow!

[@gsadventures678]

What a fucking answer John!

[@garofiespinoza3503]

Unreal

[@grahamvandyke]

Amazing answer. A side note: if Danaher believes there's a possibility of an afterlife you can say he's agnostic instead of atheist.

[@ragemachine420]

👏 bravo

[@chadlawrence2240]

I love this guy. He sounds like a secular existentialist that seems to believe we create meaning by the choices we make. For John these choices entail living in a way that helps other's and allows you to partake in a community. However if Nietzsche is correct there is not ultimate meaning if there is no God. No matter how we live or how long the universe survives eventually time will swallow it all, and nothing will be remembered. However if God exists and there is an afterlife our actions will echo in eternity. Whatever you believe one thing we can likely agree on.....JD is a great guy.

[@joemurray9334]

Wow was that Jordan Peterson or John Danaher... powerful, simple and brilliant. Wonderful answer to an impossible question

[@marwanshamsia4193]

JP got nothong on Johhny D

[@cubeincubes]

Some days I believe in the ever present infinite intensity of the universe and other days pure indifference

[@fernandoruiz5794]

What an amazing magician

[@abdelhakym8283]

The answer is simple, this life is a big test,this world is fine tuned cuz it has a creator,this creator expects you to do good and will reward you for it,treat people well,do good,feed the poor,visit the sick,be kind,fight evil,those things will feel extremely wholesome,cuz That's what you are supposed to be doing.

[@houssambouhou7846]

Anyone knows the name of the painting on the video's miniature?

[@satellite3253]

8:48 damn

[@claytontucker8179]

Smart fellow

[@KortovElphame]

*I'll save you time* The question of meaning has been convoluted. The meaning of life is simple.... we all know it instinctualy ..... To Be.... nothing more nothing less.

[@adrienne4213]

Sounds cool, but, I think that's more of a cop out than anything

[@KortovElphame]

@@adrienne4213 the true cop out is looking for meaning..... thats what leads to all the ills we suffer....like war...materialism etc etc. Just eat...shit and sleep. That's all you need to do. Dinosaurs still lived longer than we did... you think they had meaning like we as humans need?

[@fingerpickinggood]

Read David Benatar 's books, 'Better to never have been. And ' The Human predicament.

[@jaykay6387]

Loved how Danaher basically called BS on Hunter Thompson's quote without taking a personal shot at him. It's easy to be a reckless dickhead if your physical survival is not an issue. As far as his suicide, I'm agnostic on it, I don't look at it as good, bad, or heroic, for him or anybody else who chooses that path. I do think you owe it to your family to do it in a fashion to spare them the most possible grief, but beyond that, it's your life. I ascribe to something similar to what Danaher is essentially saying, which is this; Become competent at something, then try to contribute to society if you are able. If not, then at least try not to be an asshole and stay out of everybody's way. That, to me, is at least the "purpose" of life, if not the "meaning". Everything else beyond that is gravy, if you can't do the first step successfully, there will be no "gravy".

[@josephpravda9452]

"mean"-ing, or how to rise above the statistical mean, hence competition....in the end with ourselves

[@filipcesnjak2944]

Love is the meaning of life, how come a lot of people do not get this, think about it and you will find out that it is true.

[@unitewithch]

Yes and why aren’t people talking about this?

[@createyourpattern2773]

Wow

[@prez_chesspresso]

Sage of the ages

[@Red_AIert]

This is a fascinating take on meaning of life. 🙂👍🏽

[@Jerry-uc1pn]

Sometimes I forget that Danaher has a Master’s in philosophy.

[@Kareem-Ahmed]

Well done! I think John Danaher answered that hard question better than Sam Harris did.

[@narsty2637]

This is one of the best things I've ever heard

[@the_spiritual_hulk7449]

But I do agree with his over all answer

[@misterneckbreaker88]

what is the riddle of steel? i was just thinking conan quotes

[@MrJihadkoplo]

Mr John Danaher should write a book....

[@TheBhartiyaTrainee]

This is the best ever meaning of life answer to me!

[@jedabenel2117]

We all souls came from nothing. , And there we will remain forever. Try to be good in between.

[@casualfriday1131]

Damn...