Sean Kelly: Existentialism, Nihilism, and the Search for Meaning | Lex Fridman Podcast

Sean Kelly is a philosopher at Harvard specializing in existentialism and the philosophy of mind. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Sean's Twitter: / sean_d_kelly
Sean's Website: scholar.harvard.edu/sdkelly
Sean's Wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Do...
PODCAST INFO:
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Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
Clips playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast Clips
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
0:19 - Existentialism
20:27 - Nietzsche and nihilism
38:03 - Dostoevsky
53:30 - Camus and suicide
1:12:00 - The Big Lebowski
1:19:49 - Ayn Rand
1:29:57 - Evil
1:40:31 - Heidegger
1:52:11 - Hubert Dreyfus
1:58:04 - Moby Dick
2:09:19 - David Foster Wallace
2:29:31 - Can AI make art?
2:49:15 - Meaning of life
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[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Coinbase: coinbase.com/lex to get $5 in free Bitcoin - InsideTracker: insidetracker.com/lex and use code Lex25 to get 25% off - NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - Ladder: ladderlife.com/lex - Sunbasket: sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off 0:19 - Existentialism 20:27 - Nietzsche and nihilism 38:03 - Dostoevsky 53:30 - Camus and suicide 1:12:00 - The Big Lebowski 1:19:49 - Ayn Rand 1:29:57 - Evil 1:40:31 - Heidegger 1:52:11 - Hubert Dreyfus 1:58:04 - Moby Dick 2:09:19 - David Foster Wallace 2:29:31 - Can AI make art? 2:49:15 - Meaning of life

[@davids1110]

Thanks Lex Much love from Chicago

[@matinamin3008]

Love from Tehran, thank u Lex❤️

[@tiadiad]

Loved this one. And "The Karamazov brothers" is my favorite novel.

[@teddymokoana7203]

Mr Kelly you are incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. this Africa so your parents prolly finna give you flack if you try go into philosophy, i think sitting them through one of your lectures would be an apt response. kewl i am done being formal now. i would give my pinky toe to sit through one of this gentleman’s lectures. WOW! until recently i struggled with keeping up w the complexity of Nietzsche’s writing. Sir, you are riveting. ljust realized i could voice the mental comments i always make when i listen to your conversations. ok. generally. 1. bro, you put me ON!!! you are an incredibly humble being dude. ridiculous!! “i see myself as the idiot” -> goes on to participate in the creation of technologies that are gonna change the world and the way we live life! i am a tool myself but also just getting out of being a lazy poop head. thank you for sharing you with the world Lex “Rothul”(is your nickname, colorful roots, details another time, it’s 6am in SA n i wna get swole) Fridman. you’re part of why i am learning to love learning again, seriously. you and my best mate(who introduced me to you, and thinking) changed my life. Jordan Peterson gets a LOT of clout, and he has compelling ideas and he be sounding hella smart, kodwa, YOU?????!!!! not just a compelling set of ideas, queries into the fields and experts of that you interview. dude you have a compelling warmth. you are not just someone who has a lotta smart shit to say(bro, you are not the idiot stop it lol). man, you are relatable. you are someone who’s comfort in himself, love for love, love for life, BREATHING, simple shite man, like how a cloudy morning and a sunny morning are all beautiful in their own way. not afraid to say “i’m not sure homie, but show me and i’ll try to understand and if i don’t i’ll keep asking” 2. hahahaha this guy is such a lecturer he be like “Good!” when you ask a good question. he kinda makes you look a tool but just because you’re literally the only student in his lecture and how could you not look a tool discussing a professional’s field as a novice in it(bust out the computer jives and some shades homie😎) best kind of lecturer. he’d probably give daps even if your question ate smelly bum(let’s be real some questions are straight stupid). nothing more refreshing than somebody who makes you feel “Good!” for your desire to learn from them, share their knowledge, help you form your own understanding of what they know, instead of making you out to be the village eejit🥲 3. soz, on my phone. i reiterate, your podcasts have CHANGED MY LIFE. and finally, in conclusion. i am stealing your suit swag soon as i can sorry i can’t support w money man imma bwoke bwoi but take some LOVE BIG BRAIN HOMIE!!!!! *HIGH FIVE* *BRO HUG W THE FIRM BUT BROTHERLY BACK PATS* (pardon my fan-girling, MONTHS of mental *HOLEE POOPOO MY BRAIN IS EXPLODING* comments) thank you so much again bro. you make the world better and i am certain MANY if not most if not each n erry one of em

[@teddymokoana7203]

sorry i kind of jump between referral to the conversation(i wanna say lecture cause of how much i learnt, feels a “Good!” fit. would give Mr(Prof?? Sir??{not as in you were knighted, as in you are an elder, i’m tryna be respectful}) Kelly a hug end of semester. hope he has a podcast. referral to my feelings regarding following your(Lex) podcasts over a year now. couldn’t help you understand with words.

[@bluekrysis]

Your questions keep getting better and better and it really shows that you take people's suggestions to heart. This podcast is awesome, you should be proud.

[@citizenmatt1877]

I wish I could give this comment 100 likes❣️

[@lugas2267]

his questions were always good

[@thomasparg1981]

Absolutely, amazing podcast.

[@soulofjimi]

This is super interesting.. would love one focusing on British empiricism and pragmatism.. but, and as for the topics in this video, I can indulge the nonsensical side of philosophy for a few hours!! Just kidding! Super interesting..

[@soulofjimi]

@David K not exactly sure what you mean. I don’t know I found the less ideal and more kinda “practical” side of philosophy from Locke and Hume up through pierce and James (those empirical/pragmatic traditions) to really have lasting, positive imprints on modernity… but the ideal existential side is fun to wade through every now and then…. .. and in some sense I guess there is kind of a radical practicality to some aspects of the ideal/existential (continental) traditions..

[@Revedance2002]

One of my favorite Podcasts! Please have more philosophers on!

[@cfneal1459]

really? REALLY??? sigh 10:20 -- Personally, having divorced the "soft" sciences, I'd like to try "dating" the HARDER, more technical & truly scientific, IMHO, experts of what was originally called the "natural sciences" who try applying science for the benefit of all mankind, respect ALL life, and seek to honor the Creator by "thinking His thoughts after Him." MARANATHA!

[@henrytoledo4103]

When I think of a Podcaster with Zero personality, I think of Lex Freidman. If a monotone voice and bland personality is your thing then here it is..

[@Revedance2002]

@@henrytoledo4103 It's the thoughtfulness behind the questions to bring out the best of each interviewee that does it for me. There are many "colorful" personality types that have no depth or critical thought abilities. If I want humor or "colorful" personalities I can easily watch a comedic based podcaster- most of which would never have guests that appear here. Lex is a master when it comes to extracting critical ideas, deep thinkers & tying it all in with the underlying message of love for all & the pursuit of curiosity.

[@cfneal1459]

@@henrytoledo4103 Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God

[@Henry-kv7zl]

​@@henrytoledo4103 you strike me as especially lost

[@baltimore52394]

This was a phenomenally well-managed interview, Lex. This was the most well synchronized dance I have listened to you have thus far in in my consumption of your content

[@ndmb6333]

How is this well managed ?? it was more like lex interviewing his self

[@Dziaji]

He started great, and he keeps improving.

[@Dziaji]

It is well managed because he digs deep and doesn’t allow a platitude to go improperly explored. He also adds his own analogies to round out the ideas.

[@88tongued]

This really is. Each follow up question is right there. I'm rolling my eyes at Kelly and Lex's question picks it back up.

[@thegrimfive8908]

@@Dziaji v:::h. Bv hvvbb: : ;ybh;v:vccc:cvcvvcvgfcvcccccv v"fccccvvçvbbnnnn

[@maninironmask7925]

This guys a great teacher. Knows how to simplify complex thought while still retaining its complexity.

[@jesskuhmess]

This is absolutely my fave so far. Like I’ve read many others say tonight here, this was much much needed. I think now more than ever we feel so alone and trapped inside ourselves and powerless to so much happening- yet if we choose to persist, there is still such a powerful inner demand to find something to hold on to that is “worth it” or meaningful for us despite how bleak this existence truly can be.

[@perspicacity1396]

Basically Eyn rand?

[@lechsiz1642]

I love the subject, but Fridman seemed rather unhappy most of the interview. Maybe he disapproved of the atheism?

[@oldmanhendo7183]

What do you guys think about god or an afterlife? I still want to believe that there is something after this life but I don’t really know what to believe anymore

[@ciela9263]

It’s only seems “bleak” because we don’t look within. Without self awareness via meditation, life is unconscious patterns running their course.

[@dancingheart6224]

I think that since the beginning of time, our purpose as humans was to survive (ex: cave people), and then we evolved, but ultimately, I think that our purpose, like any other animal, is to survive whatever challenges we face. Whether it is external forces (natural disasters, accessing food, physical health issues, etc.) or internal forces (depression, mental health issues, etc.). Maybe it seems meaningless because there are so many ways to survive and so many ways to die, but it's not so clearly laid out and planned how we are supposed to live our lives.

[@michelechaussabel732]

Every time Lex interviews a new person, he enters another room, and he takes us with him. Let’s hope he never runs out of rooms!

[@khalidalali186]

@45:38 I totally agree. I’m an Arab, from the very bosom of Arabia, and use English on a daily basis, given the cosmopolitan, multicultural milieu of 21st Arabia, which forces a person such as myself, to use English as a lingua franca when conversing with non-Arabs. I do feel that I’m a slightly different person when talking in English, in comparison to uttering sentences in Arabic for instance. The same applies when I speak Dutch (My Godmother is Dutch), or when I speak Spanish or Japanese. My state of mind, somehow alters how my mindset operates! I don’t know if that makes any sense, or I lack the proper wiring, that would enable me to eloquently articulate the disposition I notice about myself after a long conversation in any of these languages that I speak. Incidentally, the same goes for reading. When I speak English by way of example, I have a hopelessly standard American accent, that was probably mimicked subconsciously from all the American movies, comics, and video games I consumed as a millennial growing up in Arabia. Nonetheless, that Arsenal of popular culture, does not hold its ground, when I read books everyday, given the hopeless bibliophile that I am, as I start reading with a thick posh English accent, or someone who attended Eton or Harrow for some reason. I can switch easily to my speaking accent, but by default, my reading is always in that specific British accent for some reason. I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ but I always find it fascinating, and equally astonishing is how strong my memory is. Given the amount of reading I do, and the languages I speak, the database of which I unlock everyday.

[@randomdude7345]

In some parts of your comment you sound like an architect from matrix. Looks like you have some extraordinary talent for languages.

[@khalidalali186]

Awfully kind of you, thanks dude. A lot of work goes into it, and has gone into it throughout the past two decades and a half. It’s fascinating how I still learn new words that I have to look up everyday without fail, including words in my mother tongue Arabic. It’s like that Frank Zappa quote; “So many books, so little time.” I just know that I’ll never be able to encompass all that is Arabic, let alone the other languages, Even if I was handed a solid century, with all my physical and mental faculties intact. Nonetheless, maybe it’s that fragility that makes us go on. It’s that fact precisely, that makes one strive ever more, in the seemingly never-ending pursuit for knowledge. Because it lays beyond the confines of our grasp. We somehow continue our folly of a pursuit, in trying to apprehend that which will never be ours. On the other hand, our collective endeavors, is what makes the accumulation possible. Oh dear! I’ve been carried away with my thoughts once again. Do forgive me kind sir, and thanks again. I always found the Architect most pleasing 😅

[@brian9800]

In the depth of winter I finally learned that, within me, there lay an invincible summer.

[@luke31ish]

Great comment! I'm writing this down.

[@Gallowglass7]

@@rajatchandra3209 its Camus quote

[@doclime4792]

Insightful. Such positive and intelligent people in this comment section.

[@amandalove9691]

I’ve been watching Rogan podcasts and J Peterson lectures for 6+ years, about as long as I’ve been a single parent/mom . Your podcast is another one of those spaces that adds so much value to my life, and ultimately my son’s life via the content of your podcasts and those similar to yours, and at times they help tremendously with daily struggles. Your podcast really helps make me a better parent in many ways. Thanks to you and all of your guests!

[@ndndndnnduwjqams]

You are going to make me cry, this is a beautiful comment

[@Will45_]

I think you're exaggerating and you're the same person regardless. Stop fishing for attention. You're still you.

[@Xanaduum]

​@@Will45_ don't be a dick.

[@freyasworn2600]

@@Will45_ maybe. But it doesn’t hurt to say thanks for content you appreciate lol

[@doclime4792]

​@@Will45_ It causea me physical pain to hear Rogan and Peterson changed your life while watching an interview discussing figures like Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre and Fanon. If God isn't dead, he has abandoned us.

[@punkisdad1607]

I don't care how much of a fanboy I sound like. These podcasts are a gift to mankind! Thank you!

[@erinmastrantonio1410]

Your unshakeable optimism is so pure and beautiful, Lex. I share your capacity to find unreasonable levels of joy in small events, and it's something I really value about myself and hope I never lose. I hope you never lose it, either. Thanks for helping me understand existentialism a lot better than before, and for introducing me to Sean Kelly. I am embarking on a reading of the Great Books and wish I had him as a guide, but I'll check out the title he co-authored with his professor from Berkeley as it sounds like a good thing to read as I start this adventure!

[@user-yq5fb9lw6g]

What are the great books?

[@TheLeewwe]

Before this podcast I was a listener, now I am a fan. This episode was insightful, provoking but also inviting, filled with references and clear explanations. I have never heard of Sean Kelly beforehand so thank you Lex for an entertaining episode 🏆

[@pedroreyna5618]

This is one of those I’ll have to listen twice to really wrap my head around

[@jayrob5270]

I think being a prisoner of war and living under Nazi occupation in Paris deeply affected Sartre and made him hate weakness and conformity

[@theeskatelife]

yeah. he has an inferiority complex just like nietzsche which informs their philosophies.

[@michaelsiegfried3878]

There’s the nietzcschian haha, but I agree ☝️

[@R_V_]

Sartre has always hated bourgeois manners, since he had been a kid. And don't get me started on what he did during the war, as he benefitted of these troubled times to take a removed Jewish professor's chair, and published in pro-collaboration journals. Sartre is a pure opportunits who rewrote his own history to bootstrap his own legend. If you're looking for a good role model, have a look to his former friend Raymond Aron, or to Camus.

[@R_V_]

@New You'd better hate all weakness and some confirmity. More precisely, you should make a distinction between conformity and conformism. Conformism is the view that conformity is always good, in all places, at all times, in everything you do or think. Conformity can be useful in many places (as it reduces the interfacing complexity between you and the others), and detrimemtal in others ; wisdom is knowing when it's useful and when it's not. In a way, a strict anti-conformist is both a conformist (as he is obsessed with what others do, even if it's to do the contrary) and an antisocial personality (as he always choses to do what's the most costly for the rest of the world).

[@AK-ne4og]

@@R_V_ Bravo!!

[@nolongerthere]

As a native bilingual person who did some translating and interpreting I'm the past, your proposed project sounds phenomenal and very much needed! I've enjoyed reading different translations of an original text across translators in one language or across two other languages. The effect is akin to stereopsis: having two slightly different takes on a text, when merged in the reader's mind, yields another dimension and a fuller approximation of the meaning in the source language.

[@miyojewoltsnasonth2159]

@Jack I'm a twat who would interpret "who did some translating and interpreting I'm the past" as "who did some translating and interpreting in the past." Because, in the end, I'm the one who is the _real_ past.

[@nolongerthere]

@@miyojewoltsnasonth2159 As long as you aren't the real auto-correct

[@zxLoneWolf]

Love these philosophy podcasts, thank you

[@Jen.K]

The Lex Fridman Podcast is a gift to the world. I feel grateful to be living in this time with this kind of content so easily and freely available to anyone with an internet connection and a device.

[@WheelMarks]

Thank you Lex! This was an amazing podcast, I listened to it on Spotify but I came over to KZbin just so I could make a comment about how much I appreciate your podcast

[@samuelvilz]

This was... Phenomenal! The exchange of ideas, the connection of so many different concepts... Wonderful, Lex and Sean! Thank you for conversing and sharing. 💚

[@voicelesslanguages]

⁰⁰⁰

[@samuelvilz]

@@voicelesslanguages ? :D

[@fanstream]

Excellent dialogue - a conversation between two bright gentlemen who have a love of the big questions, philosophy and literature. Also Sean Kelly is so enthusiastic and passionate about the books and writers he teaches in his classes and writes about in his book(s).

[@kennergauthier3461]

imagine if lex busted out a meth pipe half-way through the interview.?.

[@KevinPeffley]

I can’t believe I spent three hours watching a video about existentialism, and it was great. I loved how clearly Sean Kelly spoke and I also loved how Lex Friedman kept returning to the story of Miles Davis and how he turned the wrong note into something wonderful. Excellent.

[@jessewallace12able]

Thank you for having an actual philosopher on a podcast. Finally.

[@tarekbaidane7595]

Good professors are such good speakers, they construct a complex set of ideas in their minds and start unfolding bit by bit, sentence by sentence without losing track or deviating from the main point. That's marveling to my chaotic mind.

[@EvilMAiq]

This is the most amazing conversation on philosophy I have come across.

[@TheGunmanChannel]

One of the best episodes yet Lex

[@magrooster]

This might be my favorite podcast of yours Lex! Totally engrossing from start to finish. I almost skipped it because it wasn’t about AI, neural networks, science, math or bio-hacking…or some combination thereof. I’m so glad I gave it a shot. You and Sean Kelly are in the zone together on this one! What a beautiful philosophical discussion! Great job on both sides of the desk! 👏👏 👏

[@MrBgarrido]

These conversations bring so much value to those who are willing to listen. I am incapable of resisting the optimism that grows inside me as I watch two minds fearlessly engaged in deep conversations about meaningful subjects. To me, they are an antidote to the bleakness of existence. Thank you.

[@lucasgraeff5391]

I'm going trough a really bad time in my life, this certainly will help me. Thanks Lex!

[@mb5030]

You'll get through it

[@linuxlewis6106]

Hang tough buddy. The down moments are always followed by up moments, every time.

[@ritornelloandrefrain]

best wishes, Lucas

[@SarahG266]

Peace be with you

[@lucasgraeff5391]

Thanks my bros, this really means a lot to me!

[@BimboBaggings]

I literally just finished Brothers Karamazov, and here we are... what a great coincidence

[@BenetbenetLive]

The void only gets darker the more you understand the situation, we are doomed.

[@gravemanbob]

I remember a fellow Classics student in college who use comp sci to catalogue and sort the uses of certain words across like 100 different translations of the Odyssey. I was blown away at the application of comp sci in classics and linguistics and I bet Lex would love that.

[@willowlaken6303]

Who could dislike this? Wonderful guest, fascinating discussion. A joy to listen to. Thank you Lex.

[@chuchaichu]

Your talks are becoming my new addiction. Really well done.

[@HalfinchLonomia]

This remains my favorite podcast to return to when I want to learn. Keep it up Lex!

[@kennergauthier3461]

ride on, my savage, ride on....

[@ericholljes9143]

Loved this one and I think about the points of this conversation all the time. Thank you.

[@rechanasivadasan1779]

Lex was so in his elements in this talk!!! Every second was interesting and engaging!!!!

[@jimforsyth1760]

I have attempted to meditate many times in my life and prior to this CD the only success I've experienced is with live guided meditation. kzbin.infoUgkxzpa8CIfZcihW4Z0F_ja0QF3W9KIatrsq This is the first CD I've used that cuts through my unmedicated ADHD and enables me to truly relax and experience a quiet and energizing interval. The instructors voice is very soothing and pleasant to listen to. I am easily able to sit successfully through the entire CD, and for quite some time after. I cannot adequately express how tremendously helpful this CD has been on my spiritual journey!! Two thumbs up and 10 stars!

[@smokyblue17]

Just came back here to say that I'm reading The Brothers Karamazov and having heard this conversation is making it that much more interesting.

[@delboy1990]

I need this right now :'( Thank you for all you do Lex

[@relaxationandmeditationmadness]

Best podcast and one of my favorites. Lex is more on questioning instead of arguing, it's the best condiment for a good podcast.

[@glenncameron9440]

I found this conversation deeply inspiring, and it gave me a new lease on life, and many new perspectives, thank you both!

[@andrewbisharat]

Lex, this was such a wonderful and moving conversation that I will be listening to again and again

[@chelebeaqueen]

agreed! it's the kind of conversation that brings a feeling of comfort - it's a very compassionate exchange, like one doting fathers would have... very cozy. my Kindergarten teacher (ok, this goes back over 40 years ago haha) had a term that fits : it was 2-fold, yin-yang kind of term. 'cold pricklies' or 'warm fuzzies'? THIS was a warm fuzzies kind of deep talk. ❤️

[@82472tclt]

I love Sean Kelly! What an AWESOME surprise seeing him here!

[@LilPisi]

Lex is the best for thought provoking material. I never feel I'm wasting time by engaging. He's such an important member of the human race.

[@Stazymandias]

Lex, I wanted to let you know how much this podcast helped me think through my own existential struggle with finding meaning in the seemingly meaninglessness of the probable simulation we find ourselves in. To find meaning in the meaningless, and to understand my struggle with life's purpose through my lense of a semi nihilist-simulationist has been a struggle lately as the world seems lost. I hope you read this comment and understand the value your mind and inquisitiveness brings to the world and those in need. Well done! This will be an episode I save and revisit! Keep up the great work my dude

[@kenadams5504]

If you wonder about meaning in life you could note a u tube video elon musk has about religion .when interviewed about what is the meaning of our existence,he has some interesting thoughts.If you imagine say a thousand years ago when Religion insisted that God made the universe/world ..then with astrophysics it seems the big bang theory created the universe /world.The debate before was about did God or someone create everything.Now it's about whether the other 20 billion earth's in our galaxy have life or intelligent life.The question itself changes as we know more...we learn to ask different/more pertinant questions.In Elon's video he applies this change of perspective to your enquiry about the meaning of life and hypotheses whether we will discover a more pertinent question to ask if we learn more about greater subjects encompassing your enquiry.

[@Stazymandias]

@@kenadams5504 what's the video title? Thanks!

[@kenadams5504]

@@Stazymandias "Elon Musk on Religion and God".

[@pechoja]

Russians are a very deeply feeling people and have gone through much turmoil and losses over history. I had a friend from Russia at work and sensed he exptessed himself in a more emotive way but the others in this gvmt office were not very receptive, almost deprecatating because he had this emotion in his conversation. I can see how having the conversation speaking Russian interpeting meaning in English would be most interesting. He was a very honest sincere man I have met. He was never fake or trying to mislead others. He was himself where he came from his culture not trying to persuade or impress but was very real. His feelings would be hurt subtlely when people misinterpeted him. He was educated and very intelligent and I accepted and liked his way of expressing his views, impressions and personality. He made life richer knowing him. Deeply sincete man.

[@shayankhorasani5626]

An absolutely great episode! It’s amazing how our understanding and norms are so dependent on the current technological culture. Maybe optimization shouldn’t be our end goal. Loved how Sean challenged our understanding. Please interview more philosophers and historians.

[@stephengreene8774]

Listening to this interaction certainly fulfilled the 4 basic principles. Thanks for mediating the joy for us, Lex and Sean.

[@amarodelans8700]

my favorite conversations u have are abt philosophy. just a coalition of ponderings next to each other. fascinating to listen to

[@adammontgomery5532]

From 41:00 to 42:52, the explanation of how Sartre & Dostoevsky are antipodes is so simple, and so elegant. Great interview, Lex. It's really a privilege to listen to Sean Kelly's brilliance.

[@TrueNero]

I absolutely Love Sean… his passion is infectious. I wish he were my Teacher and mentor of Philosophy.

[@abrahamfranco536]

Wow, Lex. Amazing episode and very engaging. Not only were you and your host clicking, but I haven’t been this absorbed in a conversation in a long time via podcast/KZbin. I really think I will keep replaying this one…so many gems.

[@miguelmart1659]

Lex, I am always so humbled by listening to your conversations. I found this one particularly valuable after a long and difficult week. Especially the part on Camus. Thank you.

[@mariabattaglia5428]

Now that I've discovered this man, I have no choice but to listen to 1-3 podcasts per day until I'm all caught up whilst also making my way through all of his shorter videos. It's just what I need to do. Edit: comment #1111✨

[@unfortunatelygnarly]

Lex really asked the perfect questions in this session. Both of them we're operating on the same level of understanding, but Lex just needed the enlightening clarifications. I can tell Sean Kelly was having a great time and was happy to talk with someone who was keen to learning philosophy in an exciting way.

[@Soliaipix]

Thank you, this was wonderful. Also, thank you for darkening your studio, it helps to fall asleep without much light emitted from the IPad while resting and playing these podcasts.

[@z0uLess]

Thank you so much for the podcast! I have been struggling a long time with the questions of isolation, neutrality and suicide. This podcast tied a lot of these themes together and gave me ideas about what to read.

[@HouseOfGeb]

A lex Friedman discussion with a Harvard philosophy professor…what else could I ask for. Thank you !

[@mobes3]

Without a doubt my favorite guest you've had. Wonderful stuff Lex

[@thecollageman3290]

What a great chat, take joy in the small things. Thanks Lex and Sean. For doing this in public.

[@cspinks4336]

I'm in the middle of reading Brothers Karamazov right now for the first time. So far, its a fantastic read.

[@peterbonham5540]

Great conversation. Spent the whole time waiting for the inevitable final question. Who better to ask. He did not disappoint.

[@sunfl0wersamurai868]

Another amazing interview Lex! I really enjoyed your questions. You have a way of formulating the thoughts in my head in such an excellent way! Be well!

[@rodmallen9041]

I enjoyed every second! Thanks for this life changing talks. I have no words to describe my gratitude Lex.

[@MrAnti3z]

tremendously openminded persons...big pleasure to watch and listen...thank you!

[@JimCounsell]

I feel richer for having listened to this - high quality stuff! Nice one Lex.

[@marcusgarcia8843]

Lex your work has been inspiring, you are by far the best project that came out of Joe Rogan's circle/influence! Would be amazing to see you interview Mr. Thomas Sowell!

[@AmosLivn]

One of my favorite interviews and subjects. Thank you.

[@vodkacannon]

I can think of some meaning already: - Avoidance of pain. - maximization of positive emotion. - treating other people like how you want to be treated.

[@VRai777]

Thank Lex for most awaited conversations!

[@x0rn312]

Love Nietzsche's book On Music Love this guy for bringing up Herbie Hancock & Nietzsche in the same bit

[@shawnsk7447]

Right? At first I thought I misheard.

[@hallucinatingsiren]

This podcast series is the best of all. No comparison. These will stand the test of time.

[@nataliadorodnova2041]

I think it was one of the best and deepest conversations- thank you, Alex!

[@superlinksx]

Just beautiful! Many thanks for this illuminating conversation!

[@sachaenlivened1443]

LOVING EVERY SECOND OF THIS!!! Thank youuuuu 🙏

[@amaliaamada8497]

It was a pleasure to watch this. Thank you, Lex, for sharing such thought-provoking interviews and guests. I appreciate and always look forward to listening to your insightful questions and conversations. Wishing you all the best in all you do !!

[@csleuthone6385]

Wonderful guest. Podcasts audio/visual controls are fantastic! Terrific organization. Thanks for all your awesome guests!

[@Common_Eland]

Throughout my life I’ve had to go through things like homelessness, starvation, threatened to be murdered, attacked by humans and animals, car crashes, etc. Often on counter people who seem to be going through stress levels that were similar to mine and it would confuse me often when I try to help them and I realize that not only were the issues something like that they found someone attractive who didn’t find them attractive back but that also these people seem to be frustrated with the idea that someone could offer them advice on how to manage their anxiety. I wish I was smart like Lex so that I could articulate my experiences in a manner that allowed people to grow from what I’ve grown from.

[@RhamaDashuri]

I can help you communicate your experiences to help others

[@chewyjello1]

I had no idea Lex Fridman was so well versed in philosophy. I'm crazy impressed! And I really really enjoyed this conversation. :)

[@DCDNT]

This was an astounding conversation. The profoundness of the thoughts expressed in it is phenomenal. Amazing job Lex 🙌

[@giovanniminelli7856]

Man, I loved this episode. Incredibly deep conversation, just thank you for the amazing contents

[@WikiPeoples]

I was so glad to see Lex mention that his love of life is largely genetic. You're lucky man, your very existence is joyous and that's probably one of the luckiest things you can have.

[@kiddogonzalez4408]

What a nice interview, I learned a lot, thanks Lex, I hope more are coming about this topic.

[@bensaltiel5465]

This might be your best episode to date. There have been many great ones but this was 3 hours of insightful and accessible thought and discussion on philosophy which can be useful for audiences of all levels.

[@ibtesamahmed7612]

I am someone from India. Because of some of my own choices and because of some I was thrown into - I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity to study in Stanford and to listen to someone like this talk about philosophy or life. Thanks to the internet and Lex Fridman - I can enjoy and cherish this conversation.

[@fullmetalflix5195]

Wow. Not only is this dude interesting as fk you are asking the perfect questions. I grow in wisdom and intellect everytime i tune in. Thank you for this experience

[@zechbell7268]

Amazing podcast I have never learned so much in one pod!!!! Thank God for Lex!!!!!!!!!

[@abdullahalhindi2805]

I love these topics. The interview was well structured and full of knowledge. Even a lot of great novel's was mentioned in the interview so we can read it.

[@Ayala252]

This is a great discussion between two great thinkers. Sean Kelly also sounds like someone you'd be honoured to have as a friend.

[@ryanmiles6344]

I loved what you said about your advice to younger people when you were talking about David Wallace. That's why you're the best Lex. Excellent guest too, wow

[@trishablanchard8708]

This interview was really well done, I enjoyed it very much. Such amazing exchange of ideas and philosophy's. Thank you both.

[@RosaLeeJean]

Enjoyed the frequent laughter of Sean,soo pleasing

[@TheRemarkableN]

Wonderful interview Lex. Interesting ideas discussed and I enjoyed how smoothly the conversation flowed. Keep up the good work.

[@Sarah-nw7xl]

Thank you. I love this conversation!

[@dirkkruisheer]

This conversation may turn out to have saved my life

[@JuanGarcia-tb7ph]

I recommend: Andrea Gibson- Madness Vase

[@rosemarystorm6210]

I'm SO much happier since giving up my cell phone. Goal: The learn to enjoy the passage of time .. with the least amount of stress possible .. and the most amount of laughter and joy from realizing how great it feels to GIVE to others and be grateful just to be alive to experience this amazing Life we've been blessed to be thrown into.

[@williamhubbard2957]

These are the conversations I appreciate most Mr. Fridman🙂

[@aarondrew4861]

Really looking forward to the Pevear and Volokhonsky interviews. I speak no Russian, but I find their translations to be so much more enjoyable than the other translations I've always given up on.

[@cw8165]

Me too. Anyone know if this happened? Would love to watch.. Struggling to see it in the backlog. Great interview.

[@janeannzarczynski1700]

You're such a delight, thank you!

[@adiedits8027]

Society needs more of these types of conversations. 30 minutes in I was able to that tell this would be my favorite podcast of yours, and I am happy to say I was right. We are all philosophers in life, just not all of us know it, and hardly any of us are as well trained as we wish to be. Well never reach the status of an ideal philosopher, but podcasts like this help us get closer to it, and subsequently, to become better people.