Woody Allen - Distraction is the Best Medicine (in a meaningless universe)

Lawrence and Woody debate whether burying oneself in ones work is meaningful or simply a distraction that keeps us from facing grim truths about the universe.
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The Origins Podcast, a production of The Origins Project Foundation, features in-depth conversations with some of the most interesting people in the world about the issues that impact all of us in the 21st century. Host, theoretical physicist, lecturer, and author, Lawrence M. Krauss, will be joined by guests from a wide range of fields, including science, the arts, and journalism. The topics discussed on The Origins Podcast reflect the full range of the human experience - exploring science and culture in a way that seeks to entertain, educate, and inspire.
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[@meloncollie8873]

This video marks my introduction to Woody Allen. I’ve known who he is for many years, but never watched his films or listened to him speak. My, oh my, have I found a kindred spirit. His line about having a boulder on top of a hill sums up what I’ve been struggling with for a while now: What is progress? So we solve human disease, poverty, hunger, etc. Now what? We all just sit around looking at each other while waiting for death? Not only did Mr. Allen summarize the problem, but I appreciate his suggested solution: Distraction. I think he’s right about that. It explains why I’m watching KZbin videos. They (sometimes) help me not think about all the meaninglessness of the universe. Thank you, Mr. Allen.

[@siat11]

Love that Woody Allen has used moving making as his distraction. Keep it up. We need more of your movies.

[@donacatanguma]

Love Woody Allen, from a New Yorker.

[@gavinborden5451]

So great "Intellectual... Nonsense... And I don't buy it"

[@KarlWulff]

I wish Lawrence would just let his guest speak. It works so much better.

[@DrCruel]

Nah. Let them go at it. They enjoy each other.

[@lanieeichler6041]

A bit frustrating. He gets these great guests then spends 75 percent of the time talking over them. And I really like Lawrence! Just wish he'd listen more, talk less. You know, be an interviewer..

[@DrCruel]

@@lanieeichler6041 Maybe the other guests. But Woody Allen can handle himself. He can kibbutz as well as any other mensch.

[@antoniatejedabarros]

Woody is the best!!! His films make life better. Keep creating, Woody! And, please, stay safe!

[@skepticsinister]

Love Woody Allen, from a New Yorker in CA. Thank you Lawrence :) 👍🏽

[@thomasgilson6206]

Brooklyn is NOT expanding, Alvy! Stop worrying about it!

[@youthgonewild]

What is *that* your business? 😂

[@dwalden74]

Woody is the greatest comedic mind of all time. ❤️

[@flamingopower2637]

Woody Allen and Charlie Chaplin imo

[@dexterlee569]

Woody Allen is the best! Never dissapoints me!

[@orin2522]

I LOVE woody Allen because he’s the only writer director who does a great job at explaining ART and the meaning of Life which is that their job is to GIVE meaning and make beauty

[@woody7652]

Happy New Year!

[@antoniatejedabarros]

Rifkin's Festival is a masterpiece!!! We saw it twice in Madrid. We want to buy the DVD already! Thanks for your amazing art, dear Woody! You're the best!

[@matthewfurss205]

Who is this person always interrupting the legend?!

[@nickpmusic]

Lost in a mysterious universe without having any real purpose is the way it really is, possibly as far as I can tell (Richard Feynman)

[@hanskung3278]

Allen right, Camus is putting a happy face on death and despair.

[@jimmymurphy9593]

We love you Woody!

[@danielafreedman]

Perhaps the answer is what Leonard Cohen said about the universe being cold and dark, but every once in a while there's a crack in it where the light gets in. Your films are little light shows that make us smile. Sending you a big hug!🕵👠🎷💖 Dan.

[@ahmedelsherif7223]

I have a picture of Woody Allen and Albert Camus on the white board in my office because I also thought that Woody Allen and his movies are a very good representation of the absurd that Camus discussed in his book "the myth of Sisyphus". I'm glad to know that others have the same idea.

[@AndrewsApprentice]

Thank you for this!

[@stephanvonugron1944]

Wow!!!!! This is incredible!! What a guest!!!!

[@trawomormartwiak7005]

Read "Futurogical Congress" by Stanislaw Lem. It is happening now...

[@leonardoiglesias2394]

I will never understand why would you want to give Woody Allen philosophy lessons…..

[@judgeomega]

"its horrible when i think about it" "so dont think about it" that was the advice i gave my mother when my father died. we choose what we think about it, dont waste your precious attention on things beyond your control... especially when it does nothing but bring you grief.

[@SV42165]

Rick Sanchez

[@MalAnders94]

Self induced suffering

[@transpiration]

easier said than done

[@forrest2416]

if it were so easy

[@ChindiInvestir]

Helps.

[@deadboy4735]

It's true because as soon you lose things you once had you start to understand their true value.

[@aidinb6790]

Woody Allen is amazing, love the guy.

[@MyLateralThawts]

A boulder at the top of a hill has potential energy that could be harnessed to your benefit if the right application could be found. Something the Greek philosophers seemed to have missed.

[@chuckberry7782]

Great stuff!

[@captainandthelady]

Life is a distraction for what awaits us at the end...death.

[@user-fj8xc4vc6g]

Zen masters spoke of distraction in the same way as Woody, saying their teachings were like gold colored leaves given to a crying child to momentarily pacify them, but zen masters did not stop there the way Woody does. Zen masters took advantage of the calm minded moment to point to the truth of existence, which is invisible to a mind caught in the paralysis of grief and fear at the meaninglessness of existence (and it IS meaningless), and that truth is that all the world is a reflection of what fills our hearts, and that the base layer of reality is our true self which is serene emptiness that has existed since beginningless time. Being in tune with THAT can only be done by those who know who they are and are themselves 100%. No rock. No mountain. No meaning. No problem.

[@robertkahn6817]

Great!!!

[@robertblakeman9978]

Woody is the coolest intellectual, Krauss is irritating though.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

This was fun.

[@hannibalcosta]

Woody Allen, the U.S. Federico Fellini. "But Allen has problems and blah blah blah." And? Does anyone remember Caravaggio's problems? No. We only remember the master's paintings

[@willsumnall3499]

Life is a meaningless journey across the wilderness of time. It is for most a constant struggle against adversity punctuated by all too brief periods of happiness. Make of it what you will, you have but one chance.

[@cps_Zen_Run]

Much of what you state is valid. The universe would deem our lives as trivial. Happiness is always available. Most walk past it while seeking it. Gratitude for each breath. May you stay healthy and safe.

[@gamezswinger]

Unfortunately, individuals often lack the ability to single-handedly address systemic issues, for example, during the Holocaust, Jews were unable to alter the Nazi regime's persecution, illustrating the limitations individuals face in addressing systemic injustices, leading them to seek solace in fantasy, "not thinking about it" and other forms of addiction. The world we inhabit is quite disheartening, but strangely, I still have hope.

[@gen_music]

All absolute true :)

[@lesleyheller2271]

Distraction - all else is meaningless claptrap! Yesss!! Stop overthinking or navel gazing.

[@markphc99]

Well, i didn't expect Woody Allen on this podcast, he's an interesting man, but I'm also a Ronan Farrow admirer , but we're none of us perfect right? Wishing you , and all your subscribers a Happy New Year

[@TheOriginsPodcast]

Thanks... appreciate the open minded attitude. I think you will enjoy it.

[@onelovemon1784]

All they need is a couple of plates of food from Katz's deli

[@46metube]

Who cares? The meaning of life? It’s the meaning you give it - that’s the meaning. After that, it’s all ice cream.

[@MalAnders94]

Then you’re just playing pretend

[@cinnamon4605]

Hope Woody always stays in the same spirit for eternal. Interviewer was schmuck by the way, talking abt existential crisis infront of Woody. Go and watch late 60's and 70's movies of Woody's. Long back he dealt with those subjects.

[@ChindiInvestir]

3:44 summary.

[@LordGreystoke]

We live in an indifferent universe. Make of it what you will.

[@galaxia4709]

Yet, life is an intrinsic part of the universe

[@antoniatejedabarros]

Woody is a genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@emiliozampieri6642]

I'm very big on distraction (which is nothing more than the self-delusion of being immortal), and I believe the more you succeed in living in a fictional world of your own, the better. But humans can't help thinking about death, because in our heart of hearts we feel immortal and we want to live forever. We don't want the love we give and the love we get to end. Ever. Woody is no exception. If it were just about distraction, he wouldn't have dealt with death so many times, and with such great thinking. Hannah and Her Sisters, Crimes and Misdemeanours, and so on. He's obsessed with death as he openly admits - the bookstore scene in Annie Hall. All humans are. We badly need distraction just because we can't help thinking abouth death, although we often don't even realise we are thinking about it.

[@karim.mmmmmmm]

Thought about suicide a lot not because I'm depressed but just to leave this pointless game ... like it's a way out . . But the problem is no guarantee suicide is an exit .. if there is a decision made to be here Then after cutting that vein you might find yourself back in just in another form or same form or who knows... situation is not grim it's far beyond that ... I think there is a disaster in the heavens which is the loss of purpose in the universe and this whole life is just trying to find a way around it .. gods are either desperate trying to exit themselves but they cant find a way out .. or they feel scared or sorry to destroy the universe and the existence so they are trying to buy some time until they figure out a solution Or there might be one hell of a surprise waiting for us out there after our time is done here ... or the only happy ending will be a flat line I never imagined this will be my only wish But I deeply feel it's against the logic that something turns into nothing otherwise how can something come out of nothing... huh it's just insanely complicated ...

[@NikiWonoto26]

I'm from Indonesia. Your comment is very deep, I really love it. I often think & feel the same. I know this is a very late comment from me, maybe you don't even read it anymore. But I just want to say that. Thank you very much.

[@kresivarivkah612]

I kove this man.

[@rosejulietblack]

I agree with Woody

[@cedricpod]

I love these two guys totally forever…… You made my meaningless life better

[@proudwhitestraightmale]

Just don't think about it

[@kevinhealey6540]

I read his book. If you read between the lines page after page shows he tries to do something for someone.

[@sickboy1931]

Woody ♥️♥️♥️

[@petemartinp]

Love it ...lol

[@macanoodough]

You got balls, Krauss. That's why I love you.

[@karim.mmmmmmm]

The guy is like me ... or maybe I'm like him cause hes the famous one .. he doesnt accept the beautiful sugar coated explanation of bs .. he tells him sisyphus is smiling he tells him I dont buy that ... exactly when its bitter dont sugar coat it !

[@DFish111]

The struggle is clearly in not talking over your guest.

[@umang8839]

I agree with Allen. It's BS. Sisyphus needs to let go.

[@alexissercho]

Lawrence, don't try to convince an old man, He already made up his mind about everything.

[@ronaldlegree285]

The answer is in a park in Chicago hidden in time I think it can be found on the 4th of July.

[@Iyad46gamer]

Woody Allen is a mood 🤣

[@yaelstreetttejeda]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@lavanjaysharma]

Don't think about it

[@JootsyMann]

lawrence….let woody talk uninterrupted so his thoughts can flow forth.

[@nickandmikec]

Sisyphus rolls the ball up and it rolls down and he has to do it all over again, but there is the time he has going downhill that is worth the trouble.

[@TomasPetkevicius94]

"Don't think about it." - Rick Sanchez

[@GLORYNEVADASMITH]

I believe Camus was overly optimistic . After all Camus was a Intelligent Handsome Charismatic Man , he had hit the genetic and circumstances lottery , excluding his abrupt conclusion - Well it's my opinion .

[@jamesbyrne9312]

Youre happy when youre miserable. Is that from Annie hall I think?

[@hanskung3278]

This sounds like Woody read Blaise Pascal.

[@naturalisted1714]

Speaking of death: I didn't exist, but then a baby was born. There will be babies born after I no longer exist once again.

[@liambutler9427]

He's probably guilty but I'll never stop thinking Woody is a mega-genius

[@lesleyheller2271]

I beg to differ. Mia Farrow is a very troubled woman bent on Woody's destruction.

[@alfanoministries]

they Need Jesus

[@JoseGonzalez-sr9ii]

Woody Boat!

[@luchianvasile]

That guy talking all the time and stopping Woody from saying anything is really annoying

[@coecovideo]

let him talk

[@fractal97]

Ah man, let the guy talk.

[@jimtors]

He answered most of the questions for him.

[@aleksmartini4]

The interviewer was extremely annoying constantly interrupting Woody with a fake smile

[@buddinganarchist]

Grim, bleak, why I am a Christian.

[@saadfadel924]

(And they say, "There is not but our worldly life; we die and live, and nothing destroys us except time." And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming.) 45:24 Quran

[@cps_Zen_Run]

Our lives are extremely rare, considering all the sperm and eggs lost or unused. Our lifespan is very short. Allen’s inclination to label experiences as just distractions is unfortunate. Life is all about the Journey and awareness of the moment. Perhaps he was trying to be humorous.

[@galaxia4709]

I think you misunderstood. It is a distraction from existential questions

[@SAntczak2]

My favorite filmmaker, but he's missing the point. The distraction IS the meaning.

[@flaggerify]

I think he gets after LK explains his point.

[@tomobrien563]

Why does the host even have Woody on? All he wants to do is hear himself talk. He’s his own distraction. Learn to listen dude! Sheesh!

[@forrest2416]

The interviewer cant stop talking. Unbearable. Woody is great

[@DerekCully]

Wahhh Distractions are for puffs.

[@aeiologic8314]

hahahaha

[@paulingraham6781]

I wonder what Woody thinks of my top five films of all time: The French Connection, Vertigo, Pickup on South Street, Shoot the Piano Player and Il Grido. That's an upper-case I, then an l, then Grido. Those are my top five films of all time, in descending order Thanks Woody, please continue distracting yourself and others as all of us ourselves continue our sojourn on this planet.

[@jimtors]

He interrupted too much

[@twonumber22]

No thanks.

[@ZambeziKid]

I must say, I never resonated to anything he did on screen. Boring conservative outlook

[@timbrooks2763]

In August 1992, the American film director and actor Woody Allen was accused by his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow, then seven years old, of having sexually molested her in the home of her adoptive mother, the actress Mia Farrow, in Bridgewater, Connecticut. Allen has repeatedly denied the allegation.

[@sickboy1931]

The first, a 1993 Yale-New Haven Hospital Child Sexual Abuse Clinic report, concluded that “Dylan was not sexually abused by Mr. Allen.” The second, another report from the New York State child welfare which stated, “No credible evidence was found that the child named in this report (Dylan) has been abused or maltreated. This report has, therefore, been considered unfounded.”

[@timbrooks2763]

@@sickboy1931 NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE, AND ALL HIS BUDDIES HAVE BEEN CAUGHT PLAYING WITH KIDS, SICK !

[@sickboy1931]

@@timbrooks2763 You’re embarrassing yourself publicly.

[@orin2522]

Mia Farrow coached those kids and tried to extort money from him even though he was generous to her entire family. 3 of her adopted kids died by suicide and abuse

[@Guizambaldi]

Let the judicial system handle it. We are not in a better position to judge.