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Modern WisdomNov 14, 2019

#120 - Professor Paul Bloom - What Do BDSM & Meditation Have In Common?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #120 - Professor Paul Bloom - What Do BDSM & Meditation Have In Common? on Modern Wisdom.

Guest: Paul Bloom

Notable books mentioned: Against Empathy, The Institute by Stephen King, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, The Madness of Crowds by Douglas Murray

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Against Empathy cover
Mentioned at 6:13
Against Empathy

The host mentions 'Against Empathy' to highlight the complexities of moral judgments and how they relate to human nature. Professor Paul Bloom's ex…

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The Institute cover
Mentioned at 16:32
The Institute
Stephen King

The host discusses the role of empathy in storytelling, particularly how it allows readers to connect with characters, even those who are morally a…

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Lolita cover
Mentioned at 17:27
Lolita
Vladimir Nabokov

The host discusses how empathy can be elicited through storytelling, using the character Humbert Humbert from 'Lolita' as an example. Despite the c…

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#120 - Professor Paul Bloom - What Do BDSM & Meditation Have In Common?
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Episode summary, books & quotes

#120 - Professor Paul Bloom - What Do BDSM & Meditation Have In Common? mentions Against Empathy, The Institute by Stephen King, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, and The Madness of Crowds by Douglas Murray with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

Against EmpathyThe InstituteLolitaThe Madness of Crowds
Guest: Paul Bloom
Episode summary
Paul Bloom is an author and a Professor of Psychology at Yale. Why is suffering a cause of pleasure for some people? What do BDSM, being robbed, extreme sports and meditation have in common? How does pleasure work? Why is empathy bad and what is the case for rational compassion? Why do we love people who have died? One of my favourite conversations this year, do not miss this. Extra Stuff: Follow Professor Bloom on Twitter - https://twitter.com/paulbloomatyale Buy Against Empathy - https://amzn.to/32G5SD3 Buy How Pleasure Works - https://amzn.to/2CHRteQ Starting Therapy Video - https://youtu.be/jK-mw8rXziY Check out everything I recommend from books to products and help support the podcast at no extra cost to you by shopping through this link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact
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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #120 - Professor Paul Bloom - What Do BDSM & Meditation Have In Common? on Modern Wisdom.

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  • The conversation centers on empathy in storytelling.
  • A second recurring theme is discussion on interesting ideas.
  • Referenced books include Against Empathy and The Institute by Stephen King.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Individuals interested in psychology and moral philosophy and Readers interested in psychological aspects of storytelling.
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Which books are mentioned in #120 - Professor Paul Bloom - What Do BDSM & Meditation Have In Common??

Against Empathy, The Institute by Stephen King, and Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Top triggers
empathy in storytelling(2)discussion on interesting ideas(1)meaning and suffering(1)morality and empathy(1)socially constructed differences(1)value of family and friends(1)
Mention sentiment
Deep Dive(5)Highly Recommended(1)Passing Reference(1)
Audience signals
Individuals interested in psychology and moral philosophyReaders interested in psychological aspects of storytellingReaders interested in the psychology of empathy and narrative perspective.Individuals interested in social issues and intellectual discourseAnyone seeking emotional insight and reflectionIndividuals interested in psychology and the philosophy of suffering

Books Mentioned

Against Empathy cover
Against Empathy
Best for Individuals interested in psychology and moral philosophyOften cited around morality and empathy

“The speaker discusses their book 'Against Empathy', exploring the meanings of empathy and its implications for morality, suggesting that compassion may be a better alternative.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in psychology and moral philosophy
Key quote: “I was my most recent book, Against Empathy.”
The host mentions 'Against Empathy' to highlight the complexities of moral judgments and how they relate to human nature. Professor Paul Bloom's exploration of empathy and morality challenges conventional views, prompting deeper questions about our intuitions and behaviors.
ASIN: 1982086548
Buy on Amazon
The Institute cover
The Institute
Stephen King
Best for Readers interested in psychological aspects of storytellingOften cited around empathy in storytelling

“The speaker mentions reading 'The Institute' by Stephen King, which involves a boy who is kidnapped, highlighting the immersive experience of reading.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in psychological aspects of storytelling
Key quote: “I'm reading a stephen king novel now the institute and a lot of it is this boy who's trapped uh he's kidnapped and you really see the world through his eyes.”
The host discusses the role of empathy in storytelling, particularly how it allows readers to connect with characters, even those who are morally ambiguous. They mention 'The Institute' as an example of a narrative that immerses the reader in the protagonist's perspective, enhancing the emotional experience.
ASIN: B07VDT3466
Buy on Amazon
Lolita cover
Lolita
Vladimir Nabokov
Best for Readers interested in the psychology of empathy and narrative perspective.Often cited around empathy in storytelling

“The speaker refers to 'Lolita' by Nabokov, discussing the complex perspective of the main character, Humbert Humbert, and the moral implications of empathy in storytelling.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in the psychology of empathy and narrative perspective.
Key quote: “you know one of my favorite books is lolita by navykoff you know and and and the main character of that humber humber is a pedophile he's a pedophile pursuing the affections of this young girl but by the time you're 10 pages in the book he's your guy.”
The host discusses how empathy can be elicited through storytelling, using the character Humbert Humbert from 'Lolita' as an example. Despite the character's morally reprehensible actions, the narrative allows readers to connect with him, illustrating the complexities of empathy.
ASIN: 0679723161
Buy on Amazon
The Madness of Crowds cover
The Madness of Crowds
Douglas Murray
Best for Individuals interested in social issues and intellectual discourseOften cited around socially constructed differences

“Douglas Murray's most recent book, The Madness of Crowds, is about socially constructed differences between gender, race, sex, sexuality.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in social issues and intellectual discourse
Key quote: “his most recent book, The Madness of Crowds, is about this, about socially constructed differences between gender, race, sex, sexuality.”
The host mentions Douglas Murray's book 'The Madness of Crowds' to highlight the complexities surrounding discussions of gender, race, and sexuality. They express concern about the oversimplification of these issues in public discourse and the impact it has on intellectual integrity.
ASIN: B07XZKBQ6X
Buy on Amazon
An Emotional Education cover
An Emotional Education
Alain de Botton
Best for Anyone seeking emotional insight and reflectionOften cited around value of family and friends

“I've been reading Alain de Botton's most recent book, An Emotional Education, which might interest you.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Anyone seeking emotional insight and reflection
Key quote: “It's just a lovely, a really lovely guy.”
The host mentions 'An Emotional Education' by Alain de Botton as a reflection on the complexities of human relationships and emotions. They highlight the book's ability to resonate with readers by addressing vulnerability and empathy in a relatable way.
ASIN: 0708559956
Buy on Amazon
The Pleasures of Suffering cover
The Pleasures of Suffering
Paul Bloom
Best for Individuals interested in psychology and the philosophy of sufferingOften cited around meaning and suffering

“At some point within the next two years, there will probably be a new Paul Bloom book out, titled The Pleasures of Suffering.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in psychology and the philosophy of suffering
Key quote: “I want to argue it's not just pleasure or even happiness. It's a deeper form of meaning or purpose.”
The host discusses the upcoming book by Paul Bloom, which explores the paradox of why people are drawn to suffering and how it relates to finding meaning in life. He emphasizes that meaningful pursuits often require overcoming difficulties and suffering, suggesting a deeper understanding of human experience.
ASIN: B08VVDB3LR
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How Pleasure Works cover
How Pleasure Works
Best for Listeners interested in psychology and philosophyOften cited around discussion on interesting ideas

“Links to Against Empathy, How Pleasure Works, all of Professor Bloom's socials, and everything else we've spoken about will be in the show notes below.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Listeners interested in psychology and philosophy
Key quote: “Links to Against Empathy, How Pleasure Works, all of Professor Bloom's socials, and everything else we've spoken about will be in the show notes below.”
The host briefly mentions 'How Pleasure Works' while discussing the importance of longer conversations in podcasts. This reference serves to highlight the value of exploring complex ideas beyond superficial sound bites.
ASIN: 0099548763
Buy on Amazon

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