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Modern WisdomOct 27, 2025

#1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression?

Summary, books mentioned, source context, and timestamps for #1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression? on Modern Wisdom.

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Alex O'Connor Joe Folley

Books mentioned

The Nicomachean Ethics The Myth of Sisyphus On The Heights Of Despair+1 more

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#1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression? includes mentions of The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus, On The Heights Of Despair by Emil Turan, and Better Never to Have Been by David Benatar, with indexed source context and timestamps where available.

The Nicomachean Ethics The Myth of Sisyphus On The Heights Of Despair Better Never to Have Been

3 books from this episode

The Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle

Indexed context: The host emphasizes the enduring relevance of Aristotle's 'The Nicomachean Ethics' in understanding ethics and virtues. They highlight its practical…

The Myth of Sisyphus

Albert Camus

Indexed context: The host discusses David Benatar's views on the morality of existence and suffering, referencing Camus' 'The Myth of Sisyphus' to illustrate philosop…

On The Heights Of Despair

Emil Turan

Indexed context: The host highlights Emil Turan's work as a profound exploration of pessimism and nihilism, suggesting that engaging with such philosophies can provid…

Guests: Alex O'Connor, Joe Folley

Episode summary

Alex O’Connor is a YouTuber, writer and a podcaster. Joe Folley is a philosopher, writer, and host of the Unsolicited Advice YouTube channel. Philosophy has spent thousands of years trying to teach us how to live well. But the deeper you go, the darker it gets. So what’s the point? What can we take from all that heaviness, and how do we find beauty in the darkness to make our own lives better? Expect to learn if philosophy always meant to be practically applicable, or if that is that a modern reinterpretation, which ancient schools have been most unfairly ignored, which branches of philosophy should be jettisoned entirely, why everyone hate philosophy of mind, the differences between academic and practical philosophy, the darkest philosophies you’ve probably never heard of, why modern discourse always feel ironic and why no one speaks earnestly any more and much more…

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The Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle

The host emphasizes the enduring relevance of Aristotle's 'The Nicomachean Ethics' in understanding ethics and virtue…

Card

The Myth of Sisyphus

Albert Camus

The host discusses David Benatar's views on the morality of existence and suffering, referencing Camus' 'The Myth of…

Card

On The Heights Of Despair

Emil Turan

The host highlights Emil Turan's work as a profound exploration of pessimism and nihilism, suggesting that engaging w…

Card

Better Never to Have Been

David Benatar

The host discusses antinatalism and introduces David Benatar's book as a significant philosophical work on the morali…

Card

Notes from the Underground

Fyodor Dostoevsky

The host discusses Dostoevsky's 'Notes from the Underground' in relation to the historical and political context that…

Card

The Plague

Albert Camus

The host discusses how Camus' work, particularly 'The Plague', reflects his philosophical struggles with absurdism an…

Card

The Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes

The host discusses the importance of understanding the historical context and personal motivations behind philosophic…

Card

The Trouble With Being Born

Emil Turan

The host discusses nihilism and its implications, referencing Emil Turan's work to illustrate the complexities of pes…

Card

Book mentions18

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What is #1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression? about?

Summary, books mentioned, source context, and timestamps for #1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression? on Modern Wisdom.

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What are the main takeaways from #1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression??

These themes are drawn from the indexed episode description and linked mentions for #1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression?.

The conversation centers on nihilism and philosophy.
A second recurring theme is 19th century writing.
Referenced books include The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle and The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus.
Related interests include Anyone interested in philosophy and ethics and Philosophy enthusiasts and those interested in existential thought.

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Which books are mentioned in #1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression??

The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus, and On The Heights Of Despair by Emil Turan are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to source cards and timestamps where available.

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Topics

nihilism and philosophy(2)19th century writing(1)Aristotle's ethical insights(1)Camus and absurdism(1)Camus and existentialism(1)Camus' philosophical evolution(1)consequentialists and ethics(1)Dostoevsky's philosophical context(1)

Mention types

Deep Dive(11)Passing Reference(4)Highly Recommended(2)Critical Analysis(1)

Related interests

Anyone interested in philosophy and ethicsPhilosophy enthusiasts and those interested in existential thoughtReaders interested in existential philosophy and pessimismPhilosophy enthusiasts and those interested in ethical discussions about life and procreation.Readers interested in philosophy and political theoryReaders interested in philosophy and literature

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer source context, and better timestamp support rise first.

The Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle

Best for Anyone interested in philosophy and ethicsOften cited around Aristotle's ethical insights

Indexed context

Aristotle in some ways following in the footsteps of some of you as thinkers like Epicurus is a very, very big fan of friendship. It's in two. It's book eight and nine of the Nicomachean Ethics.

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: Aristotle's ethical insights

For: Anyone interested in philosophy and ethics

Indexed context: I would say, you know, even after over 2,000 years, the most useful book of philosophy for anyone to read.

The host emphasizes the enduring relevance of Aristotle's 'The Nicomachean Ethics' in understanding ethics and virtues. They highlight its practical insights and the importance of fulfilling basic physical needs for a flourishing life.

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The Myth of Sisyphus

Albert Camus

Best for Philosophy enthusiasts and those interested in existential thoughtOften cited around philosophy of existence

Indexed context

Camus talks about a few examples at the beginning of the myth of Sisyphus, mentioning philosophers who wrote tracts and then killed themselves to bring attention to their work.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: philosophy of existence

For: Philosophy enthusiasts and those interested in existential thought

Indexed context: Camus says in the myth of Sisyphus for the man who does not cheat, what he determines to be true must determine his action.

The host discusses David Benatar's views on the morality of existence and suffering, referencing Camus' 'The Myth of Sisyphus' to illustrate philosophical perspectives on life and suicide. This leads to a deeper exploration of the implications of believing life is not worth living.

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On The Heights Of Despair

Emil Turan

Best for Readers interested in existential philosophy and pessimismOften cited around nihilism as a philosophy

Indexed context

His first book is called On The Heights Of Despair. It's, you know, truly melodramatic.

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: nihilism as a philosophy

For: Readers interested in existential philosophy and pessimism

Indexed context: I think that Turan is so good at is that oftentimes when you're reading him, he's very good at subtly shifting the scope.

The host highlights Emil Turan's work as a profound exploration of pessimism and nihilism, suggesting that engaging with such philosophies can provide valuable insights. Turan's ability to blend dark themes with moments of lightheartedness makes his writing particularly compelling for those interested in existential thought.

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Better Never to Have Been

David Benatar

Best for Philosophy enthusiasts and those interested in ethical discussions about life and procreation.Often cited around pessimistic philosophy discussion

Indexed context

He wrote a book called Better Never to Have Been, which sounds like one of these sort of, you know, I'm about to write about how terrible how terrible life is.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: pessimistic philosophy discussion

For: Philosophy enthusiasts and those interested in ethical discussions about life and procreation.

Indexed context: David Benatar is the sort of superstar of antinatalism.

The host discusses antinatalism and introduces David Benatar's book as a significant philosophical work on the morality of procreation. He emphasizes that Benatar's arguments challenge conventional views on life and suffering, making it a thought-provoking read.

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Notes from the Underground

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Best for Readers interested in philosophy and political theoryOften cited around Dostoevsky's philosophical context

Indexed context

Dostoevsky's Notes from the Underground originally contained a chapter arguing for the necessity of Christianity, which was censored.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Dostoevsky's philosophical context

For: Readers interested in philosophy and political theory

Indexed context: Dostoevsky, his Notes from the Underground, one of the most famous of his books because it's so short and easy to read, originally contained a chapter which essentially argued for the necessity of Christianity as Dostoevsky saw it.

The host discusses Dostoevsky's 'Notes from the Underground' in relation to the historical and political context that influenced its writing. They highlight the book's nihilistic themes and the censorship it faced, which adds depth to its interpretation.

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The Plague

Albert Camus

Best for Readers interested in philosophy and literatureOften cited around Camus and absurdism

Indexed context

The Plague is an amazing novel that became a bestseller during COVID, exploring how people cope with a plague in Oran.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Camus and absurdism

For: Readers interested in philosophy and literature

Indexed context: The Plague is an amazing novel.

The host discusses how Camus' work, particularly 'The Plague', reflects his philosophical struggles with absurdism and the value of life. They highlight how the novel became relevant during the COVID pandemic, serving as an exploration of human resilience in the face of suffering.

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The Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes

Best for Students of philosophy and political theoryOften cited around historical context of thought

Indexed context

Hobbes writes The Leviathan, advocating for submission to an authoritarian dictator during the English Civil War.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: historical context of thought

For: Students of philosophy and political theory

Indexed context: Why does Thomas Hobbes write The Leviathan? Because he had to flee him being a royalist during the English Civil War.

The host discusses the importance of understanding the historical context and personal motivations behind philosophical writings. They mention Hobbes' 'The Leviathan' as a response to his experiences during the English Civil War, emphasizing the need for authoritarian control in turbulent times.

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The Trouble With Being Born

Emil Turan

Best for Individuals interested in existential philosophy and pessimismOften cited around nihilism and philosophy

Indexed context

One's called The Trouble With Being Born. Another's called A Short History Of Decay.

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: nihilism and philosophy

For: Individuals interested in existential philosophy and pessimism

Indexed context: I think that Turan is so good at is that oftentimes when you're reading him, he's very good at subtly shifting the scope.

The host discusses nihilism and its implications, referencing Emil Turan's work to illustrate the complexities of pessimistic philosophies. Turan's book, 'The Trouble With Being Born,' is highlighted as a significant exploration of these themes, showcasing a blend of dark outlooks with moments of lightheartedness.

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The Rebel

Albert Camus

Best for Philosophy enthusiasts and studentsOften cited around Camus' philosophical evolution

Indexed context

Camus writes The Rebel, discussing what an absurdist can coherently value without falling back on a leap of faith.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Camus' philosophical evolution

For: Philosophy enthusiasts and students

Indexed context: And so, you know, and then Camus writes The Rebel, which is one of his later works, which is, again, discussing, you know, what can an absurdist coherently value without simply falling back onto a kind of leap of faith or something.

The host discusses how Albert Camus' later works, including 'The Rebel', reflect his ongoing struggle with absurdism and the complexities of human values. They emphasize the importance of understanding the evolution of a philosopher's thoughts over time, rather than viewing them as static.

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A Short History Of Decay

Emil Turan

Best for Readers interested in existential philosophy and pessimismOften cited around nihilism and philosophy

Indexed context

One's called The Trouble With Being Born. Another's called A Short History Of Decay.

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: nihilism and philosophy

For: Readers interested in existential philosophy and pessimism

Indexed context: I think that Turan is so good at is that oftentimes when you're reading him, he's very good at subtly shifting the scope.

The host discusses nihilism and its implications, referencing Emil Turan's works as examples of pessimistic philosophy. Turan's writings, including 'A Short History Of Decay,' are highlighted for their ability to convey a dark yet sometimes lighthearted perspective on life.

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Caligula

Albert Camus

Best for Readers interested in existential philosophy and Camus' worksOften cited around Camus and existentialism

Indexed context

Camus writes a play called Caligula, which explores the consequences of his earlier philosophical ideas.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Camus and existentialism

For: Readers interested in existential philosophy and Camus' works

Indexed context: Camus clearly is troubled by this because one of the next things he writes is a play called Caligula, which is all about the Roman emperor, a kind of fictionalized version of the Roman emperor Caligula, going absolutely batshit and killing lots of people.

The host discusses how Camus' play 'Caligula' reflects his struggle with the implications of his own philosophical ideas about absurdism and the value of life. This mention serves to illustrate the evolution of Camus' thought and his grappling with moral nihilism.

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The Republic

Plato

Best for Students of philosophy and political theoryOften cited around Plato's philosophical development

Indexed context

Plato's The Republic is a political treatise that also explores the theory of the human mind.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Plato's philosophical development

For: Students of philosophy and political theory

Indexed context: In The Republic, he's very focused on what makes a good ruler.

The host discusses the evolution of Plato's thoughts as reflected in his works, particularly 'The Republic' and 'The Laws'. They highlight how personal experiences, such as Plato's disillusionment with a tyrant, influenced his philosophical writings.

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The Laws

Plato

Best for Students of philosophy and political theoryOften cited around Plato's development of thought

Indexed context

In The Laws, Plato focuses on how to keep everyone in check rather than what makes a good ruler.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Plato's development of thought

For: Students of philosophy and political theory

Indexed context: In The Republic, he's very focused on what makes a good ruler. And in The Laws, he's very focused on, okay, he'd had a quite a disillusioning experience with a tyrant called Dionysus.

The host discusses Plato's evolution in thought from 'The Republic' to 'The Laws', highlighting how his experiences influenced his philosophical writings. This transition reflects a shift from idealism about rulers to practical governance concerns, shaped by disillusionment with tyrants.

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The Treatise Concerning Human Nature

David Hume

Best for Students and enthusiasts of philosophyOften cited around philosophical development over time

Indexed context

David Hume writes The Treatise Concerning Human Nature, which he later revises into a shorter work.

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis

Trigger: philosophical development over time

For: Students and enthusiasts of philosophy

Indexed context: David Hume writes the... What's the first one? The Treatise Concerning Human Nature.

The host mentions 'The Treatise Concerning Human Nature' to illustrate how philosophers evolve in their thinking over time. They highlight that Hume's later works reflect a revision of his earlier ideas, emphasizing the importance of understanding the chronology of philosophical texts.

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Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding

David Hume

Best for Philosophy students and enthusiastsOften cited around Hume's philosophical revisions

Indexed context

Hume revises his thoughts into the much shorter Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding, posited as an update.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Hume's philosophical revisions

For: Philosophy students and enthusiasts

Indexed context: Hume revises his thoughts into the much shorter Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding, posited as an update.

The host briefly mentions Hume's work as a condensed version of his earlier thoughts. This book serves as an update to his philosophical inquiries.

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The Righteous Mind

Jonathan Haidt

Best for Individuals interested in moral philosophy and ethicsOften cited around consequentialists and ethics

Indexed context

The excerpt discusses an example from Jonathan Haidt's book, which involves consequentialists and a theoretical scenario regarding incest.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: consequentialists and ethics

For: Individuals interested in moral philosophy and ethics

Indexed context: The excerpt discusses an example from Jonathan Haidt's book, which involves consequentialists and a theoretical scenario regarding incest.

The host briefly mentions 'The Righteous Mind' to illustrate a point about ethical reasoning. This reference serves to highlight the complexities in moral judgments through a specific example from the book.

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Galileo's Era

Philip Goff

Best for Individuals interested in philosophy and consciousness studiesOften cited around philosophy of mind

Indexed context

Philip was the first guy I had an entire conversation with about, and that was on his first book.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: philosophy of mind

For: Individuals interested in philosophy and consciousness studies

Indexed context: So Philip was the first guy I had an entire conversation with about, and that was on his first book.

The host mentions 'Galileo's Era' in the context of discussing the intersection of philosophy and neuroscience, particularly in relation to panpsychism. This reference serves to highlight the growing interest in philosophical inquiries that incorporate empirical findings from various scientific disciplines.

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Stendhal

Best for Readers interested in philosophy and collective consciousnessOften cited around 19th century writing

Indexed context

Stendhal, the French author, travels around Europe and in his little notes, he talks about the spirit of the German and the spirit of Italy.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: 19th century writing

For: Readers interested in philosophy and collective consciousness

Indexed context: Stendhal, the French author, travels around Europe.

The host mentions Stendhal to illustrate the historical perspective on the 'spirit of nations' and how it relates to collective consciousness. This reference serves to highlight how past writers perceived groups of people as having animating principles, which can be seen as a metaphor for modern discussions on consciousness.

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Book picks by email

Get more book picks with podcast context.

The Nicomachean Ethics

Modern Wisdom · 18:04

Indexed context: The host emphasizes the enduring relevance of Aristotle's 'The Nicomachean Ethics' in understanding ethics and virtues. They highlight its practical…

The Myth of Sisyphus

Modern Wisdom · 40:15

Indexed context: The host discusses David Benatar's views on the morality of existence and suffering, referencing Camus' 'The Myth of Sisyphus' to illustrate philosop…

On The Heights Of Despair

Modern Wisdom · 24:40

Indexed context: The host highlights Emil Turan's work as a profound exploration of pessimism and nihilism, suggesting that engaging with such philosophies can provid…

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