In today’s episode, we are getting into the world of empathy and sympathy. These two emotions play crucial roles in our social interactions, relationships, and personal well-being. I’ll be looking at what they actually are, taking a look at what philosophy has to say on the matter, and exploring their place in psychology.

We’ll also be looking at the pros and cons of each and trying to work out which one is better.

As an aside, you’ll be pleased to hear that the book is in it’s final stages and will be hitting the Apple Bookstore in the next few weeks. I’m doing the last bit of typesetting and getting it looking like a sparkly tome of psychological wisdom. When it’s ready, you’ll be able to purchase it on theobservingi.com and I’ll drop the link to it on Apple Books in a future update.

Much love, David

The Observing I is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Links and Resources

* Our episode on David Hume

* “I and Thou” by Martin Buber

* “Upheavals of Thought” by Martha Nussbaum

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and improve our content.

In today's episode, we're exploring the world of Alain de Botton, the philosopher who makes old ideas feel fresh. We'll explore how he takes complex concepts and brings them down to earth, showing us how they can be applied to our everyday lives.

Whether you're struggling with love, work, or just the general feeling of being overwhelmed by the modern world, de Botton offers a unique perspective that can help us understand ourselves and the world around us a little bit better.

We'll also delve into his ideas on emotional intelligence, and how his work can help us navigate the complexities of our own feelings and relationships. So, if you're ready to find some wisdom in the ordinary, and maybe even a little bit of comfort in knowing that we're all facing similar challenges, then this episode is for you.

Much love,David

The Observing I is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Links and Resources

* Alain de Botton's website - https://www.alaindebotton.com/

* The School of Life - https://www.theschooloflife.com/ (Founded by de Botton)

Introductory books:

* "Essays in Love" - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23427.Essays_in_Love

* "The Consolations of Philosophy" - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23419.The_Consolations_of_Philosophy

* "How Proust Can Change Your Life" - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23420.How_Proust_Can_Change_Your_Life

* "The Art of Travel" - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23422.The_Art_of_Travel

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and improve our content.

In today’s episode, we delve into the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of one my favourite modern philosophers - Alan Watts. He was an incredible figure who spoke with eloquence and clarity, integrating Eastern and Western thought in a way that had never been done before.

Trained as an Episcopal priest, he left the church and went on to become a spiritual luminary in California in the height of the 60s counter culture movement. If you’re interested in Eastern philosophy, this man is the most accessible entry point to the principles of Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism.

I’ve also, for some reason, delivered this in a far huskier tone than usual. It was late when I recorded and I was a bit tired. I’m hoping this doesn’t come across too badly in the episode.

Much love, David

The Observing I is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Links and Resources

Books

* The Way of Zen - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/514210.The_Way_of_Zen

* The Wisdom of Insecurity - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/551520.The_Wisdom_of_Insecurity

* The Book: On the taboo against knowing who you are - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60551.The_Book

Videos

* The Discipline of Zen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5scxrMeYNc0

* Things and Thinks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3-HjYcLcnE

* You Can’t Do It - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR5n2H6Jehg

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and improve our content.

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the life and philosophy of the famous cynic Diogenes of Sinope, possibly one of the most eccentric philosophers in history.

Known for his extreme cynicism and audacious public antics, Diogenes challenged the social and moral norms of his time with a philosophy that is as radical today as it was over two thousand years ago. From living in a ceramic jar to asking Alexander the Great to move because he was blocking the sun, Diogenes' story is a beautiful exploration of what it means to live in accordance with nature.

Much love, David

The Observing I is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, we'll cover

Who Was Diogenes? A look at Diogenes’ early life, his scandalous start in Sinope, and his transformation into a philosopher in Athens.

Core Tenets of Diogenes’ Philosophy. An exploration of the principles of Cynicism, including living in virtue, the rejection of conventional desires, and the embrace of ascetic simplicity.

Anecdotes and Provocations. Famous stories about Diogenes, including his search for an honest man and his memorable encounters with other philosophers like Plato and public figures like Alexander the Great.

Diogenes’ Influence and Legacy. How Diogenes' ideas influenced later philosophies like Stoicism and continue to resonate in modern times.

The Relevance of Diogenes Today. A discussion on how Diogenes' life and teachings challenge us to reflect on our own societal norms and personal values.

Links and Resources

* The Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy

* Diogenes of Sinope - Life and Legend, 2nd Edition

* Philosopher’s Mag - Diogenes of Sinope

Connect With Us

* Email - theobservingi@substack.com

* YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theobservingi

* Instagram - @theobservingi

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and improve our podcast.

In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the sceptical world of the 18th Century philosopher David Hume.

Hume shook the foundations of science, morality, and our sense of self and identity. From his early philosophical crisis, to his critique of the traditional notion of causality, we’ll be exploring how his sceptical mind questioned the limits of human knowledge.

We’ll look at how his ideas can be applied to our lives today, through tools such as emotional awareness, critical thinking, and the embracing of uncertainty. And, to give you a healthy balance, we’ll be exploring the critiques of his work and how it was challenged by thinkers of the time.

Share your thoughts on Humean thinking on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes!

Much love, David

The Observing I is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Resources

* A Treatise of Human Nature - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80311.A_Treatise_of_Human_Nature

* An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/130119.An_Enquiry_Concerning_Human_Understanding*

* An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/839433.An_Enquiry_Concerning_the_Principles_of_Morals

In today’s episode, we explore the curious case of Hermes Trismegistus, a philosopher who lived at the convergence of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman culture.

We'll explore who this mysterious figure might have been (*clue: it wasn’t Thoth), the core principles of Hermetic philosophy, and how they've shaped thinkers from the Renaissance to the present day.

We’ll talk about how Hermeticism can be useful in our lives today, and some of the potential pitfalls and critiques of the philosophy. Such as quiche manifestation. That’s right. Quiche.

Share your thoughts on Hermeticism on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes!

Much love,David

The Observing I is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Resources

* The Kybalion - https://amzn.eu/d/dRttLXd

In today’s episode, we explore the life and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century thinker who challenged traditional morality and championed individual self-creation.

We dive into his core ideas surrounding “the death of God”, the Rise of the Ubermensch, the Will to Power, and his Revaluation of Values. We talk about how to live authentically, according to Nietzsche, and then see how his ideology can be applied to our lives today.

There is, however, no advice offered on how to grow an equivalently powerful moustache. Sorry.

Share your thoughts on Nietzsche's philosophy on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes!

Much love, David

The Observing I is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Ever feel lost in a universe that seems indifferent to your existence? This week on The Observing I, we delve into the world of existentialism and the notion of the absurd, explored through the life and work of Albert Camus. We'll unpack the core themes of existentialism – freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world. Then, we'll meet Meursault, the enigmatic protagonist of Camus' groundbreaking novel The Stranger, and see how his story embodies the themes of absurdity.

Join us as we explore how to navigate life's complexities in an existential void. Learn how to embrace your freedom, define your own meaning, and find purpose and passion even in a seemingly meaningless universe.

Much love, David