Library and Prompts
For the past years, we’ve read books, listened to podcast, watched videos of lectures and other recordings, to expand our worldview, grow as a person and prompt interesting dialogues with each others.
Books
Human Behaviour and Psychology
Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman
Kahneman delves into the two systems of thought: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and logical. He explains how these systems shape our judgments and decisions, often leading to cognitive biases and errors.
The Righteous Mind – Jonathan Haidt
Haidt examines why people have different moral intuitions and how these differences shape political and religious divisions. He introduces the concept of moral foundations theory, explaining how various moral values influence our judgments and behaviours.
The Master and His Emissary – Iain McGilchrist
McGilchrist explores the differences between the brain’s hemispheres and how they shape our perception of the world. He argues that the left hemisphere’s dominance in modern society has led to a fragmented and mechanistic view of reality, advocating for a more balanced approach that integrates the right hemisphere’s holistic perspective.
The Matter with Things – Iain McGilchrist
This book delves into the nature of reality, the mind, and the cosmos, arguing that the left hemisphere of the brain, which focuses on detail and analysis, has come to dominate Western thought at the expense of the right hemisphere, which sees the whole and understands context. McGilchrist suggests that this imbalance has profound implications for our understanding of the world and our place in it.
Memories, Dreams, Reflections – Carl Jung
This autobiography delves into Jung’s personal and professional life, focusing on his inner experiences and psychological insights. It includes reflections on his childhood, his relationship with Freud, and his travels, offering a deep look into his theories and the development of his ideas.
Give and Take – Adam Grant
Grant categorises people into givers, takers, and matchers, arguing that givers—those who help others without expecting anything in return—often achieve the most success. He provides evidence and strategies for how giving can lead to personal and professional fulfilment.
Drive – Daniel H. Pink
Pink explores the science of motivation, arguing that traditional rewards and punishments are not effective for fostering creativity and productivity. Instead, he highlights the importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose in motivating people.
Making Up the Mind – Chris Frith
This book explores how our brains construct our mental world models and experiences. Using evidence from brain imaging and psychological experiments, Frith explains how our perceptions, thoughts, and social interactions are all products of brain activity.
The Case Against Reality – Donald D. Hoffman
Hoffman argues that our perceptions of reality are not accurate representations of the world but are evolutionary adaptations that help us survive. He suggests that what we see is more like a user interface designed to guide behaviour rather than reveal the true nature of reality.
The Dice Man – Luke Rhinehart
This novel follows a psychiatrist who decides to make all his decisions based on the roll of a dice, leading to a series of unpredictable and often controversial experiences. The story challenges conventional notions of free will and explores the chaos that ensues when life is left to chance.
The Search for The Dice Man – Luke Rhinehart
In this sequel, the son of the original Dice Man embarks on a quest to find his father. The journey forces him to confront the legacy of living by chance and the impact it has had on his life, blending elements of adventure and philosophical inquiry.
Philosophy and Spirituality
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
Manson offers a counterintuitive approach to living a good life, emphasising the importance of focusing on what truly matters and letting go of societal pressures to be positive all the time. He advocates for embracing life’s struggles and finding meaning through adversity.
The Road Less Travelled – M. Scott Peck
Peck combines psychology and spirituality to explore the journey of personal growth. He discusses the importance of discipline, love, and grace in overcoming life’s challenges and achieving emotional and spiritual well-being.
Essays in Love – Alain de Botton
This novel explores the intricacies of a romantic relationship, from the initial attraction to the eventual breakup. De Botton combines narrative with philosophical insights, examining the nature of love, desire, and heartbreak. The book offers a deep, analytical look at the emotional experiences involved in falling in and out of love.
The Art of Travel – Alain de Botton
De Botton reflects on the philosophical aspects of travel, exploring how it can teach us about ourselves and the world. He draws on the experiences of historical figures like Baudelaire and Wordsworth to illustrate how travel can inspire creativity, provide new perspectives, and enhance our appreciation of beauty.
The Consolations of Philosophy – Alain de Botton
This book applies the wisdom of six great philosophers—Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche—to modern life’s challenges. De Botton shows how their ideas can help us deal with issues like unpopularity, poverty, frustration, inadequacy, heartbreak, and difficulties, offering practical advice for living a better life.
The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge – Carlos Castaneda
Castaneda’s first book introduces his apprenticeship with Don Juan, focusing on the use of psychotropic plants to achieve altered states of consciousness. It combines narrative with a structural analysis of Don Juan’s teachings.
A Separate Reality: Further Conversations with Don Juan – Carlos Castaneda
This sequel continues Castaneda’s journey with Don Juan, exploring the concept of “seeing” as a way to perceive the world directly as energy. The book delves deeper into the teachings and experiences that challenge conventional reality.
Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan – Carlos Castaneda
Castaneda recounts his apprenticeship with the Yaqui shaman Don Juan Matus, focusing on the lessons that led him to perceive reality differently. The book emphasises the importance of “stopping the world” to see beyond ordinary perceptions.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert M. Pirsig
This philosophical novel intertwines the story of a father-son motorcycle trip with an exploration of the concept of Quality. Pirsig delves into the dichotomy between classical and romantic modes of understanding, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates rationality and intuition.
The Last Barrier: A Sufi Journey – Reshad Feild
This autobiographical account follows Feild’s spiritual journey as he explores Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. The book details his experiences with Sufi teachers and practices, offering insights into the path of spiritual awakening and the quest for inner peace.
The Forge and the Crucible – Mircea Eliade
Eliade explores the symbolic and spiritual significance of alchemy and metallurgy in various cultures. He examines how these practices reflect humanity’s quest for transformation and transcendence.
12 Rules for Life – Jordan Peterson
Peterson offers twelve practical principles for living a meaningful life, drawing on psychology, philosophy, and his own clinical practice. The rules cover topics such as taking responsibility, seeking meaning, and balancing order and chaos.
The Red Book – Carl Jung
Jung’s “The Red Book” is a record of his self-exploration and confrontation with the unconscious. It includes vivid illustrations and detailed accounts of his visions and fantasies, which he used to develop his theories on the collective unconscious and archetypes.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces – Joseph Campbell
Campbell explores the common patterns found in myths and stories from around the world, known as the “mono-myth” or “hero’s journey.” He argues that these universal themes reflect fundamental aspects of the human experience.
First Principles and First Values – David J. Temple
This book, written under a pseudonym by Marc Gafni and Zak Stein, introduces CosmoErotic Humanism, a philosophical framework aimed at addressing the meta-crisis of modern civilisation. It presents forty-two propositions that offer a new vision of value and purpose for humanity.
The Tao Te Ching – Lao Tzu
This ancient Chinese text, attributed to the sage Lao Tzu, offers wisdom on living in harmony with the Tao, or the fundamental nature of the universe. It emphasises simplicity, humility, and the importance of following the natural flow of life.
Siddhartha – Hermann Hesse
This novel follows the spiritual journey of Siddhartha, a young man in ancient India, as he seeks enlightenment. Through encounters with various teachers and experiences, Siddhartha learns that true wisdom and peace come from within.
The Art of Peace – Morihei Ueshiba
Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, shares his philosophy on achieving harmony and inner peace through martial arts. The book emphasises non-violence, compassion, and spiritual growth, offering practical guidance on applying these principles in daily life.
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – Shunryū Suzuki
This classic text on Zen Buddhism emphasises the importance of maintaining a “beginner’s mind”—an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions. Suzuki provides insights into Zen meditation and practice, encouraging readers to approach life with curiosity and simplicity.
Food of the Gods – Terence McKenna
McKenna explores the role of psychoactive plants in human evolution and culture. He argues that the consumption of these plants, particularly psilocybin mushrooms, played a crucial role in the development of human consciousness, language, and spirituality.
The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross – John M. Allegro
Allegro presents a controversial theory that the origins of Christianity are rooted in ancient fertility cults and the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms. He explores the connections between language, mythology, and religious practices.
The Doors of Perception – Aldous Huxley
In this autobiographical work, Huxley recounts his experiences with the psychedelic drug mescaline. He explores how the drug altered his perceptions, providing profound insights into art, religion, and the nature of reality. The book argues that such experiences can expand human consciousness and understanding.
The Razor’s Edge – William Somerset Maugham
This novel follows Larry Darrell, a World War I veteran who rejects conventional life in search of spiritual fulfilment. The story explores themes of existentialism, the quest for meaning, and the contrast between materialism and spiritual enlightenment.
Holistic and Systems Thinking
Antifragile – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Taleb introduces the concept of antifragility, which describes systems that thrive and grow stronger in the face of volatility and stress. He argues that embracing uncertainty and chaos can lead to greater resilience and success.
Designing For Society – Nynke Tromp and Paul Hekkert
This book explores how design can address societal challenges by focusing on human behaviour and social systems. It presents a framework for designing interventions that promote positive social change, emphasising the importance of understanding the context and the people involved.
Understanding Living Systems – Raymond Noble and Dennis Noble
The authors delve into the complexity of living systems, exploring how biological processes are interconnected and how they contribute to the functioning of life. The book emphasises the importance of systems thinking in biology and medicine, offering insights into how living organisms maintain stability and adapt to changes.
Finding Our Way – Meg Wheatley
Wheatley discusses the importance of leadership and community in navigating complex challenges. She emphasises the need for resilience, adaptability, and a sense of purpose in creating positive change in organisations and society.
Technics and Civilization – Lewis Mumford
Mumford examines the development of technology and its impact on society from the Middle Ages to the modern era. He explores how technological advancements have shaped human culture and the environment, advocating for a more humane and sustainable approach to technological progress.
Good Strategy Bad Strategy – Richard P. Rumelt
Rumelt distinguishes between good and bad strategies, emphasising the importance of clear, coherent action plans backed by solid analysis. He provides examples of effective strategies and common pitfalls to avoid, offering practical advice for developing successful strategic plans.
Thinking in Systems: A Primer – Donella Meadows
This book introduces the basics of systems thinking, explaining how different components like stocks, flows, and feedback loops interact to create complex behaviours. Meadows emphasises the importance of understanding whole systems to effectively address problems in various fields, from environmental issues to organisational challenges.
Limits to Growth – Dennis Meadows and al.
This groundbreaking 1972 study uses computer modelling to predict the consequences of exponential economic and population growth with finite resources. The authors warn that without significant changes, the world could face environmental and economic collapse within a century.
Designing with Society – Scott Boylston
This book explores how systems thinking can be applied to design to address complex social challenges. Boylston emphasises the importance of cultural competence, social justice, and ecological sustainability in design practices, providing actionable principles for designers to drive long-term, sustainable change and highlights the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems, ultimately aiming to create a future where all of humanity can thrive.
The Infinite Game – Simon Sinek
Sinek argues that leaders and organisations should adopt an infinite mindset, focusing on long-term goals and continuous improvement rather than short-term wins. He outlines five essential practices for fostering an infinite mindset: advancing a just cause, building trusting teams, studying worthy rivals, preparing for existential flexibility, and demonstrating the courage to lead.
The Empty Raincoat: Making Sense of the Future – Charles Handy
Handy discusses the paradoxes of modern life and work, advocating for a balance between economic performance and personal fulfilment. He explores how individuals and organisations can navigate the complexities of the future while maintaining a sense of purpose and well-being.
Start With Why – Simon Sinek
This book explores the importance of understanding and communicating the “why” behind actions and decisions. Sinek introduces the concept of the “Golden Circle,” which includes the “why,” “how,” and “what,” and argues that starting with “why” inspires.
Creativity and Innovation
The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron
This book is a guide to unlocking creativity, offering a twelve-week program that includes exercises, journaling, and other techniques to help artists overcome creative blocks and develop their artistic potential.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin
Legendary music producer Rick Rubin shares his philosophy on creativity, emphasising that it is a fundamental aspect of being human. The book offers meditations on the nature of creativity, encouraging readers to embrace their creative potential and view creativity as a way of life rather than a specific act.
Creativity – John Cleese
John Cleese, co-founder of Monty Python, shares his insights on creativity, emphasising the importance of playfulness, the willingness to make mistakes, and the need for time and space to allow creative ideas to emerge.
Originals – Adam Grant
Grant explores how individuals who challenge the status quo drive innovation and change. He offers strategies for nurturing originality in oneself and others, using examples from business, politics, and entertainment to illustrate how non-conformists can make a significant impact and move the world.
The Timeless Way of Building – Christopher Alexander
Alexander introduces the concept of the “quality without a name,” a fundamental quality that makes buildings and environments feel alive and whole. The book provides a philosophical foundation for the patterns described in “A Pattern Language”.
A Pattern Language – Christopher Alexander and al.
This influential book presents a series of design patterns that can be used to create more liveable and beautiful environments. Each pattern addresses a specific problem in architecture and urban design, offering practical solutions that can be adapted to various contexts.
Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite – Paul Arden
Arden challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to embrace risk and unconventional ideas. The book is filled with anecdotes, quotes, and illustrations that inspire readers to think differently and take bold actions.
It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be – Paul Arden
This motivational book provides insights into achieving success by focusing on ambition and creativity rather than just talent. Arden shares practical advice and thought-provoking ideas to help readers unlock their potential and achieve their goals.
The Art of Innovation – Tom Kelley and Jonathan Littman
This book provides insights into IDEO, America’s Leading Design Firm creative processes, emphasising the importance of teamwork, brainstorming, and prototyping. Kelley shares practical strategies for fostering a culture of continuous innovation and creativity within organisations.
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned – Joel Lehman and Kenneth Stanley
This book challenges the conventional wisdom that setting specific goals is the best way to achieve greatness. Instead, the authors argue that innovation and success often come from following a path of exploration and serendipity, rather than rigid planning.
Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction – Gary Rogowski
Rogowski reflects on his life as a master craftsman, emphasising the value of manual work and creativity. He shares lessons on patience, resilience, and the pursuit of beauty, offering insights into finding focus and purpose in a distracted world.
How Innovation Works – Matt Ridley
Ridley explores the process of innovation, highlighting how it often arises from collaboration, trial and error, and the exchange of ideas. He provides examples from history to illustrate how innovation drives progress and improves human life.
Six Thinking Hats – Edward de Bono
De Bono introduces a method for improving decision-making and creative thinking by using six different “hats,” each representing a distinct mode of thinking. This approach helps individuals and groups explore problems from multiple perspectives and develop well-rounded solutions.
A More Beautiful Question – Warren Berger
Berger emphasises the power of inquiry in driving innovation and solving problems. He highlights the importance of asking “why,” “what if,” and “how” questions to challenge assumptions, explore possibilities, and find creative solutions in both personal and professional contexts.
The Inevitable – Kevin Kelly
Kelly explores twelve technological forces that will shape the future, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the sharing economy. He argues that understanding these trends can help us navigate the changes they bring and harness their potential.
Society and Culture
The Burnout Society – Byung-Chul Han
Han explores how the modern emphasis on constant productivity and self-optimisation leads to widespread burnout and mental health issues. He argues that today’s society, driven by the imperative to achieve, results in self-exploitation and chronic exhaustion.
Guide to Kulchur – Ezra Pound
This book is a collection of essays in which Pound explores 2,500 years of cultural history, examining literature, philosophy, music, and economics. He critiques modern society and emphasises the importance of understanding cultural heritage to foster true intellectual and artistic growth.
Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
This semi-autobiographical novel follows Lin, an escaped Australian convict who finds a new life in the underworld of Bombay. The story explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption as Lin navigates the complexities of his new environment.
How to Change the World – John Paul Flintoff
Flintoff offers practical advice on how individuals can make a difference in the world. Drawing on examples from history and contemporary society, he shows how small actions can lead to significant change and encourages readers to find their own ways to contribute.
The Rational Optimist – Matt Ridley
Ridley argues that human progress is driven by trade, innovation, and the exchange of ideas. He presents an optimistic view of the future, suggesting that continued economic and technological advancements will lead to greater prosperity and well-being.
Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
Set in a dystopian future, this novel explores a society where technological advancements and government control ensure superficial happiness and stability. The story follows characters who struggle with the loss of individuality and the dehumanising effects of a highly controlled society.
Island – Aldous Huxley
This utopian novel follows Will Farnaby, a cynical journalist who shipwrecks on the island of Pala. There, he discovers a society that blends Western science with Eastern spirituality, promoting individual well-being and communal harmony. The novel contrasts with Huxley’s dystopian work, “Brave New World,” by presenting a vision of a balanced, enlightened society.
Nineteen Eighty-Four – George Orwell
This dystopian novel explores the dangers of totalitarianism, surveillance, and thought control. The book delves into themes of oppression, the manipulation of truth, and the loss of individuality warning of the consequences of unchecked political power and the erosion of personal freedoms.
The Story of Utopias – Lewis Mumford
This book explores the history and concept of utopias, examining various utopian visions and their implications for society. Mumford discusses the potential and limitations of utopian thinking in addressing social and environmental challenges.
Immoderate Greatness: Why Civilizations Fail – William Ophuls
Ophuls examines the factors that lead to the rise and fall of civilisations, arguing that inherent biophysical and human limitations make collapse inevitable. He discusses how ecological exhaustion, exponential growth, and moral decay contribute to the downfall of societies.
Manufacturing Consent – Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman
This book explores how mass media serves the interests of elite groups in society, shaping public opinion through propaganda. It introduces the “Propaganda Model” to explain how media outlets filter news to align with corporate and governmental interests, often marginalising dissenting voices.
Authority and the Individual – Bertrand Russell
In this series of lectures, Russell examines the balance between individual freedom and social cohesion. He discusses how societies can maintain order while allowing personal initiative and creativity, emphasising the importance of decentralisation and local self-governance.
In Praise of Idleness – Bertrand Russell
Russell challenges the traditional notion that hard work is inherently virtuous. He argues that reducing work hours and increasing leisure time can lead to greater happiness and creativity. The essays cover various topics, including the benefits of idleness, the dangers of overwork, and the potential for a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Power: A New Social Analysis – Bertrand Russell
Russell explores the nature of power and its role in society. He examines different forms of power, such as economic, military, and cultural, and discusses how power dynamics shape social structures and individual behaviour. The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of power and its ethical implications.
New Hopes for a Changing World – Bertrand Russell
Written in the aftermath of World War II, this book addresses the conflicts between humans and nature, between individuals, and within ourselves. Russell offers insights into how science, politics, and psychology can help resolve these conflicts and create a more harmonious world.
The Society of the Spectacle – Guy Debord
Debord critiques modern consumer culture and the pervasive influence of mass media. He argues that life in contemporary society is dominated by images and representations, leading to a profound sense of alienation and disconnection from authentic human experiences.
Autogeddon – Heathcote Williams
This poetic and polemical work critiques the automobile’s impact on society and the environment. Williams uses vivid imagery and passionate language to highlight the destructive consequences of car culture, advocating for a more sustainable and humane way of living.
Wolf Totem – Jiang Rong
Set during the Cultural Revolution in China, this novel follows a young intellectual sent to the Inner Mongolian grasslands, where he learns about the nomadic lifestyle and the spiritual significance of wolves. The story explores themes of environmentalism, cultural conflict, and the impact of modernisation.
The Country of the Blind – H. G. Wells
This short story explores perception and differing worldviews. A sighted mountaineer finds a valley of blind people and believes his vision makes him superior, but they see his claims as madness. It highlights themes of adaptation, the limits of understanding, and how advantages can be context-dependent.
Adventures in Afghanistan – Louis Palmer
Palmer recounts his travels through Afghanistan, offering insights into the country’s culture, history, and landscapes. The book provides a personal perspective on the challenges and beauty of this often misunderstood region.
Podcasts & Channels
Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Exploring theoretical physics, consciousness, Ai, and God in a technically rigorous manner, Curt analyses various Theories of Everything. With focus on depth, paralleling the intensity found in academic discourse, this podcast is increasingly embracing a spectrum of unconventional ideas to conduct research during this podcast, rather than merely conveying existing information.
The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens
This podcast explores the systems science underpinning the human predicament. Conversation topics will span human behaviour, monetary/economic systems, energy, ecology, geopolitics and the environment. The goal of the show is to inform more humans about the path ahead and inspire people to play a role in our collective future. Guests will be from a wide range of scientists, leaders, activists, thinkers, and doers.
www.thegreatsimplification.com
Awakening From The Meaning Crisis by John Vervaeke
This foundational series unravels the meaning crisis: the loss of spiritual vitality, and the sense of disconnection we experience with other people, ourselves, and the world at large. This series provides a historical genealogy – beginning 40,000 years ago – that explores the rise and fall of meaning in the West, and the philosophy, religion and science that nurtured it. John examines how human beings evolved to be meaning-making creatures, and why this is so essential to our culture and cognition. He also explores how the decline of meaningful worldviews has paved the way for various modern ailments, such as our political, environmental and mental health crises, and the rising suicide rates in North America and around the world.
johnvervaeke.com/series/awakening-from-the-meaning-crisis
After Socrates by John Vervaeke
This follow up to Awakening from the Meaning Crisis turns the extensive genealogy into an intensive wisdom seminar. This time, John dives deeply into the elusive figure of Socrates: his uncanny persona, his famously wise ignorance, his singular influence on human thought, and the various thinkers that have evolved his legacy. This series is not just theory – it’s also practice! John introduces a series of exercises, inspired by the Socratic and Platonic tradition, to guide us in personal transformation. He shows how meditation, contemplation and powerful forms of dialogue can help us develop deeper relationships with ourselves and one another, cultivate virtue and wisdom, and reorient to a more meaningful life.
johnvervaeke.com/series/after-socrates
Voices with Vervaeke Podcast
John Vervaeke, PhD is a philosopher and cognitive scientist. His work and research is far-ranging, including topics such as human intelligence, rationality, wisdom, and AI. In this ongoing conversation series, John dialogues with various individuals whose actions and ideas are working to respond to the meaning crisis, and bring wisdom into practice and culture. Guests include scholars, pastors, authors, psychologists, teachers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and more.
johnvervaeke.com/series/voices-with-vervaeke
GoCognitive YouTube Channel
GoCognitive is a YouTube channel dedicated to cognitive psychology and neuroscience, featuring interviews with leading researchers, educational videos, and demonstrations. It aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible to students, educators, and enthusiasts. The channel covers topics like working memory and bounded rationality, providing insightful content to deepen your understanding of cognitive processes.
Veritasium: an Element of Truth Channel
Veritasium, created by Dr. Derek Muller, is a YouTube channel dedicated to exploring scientific concepts and phenomena. With over 16 million subscribers, the channel features engaging videos on topics ranging from physics to psychology, aiming to make science accessible and exciting. Known for its high-quality content and thought-provoking experiments, Veritasium inspires curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.
The Portal Podcast by Eric Weinstein
The Portal is an exploration into discovery, including conversations with thought leaders. Host Eric Weinstein brings his unique expertise and diverse roster of guests for a wide range of discussions, including science, culture, business, and capitalism. The show features agentic individuals whose lives demonstrate that portals into what we would normally consider impossible, are indeed possible. Guests include Physics Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose, NY Times bestselling author Sam Harris, and mathematical artist London Tsai.
Deep Transformation Podcast
Deep Transformation Podcast, hosted by Roger Walsh and John Dupuy, explores the big issues and urgent questions of our time through transformative conversations. The podcast delves into topics like self, society, and spirit, offering new perspectives and time-honored wisdom. By engaging with leading thinkers and activists, the podcast aims to inspire, educate, and accelerate personal and collective evolution.
Sprouts YouTube Channel
Sprouts is a YouTube channel that simplifies complex ideas through engaging cartoon animations. Focused on social sciences, the channel creates educational videos that are accessible to students, teachers, and lifelong learners. By publishing under a Creative Commons license, Sprouts aims to maximise its impact and promote active learning worldwide.
AfterSkool YouTube Channel
AfterSkool, created by Mark Wooding, is a YouTube channel that empowers individuals through thought-provoking and motivational videos. Using engaging animations, the channel explores profound ideas in philosophy, psychology, and self-improvement. With a mission to inspire change and personal growth, AfterSkool delivers content that challenges viewers to think deeply and transform their lives.
Big Think
Big Think is a platform dedicated to making you smarter, faster by introducing you to the brightest minds and boldest ideas of our time. Through short-form intellectual videos, articles, and expert interviews, Big Think challenges common assumptions and encourages new ways of thinking. The platform covers a wide range of topics, including science, philosophy, and personal development, aiming to help individuals and organisations navigate an ever-changing world.
Fall of Civilizations Podcast
The Fall of Civilizations Podcast, created by Paul Cooper, explores the collapse of different civilizations throughout history. Each episode delves into the causes of their downfall, what life was like during their decline, and the lasting impacts on the world. Through detailed storytelling and immersive soundscapes, the podcast brings ancient worlds to life, offering listeners a profound understanding of the past.
youtube.com/@FallofCivilizationpodcast
fallofcivilizationspodcast.com
Lex Fridman Podcast
The Lex Fridman Podcast offers in-depth conversations with leading thinkers across science, philosophy, and technology. Topics range from artificial intelligence and physics to consciousness and ethics, as guests share insights into the forces shaping our understanding of the world. Known for its thoughtful approach, the podcast invites listeners to explore complex ideas and the mysteries of human experience.
The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast
The Joe Rogan Experience brings unfiltered, wide-ranging conversations with guests from all walks of life — comedians, scientists, athletes, and more. Known for its informal style, the podcast explores topics like culture, health, and current events, offering listeners humour, curiosity, and fresh perspectives on today’s issues, often sparking lively discussions and unique insights.
Daniel Schmachtenberger Media Interventions
Daniel Schmachtenberger, a founding member of The Consilience Project, focuses on enhancing public sensemaking and dialogue. His work aims to improve individual and societal health and development, addressing catastrophic risks, civilisation decay, and collective action problems. Believing that advancing collective intelligence is crucial for civilisation’s integrity, he speaks on these topics to foster important conversations and solutions.
civilizationemerging.com/media
Zak Stein Speaking Invitations
Dr. Zachary Stein was trained at the interface of philosophy, psychology, and education, and now works in fields related to the mitigation of global catastrophic risk. A widely sought after and award winning speaker, Zak is a leading authority on the future of education and contemporary issues in human development. Some of his speaking invitations can be found on this website. Dr. Stein is the author of several books and many peer-reviewed papers, all of which can also be found on his website too.
Iain McGilChrist Podcasts Invitations and Videos Interventions
Iain McGilchrist is a British psychiatrist, literary scholar, and philosopher, renowned for his work on the brain’s hemispheric functions. He authored the influential book The Master and His Emissary, which explores how the divided brain influences our perception and culture. His latest work, The Matter with Things, delves into the metaphysical implications of brain lateralisation. He continues to write and lecture worldwide, emphasising the importance of integrating science, philosophy, and the humanities.
McGilChrist Official Podcast & Podcasts invitations
McGilChrist Video Interventions
The Academy of Ideas Channel
The Academy of Ideas channel, created by two Canadian brothers, aims to spread knowledge and freedom by examining the ideas of history’s greatest philosophers, psychologists, and economists. With the advent of the Internet, barriers to knowledge have been shattered, allowing free access to a vast library of human thought. The channel emphasises that ideas, not money or power, shape the destiny of mankind, promoting individual liberty and empowerment.
academyofideas.com/category/videos
Closer To Truth Episodes
Closer To Truth is a broadcast and digital media non-profit organisation that explores humanity’s deepest questions. Hosted by Robert Lawrence Kuhn, the series features intimate discussions with leading scientists, philosophers, and thinkers on topics like cosmology, consciousness, and the meaning of life. Airing on over 200 PBS and public TV stations since 2000, Closer To Truth aims to engage viewers in profound and diverse ways of thinking.
Einzelgänger YouTube Channel
Einzelgänger is a YouTube channel that explores philosophy, psychology, and self-improvement through engaging and insightful videos. Covering topics like Stoicism, Taoism, and the teachings of Carl Jung, the channel aims to provide practical wisdom for modern life. Created by a passionate individual, Einzelgänger combines thoughtful analysis with creative storytelling to inspire personal growth and deeper understanding.
Mystiverse YouTube Channel
Mystiverse is a YouTube channel that delves into existential questions and philosophical concepts through engaging and thought-provoking videos. With a focus on topics like the nature of time, consciousness, and the universe, Mystiverse aims to entertain and enlighten viewers. Created by passionate individuals, the channel combines animation and storytelling to explore the mysteries of our world and beyond.
Vsauce YouTube Channel
Vsauce, created by Michael Stevens, is a YouTube channel that explores scientific, psychological, mathematical, and philosophical topics. Known for its engaging and thought-provoking content, Vsauce makes complex ideas accessible and entertaining. With millions of subscribers, the channel delves into everything from the nature of reality to quirky scientific phenomena, sparking curiosity and wonder in viewers worldwide.
Asangoham YouTube Channel
Asangoham is a YouTube channel that explores spirituality and philosophy through beautifully crafted narrations and soulful audio effects. The channel delves into topics like mysticism, consciousness, and the teachings of various spiritual traditions, aiming to provide deep insights and immersive experiences. Created by passionate individuals, Asangoham seeks to enlighten and inspire viewers on their spiritual journeys.
Quanta Magazine
Quanta Magazine is an editorially independent publication launched by the Simons Foundation in 2012. It aims to enhance public understanding of science by illuminating complex topics in mathematics, theoretical physics, computer science, and the life sciences. Known for its in-depth, accurate journalism, Quanta combines scientific rigor with engaging storytelling to make cutting-edge research accessible to a broad audience.
The Center for Humane Technology Channel
The Center for Humane Technology is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the way technology impacts our lives. Founded by former tech insiders, it aims to realign technology with humanity’s best interests by addressing the root causes of harmful tech. Through initiatives like the documentary The Social Dilemma and the podcast Your Undivided Attention, the center raises awareness and advocates for ethical technology that enhances well-being, democracy, and shared information environments.
Ripplty‘s Video Collection
A publicly available collection of YouTube videos that picked our interests in no particular order, constantly growing as we explore more and more.