#1343 - Penn Jillette

At a Glance

• Importance of Education Throughout Life - “We really should be educating ourselves throughout life… We should do it because there’s things that we pursue that are interesting.” Emphasizes the idea of continuous learning and self-education beyond traditional schooling.

• Benefits of Online Learning - “Now is one of the greatest times ever to do that because of audio books… You can get educated.” Highlights the accessibility and convenience of online learning resources.

• Learning Arabic - “Because don’t you think that ticks all the boxes? That’s going to give me everything if I just learn Arabic.” Discusses the idea of learning a new language and the potential benefits it can bring.

• Critique of Traditional Education System - “There’s so many things that are on the curriculum that are very, very important maybe not that day.” Challenges the traditional approach to education and suggests a more personalized and lifelong learning approach.

• Experience with Trump on TV Show - “You sit in the room, and I don’t know how well you know the president of the United States… You have to sit up straight.” Provides a humorous and insightful glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of a TV show appearance with Donald Trump.

What to Do

• Moderation is key - It’s important to practice moderation in all aspects of life, whether it’s consuming substances or engaging in certain behaviors. Lack of moderation can lead to negative consequences.

• Open-mindedness towards new experiences - Being open to trying new things, such as psychedelics, can lead to personal growth and new perspectives. It’s important to keep an open mind and explore different experiences.

• Understanding the influence of upbringing - Recognizing how your upbringing and family history can impact your attitudes towards substances and behaviors is crucial. It’s important to understand the factors that shape your beliefs and behaviors.

• Exploring alternative methods for personal growth - Considering practices like meditation and microdosing as alternatives to traditional substances can be beneficial. Exploring different methods for personal growth and self-discovery can lead to positive outcomes.

What to Get

• Moon Landing Conspiracy Theories - To understand human skepticism and curiosity about historical events

• World War II Helmet Sculpture - To appreciate human creativity and artistic expression

• Magazines (e.g. Vanity Fair) - To gather information about human culture and popular figures

• Books (e.g. “How Music Works” by David Byrne) - To gain insight into human interests and perspectives

• New York Times - To stay informed about current events and popular culture

• Conspiracy Theory Articles - To study human thought processes and beliefs

• Cameras - To observe human behavior and interactions

• Suicide Watch Equipment - To understand human methods of monitoring and preventing self-harm in controlled environments

Summary

In this podcast episode, the conversation revolves around the idea that things are getting better in the world, despite the prevalent focus on negative news and suffering. The hosts discuss how the abundance of information in today’s world is akin to the abundance of calories, with most people having a poor mental diet due to consuming negative and unreliable information. They emphasize the importance of being mindful of the sources of information we consume and the need for a balanced mental diet to maintain mental health.

The hosts also touch upon the concept of education and lifelong learning, highlighting the availability of resources like podcasts, audiobooks, and online courses that make learning accessible to everyone. They discuss the value of education as a lifelong pursuit and the benefits of self-directed learning outside of traditional educational institutions. Additionally, they explore the idea of cultural appropriation as a means of gaining empathy and understanding by seeing the world through the eyes of others who have had different life experiences.

The conversation delves into the role of art and empathy in shaping societal views and behaviors, challenging the notion that art and empathy are ineffective in creating positive change. They reference Steven Pinker’s book “Better Angels of Our Nature” as a subversive work that challenges the prevailing narrative of suffering and highlights the progress that has been made in reducing violence and improving human conditions. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to adopt a more optimistic outlook on the world and to be mindful of the information they consume in order to maintain mental well-being.