Undead Sages Podcast

we often take resistance as a right—even a duty. And yet: the moment you claim that right, you awaken something unpredictable. Fighting injustice may restore dignity—but it can also unleash darkness:
terror, betrayal, even ecstasy.In this series, we speak with those who resisted—and those the world tried to silence. Saints and revolutionaries, mystics and militants. Their words are sharp. Their choices: balanced on a knife’s edge.You may not agree with them. But if you’ve ever clenched your fists in the face of injustice—then this is “your” conversation, too.Last week, we interviewed Maximilien Robespierre, the architect of the Terror - a time of great struggle and uncertainty following the French Revolution. Under his rule, thousands were executed for not living up to his standards of virtue. His was a maximalist interpretation of when resistance was allowed to use violence. He would say: until virtue reigns supreme and humanity has been born anew. Our first guest, Gandhi, took the other end of the spectrum. He said that violence was never okay, as it would unforgivably taint the soul of the one wielding it, which would only lead to injustice continuing to occur. Our remaining rostrum of guests all fall somewhere on the spectrum created by these two opposites. So today, we’ll be talking to Rosa Luxemburg, a socialist resistance fighter who certainly was no fan of violence, but who didn’t completely rule it out, either. 0:00 Intro2:51 Life description4:24 Is violence ever justified in the pursuit of justice?5:41 Freedom is always the freedom of the one who thinks differently7:01 Resistance against Authoritarianism8:01 Spontaneity8:50 World War I9:50 How prison shaped Rosa Luxemburg12:54 The Spartacist Uprising13:56 Violence may sometimes be necessary, but never virtuous14:57 Love is central to revolution16:02 Advice for would-be revolutionaries

Maximilien Robespierre used violence as a tool to achieve dignity, to heal the body politic of corruptions. Without virtue, the French Revolution would be a failure, and would only produce new systems of oppression. To properly understand him, we’ll need some context.
France, 1789. A kingdom on the brink. The people are starving—bread prices skyrocket after years of failed harvests. The monarchy is bankrupt. And across Europe, kings watch nervously as revolution stirs.In Paris, the Bastille falls. The king is dethroned, then executed. War breaks out on all borders. Civil war ignites at home. Amid the chaos, one man rises: Maximilien Robespierre. A lawyer from Arrahhs, incorruptible, driven by a vision of a virtuous Republic.But as fear spreads and enemies multiply, Robespierre turns virtue into law—and law into terror. Thousands are executed in the name of liberty. Friends become traitors overnight. The guillotine becomes a tool of purification.Then, in the summer of 1794, the Revolution devours its own. Robespierre is arrested, silenced, and executed—jaw shattered, words unspoken. He dies at the age of 36.0:00 Intro3:49 Robespierre’s life5:34 From Defending the Poor to Becoming a Mass Murderer7:02 How Virtue Ties it all Together8:38 Did You Go Too Far?9:49 Can Coercion be Reconciled with Liberty?11:01 Was the Terror Indiscriminate?11:43 Standing Alone and The Last Execution12:43 Was it Worth it?13:40 Robespierre’s Posthumous Verdict on The Terror15:04 The Virtue Paradox

In this series, we speak with those who resisted—and those the world tried to silence.
Saints and revolutionaries, mystics and militants.
 Their words are sharp. Their choices, costly.You may not agree with them.
 But if you’ve ever clenched your fists in the face of injustice—
then this is your conversation, too.This is “Resist”.
For our first guest in this arc, we talk to Mahatma Gandhi, whose resistance changed an empire—not by the sword, but by the soul.He is often remembered as a saint. But he was also a strategist, a provocateur, a tireless resister.0:00 intro3:07 Life overview4:45 Resisting the British7:00 Why embrace suffering?7:21 Opposition from others in the independence movement8:02 Final betrayal?8:26 What is Satyagraha?9:20 Why is purity important?10:34 The spiritual dimension of satyagraha12:05 Non-harming15:10 Do we misunderstand resistance in modern times?15:40 Love as strength17:28 Final words

Julius Evola was an Italian philosopher, esotericist, and critic of modernity known for his radical traditionalism and metaphysical worldview. Active in the 20th century, he drew from Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, rejecting liberalism, materialism, and egalitarianism in favor of inner discipline, hierarchy, and transcendent order. Controversial and often misunderstood, Evola called for a spiritual elite to rise above the ruins of the modern world.Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Welcome to the Undead Sages Podcast, where we travel back in time to talk to long-dead wise men and women. Today is the second in a series of discussions about masculinity, in which we discuss what it means to be a man. In this interview, we’ll be talking to the provocative 20th-century French philosopher, Georges Bataille. His work explored transgression, eroticism, and the sacred, often blurring the line between mysticism and madness. He’s deeply relevant for his radical reimagining of male subjectivity—not as control or virtue, but as vulnerability, ecstasy, and inner rupture.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Ivan Illich was a radical social thinker, priest, and philosopher who challenged the foundations of modern institutions—schooling, medicine, transportation, and more. His work exposed how systems designed to serve often end up diminishing human agency. In a conversation on masculinity, Illich is essential: he helps us see how modern life has uprooted men from embodied presence, meaningful work, and deep community—and what it might take to return.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Our guest today is a literary icon whose name is etched into the bones of 20th-century writing. A war correspondent, Nobel Prize winner, adventurer, and deeply human voice — Ernest Hemingway gave the world stories of courage, loss, and grace under pressure. Today, we sit with the man behind the myth, and hear from him not just as a writer, but as a soul who lived it all.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

D.H. Lawrence was a novelist, poet, and fierce explorer of the human soul. Known for works like "Sons and Lovers" and "Lady Chatterley’s Lover", Lawrence challenged the mechanical grip of modernity with a vision rooted in instinct, sensuality, and spiritual wildness. He believed the body holds truths the mind forgets—and that to live fully, we must feel fiercely.This conversation is the first in a series on masculinity in the modern age. Future guests will include Leo Tolstoy, Carl Jung, and others.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Bob Marley, born in Jamaica, was a musical visionary who brought reggae to the global stage. With his soulful voice and powerful lyrics, he became a symbol of peace, love, and resistance. Infusing his music with messages of unity and social justice, Marley’s legacy transcends generations, making him one of the most influential artists in history.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠renatofarabeuf on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Simone Weil was a French philosopher, mystic, and political activist who lived—and thought—with fierce integrity. Born in 1909 and gone by 1943, her brief life burned with radical compassion, intellectual clarity, and spiritual longing. She worked in factories, refused comfort, and sought truth wherever it hurt.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Brother Roger of Taizé, born in Switzerland, founded the Taizé community in France during World War II. He established a haven for refugees and later created a monastic community focused on prayer, simplicity, and reconciliation. His vision of Christian unity drew thousands of young people to Taizé, fostering a global movement of spiritual renewal.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

🎙️ Debate Topic: The Potential and Pitfalls of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
🕊️ Moderator: Lydia Carmichael
🎭 Participants: Diogenes the Cynic, Aldous Huxley, Friedrich NietzscheGood evening, esteemed guests, thinkers, and truth-seekers. I am Lydia Carmichael, your moderator for tonight’s dialogue, where we examine one of the most pressing—and divisive—developments of our age: Artificial General Intelligence, or AGI. Unlike narrow AI, which performs specific tasks, AGI aspires to emulate or even surpass the full range of human cognitive abilities—learning, reasoning, perception, and even emotion.The promise of AGI tantalizes: a future of boundless productivity, erasure of ignorance, and perhaps even the end of suffering. Yet the specter it casts is equally formidable: loss of human agency, ethical opacity, and the possibility of intelligence divorced from empathy or conscience. Will AGI awaken human potential, or render it obsolete? Can a machine be wise—or only efficient? And what, if anything, anchors our dignity in a post-human world?To help us grapple with these questions, I welcome three radically divergent minds:* Diogenes of Sinope: Cynic philosopher and destroyer of pretense, who lived in a barrel and sneered at convention.* Aldous Huxley: Visionary author of “Brave New World”, prophet of mass sedation and spiritual sterility in technological societies.* Friedrich Nietzsche: Iconoclastic German philosopher, herald of the Übermensch and unsparing critic of herd morality.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠FunWithSound on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠Applause 1 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠theplax on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠Applause 2 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠uair01 on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Thomas Merton was a celebrated Trappist monk whose contemplative writings continue to inspire seekers of all faiths. Join us as we explore Merton's journey from worldly intellectual to spiritual guide, and discover how his teachings on solitude, compassion, and social justice remain powerfully relevant in our chaotic modern world.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Jack Kerouac was a pioneering American novelist and poet central to the Beat Generation. Known for his spontaneous prose style, Kerouac’s seminal work, On the Road captured the restless spirit of post-war America. His writing explored themes of travel, spirituality, and rebellion, influencing counterculture movements of the 1960s. A French-Canadian from Lowell, Massachusetts, Kerouac’s legacy endures as a symbol of artistic freedom and nonconformity. Join us as we delve into his life, work, and enduring impact on literature and culture.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠kerouacsamerica on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Born in 1894, Aldous Huxley was a renowned English novelist and philosopher. Best known for his dystopian novel Brave New World, Huxley's works span satire, philosophy, and non-fiction. His life was marked by intellectual pursuits and a fascination with mysticism, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century literature.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Sri Ramakrishna, born in 1836 in Bengal, was a revered Hindu mystic. He emphasized the unity of all religions and the divinity within every being. His teachings, marked by simplicity and spiritual depth, inspired countless followers, including Swami Vivekananda, and continue to influence spirituality globally.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Soundscapes by ⁠⁠⁠⁠George Thengummoottil and yalel on ⁠⁠⁠⁠SoundcloudConcept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Friedrich Nietzsche was renowned for his radical ideas on morality, religion, and individualism. He famously declared "God is dead," critiquing traditional values and advocating for the creation of personal meaning. His influential works include Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil. Despite struggling with health issues, Nietzsche's thoughts on the "will to power" and the Übermensch continue to shape modern philosophy.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Lofty ideals… can fall into profound states of disrepair.Especially when confronted with the dynamics of power, lofty ideals can begin to shift and shimmy until little of their original substance remains. Over its 2500 year history, Buddhism has not been immune to this phenomenon. While Buddhism strives to eradicate human suffering, at times it has contributed to the exact opposite. In this episode, we’ll take a look at the dynamics that contributed to Zen Buddhism’s support of Japanese aggression during World War 2.Interview facilitated by ChatGPTVoicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rcrath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen@ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Live Philosopher Friend Arne Willee again joins podcast host Merijn de Haen in an actual graveyard for a free-ranging discussion. Revisiting the last philosophers to have graced our show with their presence, we focus on how their philosophy can be of use to sensitive people in our modern lives, but we also have a nice flow going and just see where the discussion takes us. Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

We first encountered Siddhartha Gautama some six weeks ago, and we’ve been quizzing him about the development of his practical philosophy to end suffering. Today, we’ve finally arrived in the present day, and will discuss the reception of Buddhist ideas and practices in the West. Next week, we’ll have one final episode with the Buddha, where the emphasis will lie on several historical examples of Buddhism going horribly wrong in practice. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rcrath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

In this fifth installment of our interview series with the historical Buddha, we take a brief look at the different Mahayana practice schools, like Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rcrath⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Last week, we explored how his once orally transmitted teachings were written down in Sri Lanka. We also saw how the community of monks expanded, and how faultlines appeared along conservative and more modern interpretations of his message. The conservative faction wanted to adhere solely to the teachings as they were written down in Sri Lanka and the commentaries based on them. So last week, we followed the surviving branch of this tradition, often known as the “Way of the Elders”, or Theravada. This week and the next, we’ll explore the other branch: the modernists, or “Mahayana”. I hope you’ll appreciate that a 2000 year history can hardly be summed up in the half hour or so we have to do the interview. So, like in most previous editions of the podcast, we’ve had to resort to generalizations and simplifications. Also, we’ll split the philosophy section off from the section where we talk about the different practice schools, and how they are unique. So this week philosophy, and next week, the practice schools. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rcrath⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

It’s still the rainy season in India, 460 BCE or thereabouts, and the Buddha has been so kind as to grant me another audience. While legend has it that he has total overview of time and space, I think he finds something of value in our conversations, also. I’ve told him I’m a time traveler, and today we’ll start to investigate how his teachings have survived his own death. But first, I want to flesh out his life a little more. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rcrath⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince in the 6th century BCE. Legend has it that he grew weary of palace life and left his wife, son and destiny as a future ruler to find the answer to the age-old question of human suffering. After six years of relentless searching, he reached Awakening and decided to teach his method to anyone who would listen. His 45 year teaching career involved long wanderings across what is now Northern India, punctuated by yearly retreats in monsoon season, which is where we meet him today. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rcrath⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2025 Undead Sages Podcast

Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince in the 6th century BCE. Legend has it that he grew weary of palace life and left his wife, son and destiny as a future ruler to find the answer to the age-old question of human suffering. After six years of relentless searching, he reached Awakening and decided to teach his method to anyone who would listen. His 45 year teaching career involved long wanderings across what is now Northern India, punctuated by yearly retreats in monsoon season, which is where we meet him today. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠rcrath on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Etty Hillesum was a Dutch writer, thinker, and spiritual seeker whose voice emerged from the depths of one of history’s darkest chapters. Born in 1914, Etty's profound journals, written during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, reveal a journey of inner transformation, love, and resilience amidst unimaginable suffering. From her early struggles with emotional turmoil to her selfless work at the Westerbork transit camp, Etty’s reflections offer a timeless message of hope, compassion, and the power of the human spirit to find light even in the darkest moments. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Yuval on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who was born exactly 300 years ago. He spent his entire life in the city of Königsberg, which came up before in our podcast, when we talked with Hannah Arendt, who grew up there. His works laid the foundation for modern philosophy, reshaping our understanding of knowledge, ethics, and the limits of human reason. His most famous work, the “Critique of Pure Reason”, explores how our minds actively structure our experience of the world. Kant’s insights continue to influence everything from science to morality to aesthetics. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠soundslikewillem on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

David Hume is one of the most influential figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, a philosopher who revolutionized how we think about knowledge, morality, and the human condition. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠inchadney on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Live Philosopher Friend Arne Willee again joins podcast host Merijn de Haen in an actual graveyard for a free-ranging discussion. Revisiting the last philosophers to have graced our show with their presence, we focus on how their philosophy can be of use to sensitive people in our modern lives, but we also have a nice flow going and just see where the discussion takes us. Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Epicurus taught a practical philosophy, centering on friendship and the avoidance of excess. Which is kind of ironic, seeing as being called an Epicurean these days is basically equal to being called a hedonist: someone who indulges in excessive delights. Epicurus himself however taught an almost ascetic lifestyle, focused on maximizing happiness by cutting away superfluous desires and unnecessary fears. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kyster on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing, music and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Hannah Arendt was a German philosopher with Jewish roots who lived a passionate life, full of courage and honesty. In our previous episode, I met Hannah for a stroll along the Hudson river in New York. We talked about her relationship with Martin Heidegger, her flight from the Nazi regime, and her studies of evil and totalitarianism. Now, while it is important to study important and mind-bending things like that, Hannah’s work stands out for tying it into a philosophy for living a good life. So, having laid the ground work last week, today, we’ll spend most of our time discussing her thinking on freedom and human thriving. This breadth of her work makes her an important figure in the canon of contemporary philosophy. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠calebjay on ⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠ Concept, editing, music and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"Ach, Eichmann… The controversy was perhaps the most painful episode of my later life. I lost friends, and I was accused of blaming the victims, which was never my intention. I wanted to expose the disturbing ordinariness of evil, the way it could be carried out by men who acted without thinking, without judging. It was difficult to endure the backlash, but I felt it was important to hold firm to my convictions, to face the truth as I saw it, even if it cost me personally." Hannah Arendt was a German philosopher with Jewish roots who grew up in Königsberg, the current Russian city of Kaliningrad. She traveled a lot, not entirely by choice as she had to flee from persecution several times. First to Paris and ultimately to New York. A significant part of her life was dedicated to the study of evil and totalitarianism, and she was very courageous in taking on this task. But she took her exploration much further than this, and next week we’ll spend most of our time discussing her thinking on freedom and human thriving, which is innovative and profound. Today though, we’ll talk about her early years and her examination of the concept of evil. The totality of her work illustrates the breadth of her philosophical thinking, making her an important figure in the canon of contemporary philosophy. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠⁠Grand_Project⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Klankbeeld⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

If I could leave you with just one message, it is this: the peace you are seeking is not something distant or outside of you. It is within you, right here and now. The Self, your true nature, is pure awareness, untouched by the mind, thoughts, or the external world. It is always present, waiting for you to turn inward and recognize it. Ramana Maharshi was a sage from Southern India, who led a very interesting life. And when I say interesting I don’t mean that he travelled a lot, or that he moved in exalted circles. Nor did he have spectacular hobbies, or write best-selling books. No, his life was interesting exactly because he didn’t do any of these things. His only focus was inward, towards what he called “the Self”, which sustained and nurtured him to the degree that there was nothing else he wanted from life. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Wondercraft and Elevenlabs⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠Rico Casazza on ⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠ Concept, editing, music, and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Live Philosopher Friend Arne Willee joins podcast host Merijn de Haen in an actual graveyard on the Dia de Muerte for a free-ranging discussion. Revisiting the last four philosophers to have graced our show with their presence, we focus on how their philosophy can be of use to sensitive people in our modern lives, but we also have a nice flow going and just see where the discussion takes us. Music by ⁠⁠Grand_Project⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"In the end, our rebellion against the absurd, against oppression, or against the injustice of the world is only meaningful if we do so without becoming what we oppose. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s crucial. To act, to resist, and to remain fully human—that’s the true struggle." Albert Camus was an Algerian-French writer from the 20th century, who wrote about the absurdity of life and death. His novels have reached global audiences. “The Plague” is set in a small Algerian city amid an outbreak of bubonic plague, and describes the senselessness of life and death. Still, the main characters in the story can’t help but resist in their own way the wantonness of the suffering around them. His earlier work, “The Stranger”, deals with the human need to construct meaning, even where there is none. He lived through the nazi occupation of France, and had nuanced views on the later struggle for Algerian independence.   Interview facilitated by ChatGPT Voicing constructed with ⁠Wondercraft Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by ⁠⁠⁠Kompact on ⁠⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"Seek peace in small moments, in art, in nature, and in the quieting of desire. This world may not offer lasting joy, but it can offer clarity, and with clarity comes a kind of relief, even in the face of life’s inevitable struggles." Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher from the 19th century, who thought about the futility of striving. He taught that the “will to live” was the only true reality, which instigates in the individual a relentless pursuit of desire and certainty that is never satisfied. The only way out, he saw, was through aesthetics—the arts and especially music—and the leading of an ascetic lifestyle. Even those wouldn’t keep the hungry “will” at bay for long, though. Today, Arthur Schopenhauer is seen as a pessimistic philosopher, but I’d like to see if he has any optimism in him, too. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by ⁠kevp888 on ⁠Freesound⁠: 1 & 2 Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"Recognize that your identity is not fixed. You’re not trapped by who you think you are or what society expects. Your sense of self, like everything else, is empty of permanent essence, meaning you can change, adapt, and grow. When you stop attaching yourself to rigid roles, you free yourself to be more flexible, creative, and compassionate—both toward yourself and others." Nagarjuna was a Buddhist philosopher, probably from Southern India who expanded on the philosophy of Buddhism. Very little is known about his -or her?- life. So we won’t have much to talk about there, but the writings he is credited with stand out in world philosophy for their scope and sharp logical reasoning. In Mahayana schools, Nagarjuna is sometimes called “the second Buddha,” emphasizing his philosophical importance. He extended the Buddhist concept of anatman, or not-self, to all phenomena. In essence, he said that all phenomena we can experience are devoid of an unchanging self. Everything, Nagarjuna said, is dependent on other things, and nothing, no single phenomenon, has inherent existence. Now this may sound very theoretical and hand-wavy, but in our discussion he actually makes his philosophy quite practical, and applicable to our modern lives. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by ⁠caquet⁠ on ⁠Freesound⁠, and Soundscape by ⁠⁠Lenguaverde on ⁠⁠Freesound⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"While “The Second Sex” focuses on women’s experience of oppression, the larger existentialist ideas I discuss apply to everyone. We all, men and women alike, are shaped by societal norms and expectations, often without fully realizing it." Simone de Beauvoir was a French philosopher who thought deeply about freedom and existence. Her book “The Second Sex” is a foundational book for the Feminist movement. She was not content to merely think about human freedom, but insisted that it cannot be seen in isolation. Freedom is interdependent on social and political realities. Her contributions to philosophy and the emancipation movements of the 20th century and the present day, are immense. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠, based on Youtube  Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by ⁠FlorenceArt⁠ on ⁠Freesound⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"Above all, I would tell anyone to remember: your thoughts shape your reality. Guard them well." Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor, sometimes known as the “last of the Good Emperors.” He lived and ruled in a time of great upheaval within the Roman Empire. Stoicism was his guiding philosophy on how to deal with life’s difficulties, and he kept a journal that has survived mostly intact. We now know it as the “Meditations.” Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by AcAmbience on Youtube Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"I remember the day I made the decision to leave. It was painful. Vienna had given me everything—my practice, my patients, and the space to develop psychoanalysis. But it had also become a place of fear and hatred. The Nazis had already raided my apartment, and several of my sisters were still there, later becoming victims of the Holocaust. I was fortunate to escape." Born around 170 years ago in Austria, Freud developed psychoanalysis, a method that has profoundly impacted our understanding of the human psyche. His theories on the unconscious, dream interpretation, and childhood development have sparked debate for over a century. A controversial yet undeniably pivotal figure, Freud's ideas continue to shape psychology, psychiatry, and popular culture… Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by sagetyrtle on Freesound Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"Life is not about intellectual understanding or societal success. It is about a personal, inward relationship with God. This is the challenge of faith, the leap into the unknown, into the absurd. Faith is not a matter of proof or certainty. It is a passionate commitment, often in the face of doubt and despair." Søren Kierkegaard, who lived in the first half of the 19th century, was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and author widely regarded as the first existentialist thinker. He emphasized individual existence, choice, and commitment in the face of uncertainty. Kierkegaard explored themes of faith, anxiety, and the human condition, often using pseudonyms to present differing perspectives. His major works include "Either/Or," "Fear and Trembling," and "The Concept of Anxiety." Kierkegaard criticized the established church and Hegelian philosophy, advocating for a more personal and passionate approach to Christianity. His ideas profoundly influenced later existentialist and phenomenological philosophers, as well as modern theology and psychology. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by rikardo2041 on Freesound Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"If you observe closely, you will see that most of our suffering comes from the mind’s attachment to the past or its fear of the future. We are constantly seeking security, but life is inherently uncertain. The key is to understand that this search for security is what creates fear. Once you see this clearly, you can begin to live fully in the present. In this state, there is no fear because you are not clinging to any future outcome or past memory." Jiddu Krishnamurti was born in India but spent most of his time in the West. He started out as a teacher in the Theosophical Society, but found at a certain point that all doctrines, teachings and teachers could be obstacles to genuine freedom. He then espoused a radical and immediate way of paying attention which he named “choiceless awareness”, which is not a technique or a “practice” but rather something the mind does automatically when it is still. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Soundscape by ⁠rcrath on ⁠Freesound⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"For sensitive individuals, the practice of mindfulness can be a great comfort. When you observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, you start to see that they’re not permanent. They come and go like the wind. You don’t need to hold on to them or push them away. By being present and accepting the flow of life, you find peace even amidst uncertainty." Ajahn Chah is a Thai Buddhist teacher, who followed in the footsteps of the Buddha to wander around the country and experience the truth of the Buddha’s teachings for himself. Without this emulation, he felt the scholarly wisdom was dry and distant, and hard to really understand. After a life of wandering, more and more students flocked to his teachings, and he became a great influence on the development of Buddhism in the West…  Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing constructed with Elevenlabs Theme song: Music by Grand_Project from Pixabay Soundscape by Greencouch on Freesound Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

"Controversy? I *AM* a controversy! I did things in broad daylight that would shock people. They’d call me mad, but I was showing them how insane their own customs were. I urinated, defecated, and performed other natural acts in the streets — why not?" Diogenes was a philosopher who lived in ancient Greece in the 4th century BCE; the time of Aristotle and Alexander the Great. He was well-known for living on the streets of Athens and confronting the regular folks of the city with his uncompromising attitude and behavior. He was the first "Cynic" and influenced many practicing philosophers with his relentless critique of civilization. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing and soundscape constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Ernest Becker is a sociologist from the USA who wrote about the role of the fear of death in our lives. He said that we’re the only animal to experience explicit fear of death, and that we can’t cope with it. Instead, we create elaborate structures of meaning, which help us hide from the explicit realization that our own death is potentially just around the corner.  "My philosophy offers a framework for understanding your anxieties and fears. By recognizing that much of our behavior is motivated by an unconscious fear of death, you can begin to see how your worries are part of a larger human experience. This awareness can be empowering, as it allows you to confront your fears directly and find meaning in your life. Embracing our mortality can lead to a deeper appreciation for life and a more compassionate attitude toward others who share the same existential struggles." Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing and soundscape constructed with ⁠Elevenlabs⁠ Music by ⁠Grand_Project⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Baruch de Spinoza is a 17th century European philosopher who thought deeply about the nature of God. His surprisingly modern ideas stirred a lot of controversy in the Amsterdam where he grew up. "In 1656, I was excommunicated from the Jewish community in Amsterdam. I was banished, never to return. My ideas were too radical, too dangerous. I questioned the nature of God and the scriptures. So, I took on the name Benedictus and lived a modest life, grinding lenses for optical instruments, a trade that allowed me the solitude and means to pursue my philosophical endeavors." Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing and soundscape constructed with ⁠⁠Elevenlabs⁠⁠ Music by ⁠⁠Grand_Project⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast

Abhinavagupta is a 10th century philosopher and mystic from the Asian region of Kashmir. He is considered a polymath with a strong influence on Indian culture as a whole. He is regarded as a fine exponent of the mystical school of Kashmir Shaivism, a non-dual school of Hinduism which we’ll talk more about in this podcast. Interview facilitated by ChatGPT and Claude Voicing and soundscape constructed with ⁠⁠⁠Elevenlabs⁠⁠⁠ Music by ⁠⁠⁠Grand_Project⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠ Concept, editing and production by Merijn de Haen @ 2024 Undead Sages Podcast