Perennial Wisdom

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we explore the profound and surprising vision of happiness taught by the 13th-century theologian and philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas. Long before modern self-help, Aquinas argued that most of our suffering comes not from pain itself, but from aiming our deepest desires at things too small to satisfy them. Through three core ideas, we examine why: No finite thing can be our final happiness The human heart longs for something infinite Virtue is not moralism, but the reordering of desire Throughout our journey, we draw on insights from Aquinas’ Treatise on Happiness and the modern philosopher Josef Pieper, revealing a vision of happiness rooted not in stimulation or control, but in truth and contemplation. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we explore the art of boredom: a journey through ancient philosophy, psychology, and modern thinkers like David Foster Wallace. From the desert monks who believed stillness revealed the soul, to Pascal’s warning that our fear of silence shapes our entire lives, to modern research showing boredom can unlock creativity. We talk about why boredom is so uncomfortable, how it shows us what we really want, and why we often use distractions to avoid facing ourselves. If you’ve struggled to slow down, sit still, or be with your own thoughts, this episode offers an ancient guide to being where you are. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we trace a journey from the streets of ancient Athens to the inner life of a restless bishop. Socrates challenges us with the idea of the unexamined life, while Augustine encourages us to look inward and seek truth within the depths of our own souls. Along the way, we examine how ancient rhetoric, self-persuasion, and spiritual reflection can help us break free from groupthink and reclaim our inner freedom. This episode offers a quiet, contemplative space for anyone overwhelmed by others' opinions and eager to reconnect with their own thoughts. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we enter the world of Arthur Schopenhauer—the philosopher of pessimism, and, unexpectedly, a teacher of compassion. Schopenhauer believed that happiness cannot be found by escaping suffering but by understanding it. Life, he wrote, “swings like a pendulum backward and forward between pain and boredom,” yet within that rhythm lies a quiet freedom—the freedom of acceptance. Drawing from The World as Will and Representation and On the Basis of Morality , this reflection examines how pessimism, properly understood, becomes a form of wisdom: an art of seeing clearly without illusion, feeling without resentment, and living without denial. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we sit down with Søren Kierkegaard, the 19th-century Danish philosopher often considered the father of existentialism. Specifically, we explore insights from his book Either/Or, which addresses one of life’s toughest questions: How do we live when every choice feels like a loss? Kierkegaard believed that to live at all is to make a choice. And every choice—whether we act or remain still—shapes who we become. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we explore the moral and psychological depth of Fyodor Dostoevsky, one of the greatest novelists and spiritual thinkers in history. From his near-execution in 1849 to his rebirth in the prisons of Siberia, Dostoevsky’s life became a living parable of human suffering, redemption, and love. Drawing from Crime and Punishment , The Brothers Karamazov , and The Idiot , we uncover three perennial lessons for the modern world: Freedom without responsibility leads to despair. Suffering is the path to self-knowledge. Love is the final answer to the problem of evil. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we explore the life and thought of Immanuel Kant through the lens of three enduring philosophical questions: “What can I know?” “What should I do?” “What may I hope?” Drawing on Kant’s groundbreaking ideas from The Critique of Pure Reason and The Critique of Practical Reason , we walk through his views on knowledge, morality, and hope. Kant’s philosophy offers us tools for navigating uncertainty, making ethical decisions, and sustaining hope in a complex world. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we turn to the provocative thoughts of Friedrich Nietzsche (1844—1900) to explore one of the most overlooked yet essential inner struggles: the fear of change. Building on the previous episodes— Socrates on the Fear of Death and Maslow on the Fear of Greatness —we now face Nietzsche’s challenge: to become who we are. Through poetic reflection and profound insights from Nietzsche, we explore how change is both essential and frightening. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we explore a hidden but deeply human struggle: the fear not of failure—but of greatness. Drawing from Abraham Maslow's insights, we consider what it means to avoid our potential and why many of us unconsciously choose comfort over potential. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we turn to Plato’s Apology and the final words of Socrates to explore how philosophy can liberate us from the fear of death. Socrates stood trial, was sentenced to die, and yet he remained calm, unshaken, and grounded in virtue. For Socrates, living an unexamined life poses a greater danger than death. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we turn to the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi to uncover a countercultural and liberating truth: true joy is not found in comfort, success, or status—but in humility, simplicity, and love. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we discuss why we often struggle to see ourselves or life clearly, and how to calm restless minds while examining our perceptions and our place in the cosmos. We focus on what it means to “ look again” at life — to pause, to notice, and to practice humility and wonder. This episode draws on insights from spiritual teacher Ram Dass, philosopher Socrates, psychologist Adam Grant, and astronomer Carl Sagan. Key Takeaways We don’t always see clearly. Humility can foster growth. A broader perspective reveals what truly matters. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , we examine an essay from the “Know Thyself” series on The Philosophy of Desire . You can expect to learn about the influence of desire in our daily lives. Why desire often shapes our decisions, self-image, and emotional states. This is volume one of a 10-part series on the art and science of self-awareness. If you’d like access to this series, consider becoming a Perennial Meditations member . Key Takeaways Buddhism and the roots of suffering Stoicism and the discipline of desire Epicurus on having enough St. Thomas Aquinas on human desire --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Today, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we are turning to the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, who famously said, No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man. — Fragments Heraclitus believed that everything and everyone is in a constant state of change. While this idea might seem unsettling, he presents it not as a threat but as a vital key. To live well, we must live with change, not against it. When Heraclitus wandered through the ancient streets of Ionia in the 6th century BCE, he was known not for power or prestige, but for speaking in paradoxes. His fragments are short and cryptic, yet they reveal wisdom. He saw what many refused to see: that stability is an illusion, and becoming is the ground of all being. “Everything flows; nothing stands still,” he stressed. [...] --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we discuss the timeless truths shared across cultures and traditions that guide us in cultivating a life well-lived. Rather than chasing life hacks, quick fixes, or fleeting trends, expect to learn why perennial wisdom invites us to slow down and return to what truly matters: cultivating character and finding meaning beyond ourselves. Key Takeaways Timeless truths about human nature and the good life The importance of cultivating inner clarity and character Why these enduring insights still matter today --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Today, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we reflect on humility—not as weakness or self-negation, but as wisdom—through the voice of one of the great spiritual teachers: St. Benedict of Nursia. St. Benedict lived in the sixth century, during a period of political chaos and moral confusion. From this turmoil, he initiated a quiet revolution—a rule of life centered on prayer, work, and stability. His Rule became the basis for Western monasticism and continues to serve as a guide for spiritual seekers today. At the heart of his teaching is a single word: humility. [...] --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe Today, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we turn to one of the great pillars of Western philosophy—Plato—and his vision of the Good. Not just goodness in the moral sense but the ultimate source of truth, beauty, and being. Plato held that each human soul is inherently attracted to something ultimate. Though we might not always be conscious of it, beneath our pursuits for success, pleasure, approval, or knowledge lies a deeper desire—a longing for what is most real, whole, and divine. Writing in 4th-century BCE Athens, Plato watched his teacher Socrates face execution for asking questions and “corrupting the youth.” From this injustice, Plato dedicated his life to awakening the soul, proving that truth and goodness are more than mere ideals. [...] --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we delve into how philosophy offers healing, not by curing mental illness, but by guiding us to live with clarity, freedom, and meaning. By drawing insights from ancient philosophy, theology, and Therapy for the Sane by Lou Marinoff, this episode explores philosophy’s role as a medicine for the soul. Key Takeaways Philosophy and Suffering Philosophy and Inner Freedom Philosophy and the Quest for Meaning --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we turn to monks and the monastic life for wisdom. In this video essay, we explore how to “Think like a Monk” by drawing from The Wandering Mind by historian (and previous podcast guest) Jamie Kreiner, as well as the wisdom of early Church Fathers. Expect to learn how medieval monks battled distraction, cultivated silence, practiced simplicity, lived lives of service, and much more. Key Takeaways The art of silence The wisdom of simplicity The path of service --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar ). In our conversation, Shane and I explore the complexities of character development, focusing on themes such as responsibility, discipline, and societal context. We also discuss the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, the importance of clarity in priorities, the distinction between duty and obligation, and much more. Key Takeaways How to see responsibility as a gift instead of a burden. The difference between duty and obligation. Why discipline and responsibility are interconnected. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , my guest is Prof. Dean Rickles, the author of Life is Short: An Appropriately Brief Guide to Making it More Meaningful . Dean is a professor of history and philosophy of modern physics at the University of Sydney, where he is also the director of the Sydney Centre for Time. ***Rebroadcast: This episode was recorded on March 22, 2023. Key Takeaways Why the shortness of life is what makes it meaningful Overcoming the fear of death Seneca’s influence on the book The need for uncertainty How to connect with the future you Discerning our path in life and much more --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , my guest is Brittany Polat (co-author of Stoic Ethics: The Basics ). In the conversation, we explore the application of Stoicism in relationships, love, and ethics. You can expect to learn the importance of stepping back to gain perspective in relationships, the dichotomy of control in family dynamics, and the concept of indifference in Stoicism. Key Takeaways Why cultivating a Stoic mindset takes time and practice How self-awareness connects with personal growth The role of compassion in Stoic philosophy Understanding our beliefs helps us manage our emotions --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , I welcome Dr. Brian Russell back to the show. Brian is an author, professor of biblical studies, and transformational coach. He is also the host of Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations , a podcast dedicated to spiritual and missional formation. In this conversation, we explore the concept of spiritual formation, the doctrine of original sin, and its implications for understanding Christianity. We also delve into the relationship between virtue and sin, the role of grace, the importance of prayer, spiritual practices that nurture wisdom, and much more. Key Takeaways Why self-compassion is crucial for the spiritual journey How prayer connects with seeking grace and truth The spiritual practices that nurture wisdom and growth --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom , my guest is Dr. Carl Erik Fisher (author of The Urge: Our History of Addiction ). In the conversation, Dr. Fisher, an addiction psychiatrist and bioethicist, shares insights on the multifaceted nature of addiction and its implications on human behavior. Expect to learn the importance of flexibility in psychological health, the need for balance in seeking wisdom, and the cyclical nature of personal growth. To learn more and stay connected, check out: Rat Park with Carl Erik Fisher . Key Takeaways Willingness to accept uncertainty is more active than mere acceptance. The desire for control can lead to anxiety and addictive behaviors. Wisdom involves knowing when to accept and when to change. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar ). In the conversation, Shane and I explore the intersection of character and the common good. We discuss the role of community in character development and the value of adopting timeless virtues. Expect to learn practical approaches to fostering compassion, understanding human limitations, seeking the common good, and much more. Check out Shane’s Substack: Setting the Bar! Key Takeaways Human flourishing relies on social connections and shared values A sense of the common good is essential for individual well-being Ancient virtues provide a solid foundation for modern values --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods --- 🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts