Podcast Summary
Streamline hiring with Indeed or manage finances with Rocket Money: Indeed simplifies hiring by providing high-quality matches and handling scheduling, screening, and messaging. Rocket Money helps save money by identifying and canceling unwanted subscriptions and monitoring spending.
Instead of actively searching for candidates when hiring, utilizing a platform like Indeed can save time and provide high-quality matches. With over 350 million monthly visitors and a matching engine, Indeed streamlines the hiring process by handling scheduling, screening, and messaging. Moreover, 93% of employers agree that Indeed delivers the best matches compared to other job sites. On a different note, managing subscriptions can be a significant drain on finances. Rocket Money, a personal finance app, helps identify and cancel unwanted subscriptions, monitor spending, and lower bills. It has saved its users an average of $720 annually and canceled over 500 million subscriptions. In the realm of philosophy, the concept of the self is not fundamental but emergent. Social psychologist Brian Lowry, author of "Selfless," argues that the self is not immutable or absolutely there. Instead, it is socially created and can be updated and improved. These insights encourage us to reconsider the nature of the self and its relationship to the world around us.
Understanding Self as a Social Construct: Brian Lauer argues that our perception of self is not inherent but shaped by social networks and others' perceptions, challenging traditional views of self as an individual entity.
According to Brian Lauer, the self is not an inherent part of reality but rather a social construct. He believes that our understanding of self is dependent on how we are perceived by others and the social networks we are embedded in. This perspective challenges traditional views of the self as an individual entity and highlights the importance of communities in shaping our identities. Furthermore, Lauer suggests that even in the realm of physics, particularly in the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, our notions of personal identity need to be updated as we grapple with the complex interplay of physical reality, consciousness, and self. Overall, Lauer's ideas emphasize the interconnectedness of human beings and the role of social context in shaping our understanding of ourselves.
Challenging Our Notion of Personal Identity: Quantum physics questions our essential self, and social constructs and physical experiences may shape our identity more than a soul or brain architecture
Our understanding of self and personal identity may be more complex than we think, and the concept of an essential self, whether it's a soul or brain architecture, may not fully capture our true nature. The many worlds perspective in quantum physics challenges our notion of personal identity, and our desire for immortality through uploading neural pathways to the cloud may not result in the continuation of the self as we know it. Instead, our identity might be more socially constructed and embodied, and our existence might be intertwined with our relationships and physical experiences.
Our perception of self and body isn't fixed reality: Experiments show our brains can give us impression of being elsewhere or incorporating others' faces into our sense of self
Our perception of self and our physical body is not a fixed reality but rather something that our minds construct based on our sensory experiences. This was discussed in relation to out-of-body experiences, which can be induced through simple methods like virtual reality or the rubber hand illusion. These experiments suggest that our brains can give us the impression of being located somewhere other than inside our bodies. Conversely, studies on the embodiment effect show that we can even incorporate other people's faces into our sense of self through simultaneous stroking or face-morphing experiments. These findings challenge our understanding of self and body and highlight the importance of perceptual experiences in shaping our sense of identity.
Our perception of self is more complex than we assume: The self is not as objective or immutable as we believe, it can blur with others and even confuse boundaries, making language learning and connecting with others all the more valuable.
Our perception of self is more complex and fluid than we may think. The Babbel language learning app, with its effective and conversational approach, has helped many users reconnect with their language skills and navigate real-life conversations. Meanwhile, research in social psychology suggests that our sense of self is not as objective or immutable as we assume. The self can blur with others through closeness and empathy, and even confuse boundaries. This fluidity of self is a fascinating and complex concept, with philosophers like Hume arguing that it may not even be continuous or real in the way we perceive it. As for making decisions about our changing selves, there may be no clear answer, but it's a thought-provoking question worth pondering. And in the meantime, keep learning new languages with Babbel to expand your horizons and connect with others. (Note: The special offer for Mindscape listeners to get up to 60% off Babbel subscriptions can be found at babbel.com/mindscape.)
The self is shaped by interactions with the world around us: Our self is not a fixed entity but rather a constantly evolving construct, shaped by relationships, culture, community, and time orientation.
Our understanding of self goes beyond just being an individual with a unique identity. Instead, it is shaped by our interactions with the world around us, including relationships, culture, and community. Philip Zimbardo's theory on time orientation also adds to this discussion, emphasizing the importance of considering our future selves and our responsibilities towards them. While some people may prioritize their past or present selves more, recognizing the social construction of self can provide a new perspective on personal growth and development. Ultimately, understanding that our self is not a fixed entity but rather a constantly evolving construct can lead to greater self-awareness and empathy towards others.
Understanding the socially constructed self: Our identities are not solely our own creation but shaped by social context and others' interpretations. Embracing interdependence can lead to better human connections and addressing societal issues.
Our identity and sense of self are not only socially constructed but also influenced by how others interpret and understand our temperament and experiences. When we strip away social identities, it's unclear what we're left with. This view, that we are interconnected and construct each other, is not only a more accurate description of the self but also has the potential to make us better human beings. From the moment we're born, we're embedded in a social matrix, and our identities are not our own creation but something we're born into. We can't claim credit or be blamed for it. Instead, we can focus on how we can participate in the ongoing story of our lives. This perspective, which highlights our interdependence and social nature, is increasingly relevant in addressing complex societal issues like climate change and inequality. It moves us away from rugged individualism and towards recognizing the depth of our interconnections.
Our sense of self is shaped by relationships with others: In interactions, focusing on shared interests rather than professional titles can lead to more engaging conversations, reflecting the importance of social connections in defining our identity
Our sense of self is not just about individual attributes, but also about our relationships with others. Psychological studies suggest that in individualistic societies, people may focus more on personal traits, while in other cultures, people emphasize their social roles. However, even seemingly individualistic responses often reflect our connections to others. For instance, saying "I am 6 feet tall" is not just about height, but also about how we compare to others. When meeting new people, asking about their profession might not be the most interesting question. Instead, asking about what excites them in the moment can lead to more engaging conversations. This idea can be thought of as coarse graining - when asked who we are, we simplify the infinite number of possible answers into a few pat responses. The information we choose to share depends on what we want to convey. Ultimately, the goal is to close the social distance and create a more intimate interaction.
Strategies for creating closeness in interviews and understanding audience perspective: Consider societal expectations and audience perspective when sharing personal info, understand gender as a social construct, and remain open-minded to the complexities of identity and human connection.
Our interactions with others, including sharing personal information, are influenced by societal expectations and our understanding of what the other person might find interesting or important. The speaker discussed strategies for creating a sense of closeness quickly in interviews, and the importance of considering the audience's perspective. They also touched on the topic of gender, emphasizing that it is a social construction and that our understanding of it evolves over time. Ultimately, our sense of self and our gender identity exist both privately and in relation to the world around us. The speaker encouraged open-mindedness and flexibility in understanding the complexities of identity and human connection.
Gender as a Social Construct: Gender is an idea shaped by societal norms and expectations, not an inherent or physical trait.
Gender is a social construct, shaped by our relationships, interactions, and shared beliefs and expectations within our communities. It's not something inherent or physical, but rather an idea that gains power through our collective understanding and agreement. This doesn't mean that gender isn't real or that people can just decide what they are at will, but rather that our identities are formed through a complex interplay between individual self-conception and societal norms. The example of money as a social construct illustrates this concept well – it's a powerful idea that exists only through our shared beliefs and expectations, and our identities function in a similar way. While there may be debates about the extent to which individuals can choose their gender versus being shaped by societal expectations, it's clear that our communities play a crucial role in defining and validating our gender identities.
Identity exists in a liminal state between personal perception and community recognition: Understanding identity as a complex construct influenced by both personal beliefs and community acceptance is crucial in the digital age.
Identity is complex and can be influenced by both personal self-perception and external community recognition. Using the example of Rachel Dolezal, a woman who identified as black but was born white, it's clear that her identity existed in a liminal state between the two communities. While she saw herself as black, the black community did not accept her once they discovered her birth identity. This highlights the importance of understanding that identity is not just about personal self-conception but also about how one is perceived and accepted by their community. Furthermore, in the age of social media, where people can present different selves in various communities, it's essential to recognize that these identities can come into conflict and potentially cause issues. Ultimately, it's a reminder that identity is multifaceted and can be influenced by both internal and external factors.
The concept of authenticity may not be as clear-cut as assumed: We all adopt different roles and masks, questioning the existence of an inherent, true self. Focus on experiences and potential for change rather than essential self.
The concept of authenticity and the idea of having a fixed, true self may not be as clear-cut as we often assume. The speaker suggests that we all adopt different roles and masks in various communities and situations, and there's no inherent self beneath these facades. The speaker also acknowledges experiencing desires, feelings, and wants, but questions the need to link them to an essential self. Instead, it might be more productive to focus on the experiences themselves and the potential for change. The discussion touches on the complexities of free will and identity, challenging the notion of a fixed, authentic self.
The Concept of Self and Individuality May Have Evolved Throughout History: The idea of a singular, coherent self may be a relatively recent invention, particularly in Western societies, and may be linked to capitalist societies and their emphasis on individual choice.
Our modern concept of self and individuality may not be the only way humans have understood their identity throughout history. The speaker discusses how the idea of a singular, coherent self may be a relatively recent invention, particularly in Western societies. They suggest that this individualistic conception of self may be linked to capitalist societies and their emphasis on free markets and individual choice. The speaker also notes that it's unclear whether capitalism produced this conception of self or if they go hand in hand. They also mention that the first person narrative, a hallmark of individual identity, may not have existed in early literature, and that the concept of a character in literature may not have been invented until later periods. The speaker finds the idea provocative that the very concept of a self can limit personal freedom by circumscribing certain actions, capacities, and privileges.
Our definitions of self are shaped by internal and external factors: Be open-minded and respectful of others' identities while maintaining a clear sense of self and balancing individual freedom and growth.
Our definitions of self, including our identities and limitations, are not absolute but rather shaped by what is inside and outside those definitions. These limitations can provide comfort and clarity, but they can also restrict personal growth and understanding of others. The speaker emphasizes that our roles and identities, such as gender or social status, can impose limitations, but they do not define the entirety of who we are. It's essential to maintain a sense of authenticity and clarity about our identities, but it's also crucial to be open-minded and respectful of others' identities and their right to define themselves. The comfort and ease that come from having a clear sense of self and the world can be appealing, but it's essential to balance that with the importance of individual freedom and growth.
Understanding the Impact of Our Actions and Identities on Others: Recognizing the interconnectedness of our actions and identities, and respecting others' unique perspectives and experiences, can lead to a more harmonious and meaningful existence.
Our actions and identities impact others, and it's essential to recognize and respect this interconnectedness. We all have unique perspectives and experiences, and when we ask someone to adopt an identity or behavior that doesn't align with their own, it can feel like a denial of their humanity. This can manifest in various ways, from wearing masks or following dietary restrictions to cultural norms and social practices. Furthermore, our awareness of mortality adds complexity to our sense of self and the desire for meaning in life, which includes coherence, purpose, and significance. It's crucial to remember that our choices and decisions affect others, and fostering understanding and empathy can help create a more harmonious and meaningful existence for all.
Understanding our sense of self and its impact on meaning and connection: Our sense of self is a powerful tool for creating meaning and connection, connecting us to the past, future, and larger groups, and helping us cope with mortality.
Our sense of self plays a crucial role in helping us make sense of the world and find meaning in our existence. It connects us to the past through our history and ancestry, and to the future through our actions and their potential impact. This understanding of self also allows us to feel connected to larger groups and communities, providing a sense of symbolic immortality. Research in terror management theory supports this idea, suggesting that humans seek ways to cope with their mortality by connecting their sense of self to enduring ideas and groups. This research has personally impacted the speaker, making them more aware of the effect of their interactions on others and inspiring them to engage more deeply and thoughtfully with people. In essence, our sense of self is a powerful tool for creating meaning and connection in our lives.
Shaping identities through interactions: Interactions shape identities, impacting both self and others; aim for meaningful connections for personal growth and societal positivity
Our identities are shaped by the communities we belong to, and in turn, we shape the identities of those around us. This means that our interactions with others have a profound impact on both ourselves and them. It's essential to be mindful of this interconnectedness and strive for meaningful connections with those around us. By doing so, we not only gain personal growth but also contribute positively to society as a whole. Brian Lowery, thank you for sharing these insights on the Lionsgate Podcast. It's a powerful reminder that we have the power to shape each other's lives and that the degree of connection among us is crucial for a better society.