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    From the Vault: Transhumanist Rapture War, Part 1

    enJuly 14, 2018

    Podcast Summary

    • Explore diverse podcasts on news, learning, mental health, and the futureDiscover a wide range of podcasts covering news, education, mental health, and intriguing topics for personal growth and entertainment.

      There's a wealth of educational and entertaining podcasts available across various platforms, catering to diverse interests. John Stewart is back with The Daily Show Ears Edition, offering news and exclusive interviews. For kids, Stories for Kids by Lingokids provides fun learning experiences. Therapy For Black Girls explores mental health and personal development. Grand Canyon University offers academic programs for traditional and online students, and Stuff to Blow Your Mind delves into intriguing topics like transhumanism. Robert Lamb once pondered if we're living in the end times, sparking discussions on various intriguing topics. So, whether you're interested in news, learning, mental health, or the future, there's a podcast for you. Listen and learn!

    • The concept of utopia originated from the Greek prefix meaning 'no place'Utopia and dystopia are interconnected concepts representing perfect and imperfect worlds respectively, and people often feel they live in privileged times or near significant transitions or events.

      The concept of utopia, which is often thought of as a perfect society or place, actually comes from the Greek prefix meaning "no place," as it was considered a fictional concept that did not exist. This discussion also touched upon the idea that people often feel as though they are living in a privileged time, whether materially or in terms of being alive during significant transitions or events. The field of eschatology was introduced as the study of the end of times, which can bring about utopian or dystopian outcomes. Passionate intensity and the belief that something significant is about to happen are common themes in discussions about the end times. It's important to remember that utopia and dystopia are interconnected concepts, with utopia representing a perfect world that does not exist and dystopia being the opposite, a dissident vision of the future.

    • The human project of civilization: a quest for a better lifePeople have always sought to improve their existence through societal, physical, and technological transformations, but the idea of a perfect society is contradictory due to differing desires and societal tensions. The concept of an apocalypse, originally meaning a revelation, has come to symbolize a radical change, not always for the worse.

      Throughout history, humans have strived to improve their existence through social, bodily, and technological transformations. This continuous quest for a better life is often seen as the human project of civilization. However, the idea of a perfect society is inherently contradictory, as people have different desires and societal tensions exist. The concept of an apocalypse, originally meaning a revelation or unveiling, has come to be associated with the end of the world or a radical change for the worse. Despite the challenges, the pursuit of a better civilization continues, as the idea of perfection is an unattainable goal. It's important to remember that not all religious beliefs rely on a linear time frame or the notion of an apocalyptic end.

    • Embracing cycles in religion, cosmology, and lifeExplore the cyclical nature of older religions, cosmological models, and practical applications like Astepro and 'A Really Good Cry' for relief and growth.

      Many older religions, including Hinduism, embrace a cyclical view of the universe and life, with the universe continually being created, preserved, and destroyed, and life flowing into the next. This concept is mirrored in some cosmological models, where our local universe may undergo a bouncing cycle of collapse and expansion. Norse mythology also presents an intriguing spiritual event, although its complexities may be more challenging to understand. In the realm of practical applications, Astepro, a fast-acting nasal allergy spray, offers relief from allergy symptoms, making it a valuable tool for those who struggle with allergies. Additionally, Radi DeBlukhia's new podcast, "A Really Good Cry," aims to help listeners process emotions and build a happier, healthier life. Overall, the discussions revolve around embracing cycles, understanding complexities, and finding relief and growth through various means.

    • A focus on hope and positivity in the face of potential endingsMany religious and mythological beliefs emphasize the importance of inner journeys and spiritual growth, even during apocalyptic events or the end of life

      Throughout various religious and mythological beliefs, there is a common thread of hope and positivity in the face of potential endings or apocalyptic events. Whether it's the Buddhist belief in attaining liberation at any point in life or the idea of a future Buddha named Maitreya who will bring enlightenment to the world in millions of years, there is a focus on inner journeys and spiritual growth. This contrasts the Norse mythological apocalyptic event, Ragnarok, which is marked by destruction and chaos. Overall, the idea that there is always a chance for growth, enlightenment, and positivity, even in the face of potential endings, is a powerful and recurring theme across various belief systems.

    • Exploring the human condition through spiritual and secular visions of the futureBoth spiritual and secular beliefs offer unique perspectives on humanity's place in the universe and our collective quest for meaning. They grapple with profound themes like enlightenment, material fulfillment, utopia, apocalypse, and the nature of reality.

      Both spiritual and secular beliefs hold visions of the future, whether it be utopian or apocalyptic. Maitreya, a figure in Buddhism, represents a future where enlightenment is prioritized over material fulfillment. Similarly, secular eschatological beliefs, such as the fear of nuclear annihilation or the Singularity, also hold profound implications for humanity's future. The fascinating commonality between these beliefs is that they both grapple with the human condition and our place in the universe. For instance, the idea of a semantic apocalypse, where human consciousness is understood as an illusion, mirrors the Buddhist concept of the lack of self. These ideas, though rooted in different frameworks, share a fundamental human curiosity about the nature of reality and our place within it. Ultimately, understanding the shared themes and circuitry between these seemingly disparate beliefs can lead to a deeper appreciation of the human experience and our collective quest for meaning.

    • Imagining a Better Future for Humans and the UniverseExploring utopian visions, from advanced tech to simpler societies, offers hope and inspiration for a better future for humanity and the universe, despite the inevitable end of the universe.

      The universe, including black holes, will eventually come to an end, leaving behind a cold, empty expanse of space. However, there are various theories and visions of utopian societies, both scientific and secular, that could offer alternatives to this outcome. These visions range from post-scarcity societies with advanced technology to simpler, more community-oriented models. It's important to remember that humans have only been around for a small fraction of cosmological time, so the end of the universe may not matter in the grand scheme of things. But for those who value human life and the potential for positive societal change, exploring these utopian visions can offer hope and inspiration. Ultimately, the future of humanity and the universe is uncertain, but imagining and working towards better worlds can bring comfort and meaning to our lives.

    • Importance of checking car temperatures and unpredictability of lifeAlways check car temperatures to prevent accidents and be aware of unexpected events in life, including disappearance and strong faith.

      The unexpected can happen at any moment, whether it's forgetting to check the temperature of a car before leaving a child inside or disappearing without a trace due to a religious belief. In the first part of the discussion, Katie Couric emphasizes the importance of checking car temperatures to prevent tragic accidents. In the second part, a scene from the novel "Left Behind" is described, where people mysteriously disappear and are found only by their abandoned clothes. The commonality among the disappeared is their strong faith in Jesus Christ. This illustrates the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared and aware of potential dangers. Additionally, the return of "Next Question" and "MTV's Official Challenge Podcast" promises entertaining and fascinating conversations.

    • The Rapture: A Christian Belief of Resurrection and AscensionThe Rapture is a Christian belief of the resurrection and ascension of the dead in Christ and the miraculous taking up of living believers to meet the Lord in the sky during his second coming.

      The rapture, a popular belief in Christian eschatology, holds that the dead in Christ will be resurrected and the living believers will be miraculously taken up to meet the Lord in the sky when he returns. This belief is derived from 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and is a significant part of the Christian apocalypse narrative. The rapture is often seen as a liberation for believers, but a negative event for those left behind. Its popularity may reflect a desire for rectification in an age of perceived religious marginalization. Christian eschatology also includes other interpretations, such as Preterism, which holds that prophecies were fulfilled in the past, and idealism, which views them as metaphorical. The second coming of Christ is a central concept in Christian futurist eschatology.

    • Belief in second coming, tribulation, and millenniumChristians believe in the second coming of Jesus, a period of suffering (tribulation), followed by a utopian rule (millennium). This belief provides hope and purpose.

      Christians believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ, which involves a period of great suffering known as the tribulation, followed by a utopian rule on earth called the millennium. The tribulation is seen as a time of hardship that strengthens faith, and it is described in the Bible as a time of war, persecution, and human suffering. The millennium is a period of peace and prosperity under Christ's rule. The exact order of these events and the timing of various aspects, such as the rapture, are subjects of debate among Christians. Some see the end times as having a significant impact on daily life, while others do not. Regardless, the belief in the end times can provide a sense of purpose and hope for many people.

    • The human quest for a better existence through science and technologyTranshumanism, a secular approach to improving the human form and society, emphasizes the use of reason and technology to overcome challenges and transcend the human condition.

      The human quest for a better existence, whether through religious or secular means, has been a recurring theme throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have imagined utopias, apocalypses, and ways to transcend the human condition. Transhumanism, which emerged during the European Enlightenment, is a secular approach to this quest, emphasizing the use of science and technology to improve the human form and society. The idea of transcending the human animal, whether individually or as a species, has been a persistent theme in various utopian models. James Hughes argues that Transhumanism is rooted in Enlightenment ideals, with the belief that reason and technology can help us overcome challenges like labor, disease, and war. However, the means and goals of this transformation are often debated, with some advocating for individual transcendence and others for a collective one. Despite the contradictions and complexities, the desire to transcend our current state and build a better future remains a powerful human impulse.

    • The pursuit of utopia and its moral dilemmasThroughout history, various social movements have aimed to create a better society, but none have been without moral and ethical dilemmas. Eugenics, which sought to selectively breed humanity, raised such dilemmas and shares similarities with the idea of a Christian rapture, leaving certain models of humanity behind.

      Throughout history, various social movements have emerged with the goal of creating a better society or even a utopia. These movements, ranging from anarchism to social democracy, Marxist Leninism, and fascism, all proposed different ways to reorganize society and improve human life. However, none of these models worked out exactly as intended. One controversial example is eugenics, which aimed to selectively breed humanity to improve the human species. While the idea may seem reasonable at first, the process required either killing or preventing the breeding of those with undesirable genes, leading to moral and ethical dilemmas. Ultimately, eugenics shares similarities with the idea of a Christian rapture, as it implies the elevation and survival of certain models of humanity, leaving others behind. Today, we continue to explore the concept of utopia and apocalypse through various transhumanist ideas, such as genetic engineering and technological augmentation, which aim to selectively modify genes and enhance human abilities without harming others. These ideas, while not without controversy, represent a shift from the morally reprehensible methods of eugenics.

    • Transhumanism and Religion: Similarities and DifferencesTranshumanism and certain religious ideas share similarities in the aspirations for resurrected or enhanced bodies, but it's debatable whether transhumanism should be considered a religion itself.

      The concepts of transhumanism and certain religious ideas share similarities, particularly in the aspirations for resurrected or enhanced bodies. However, it's debatable whether transhumanism should be considered a religion itself. Instead, these ideas may resonate with each other due to shared fears and aspirations about human identity and the future. This discussion on transhumanism, rapture, utopianism, and dealing with unfulfilled prophecies will continue in the next episode. For more engaging content, find us on stufftoblowyourmind.com, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Listen to podcasts like The Daily Show Ears Edition, Stories for Kids by Lingokids, and Therapy For Black Girls for thought-provoking discussions. Lastly, tune in to Next Question with Katie Couric for insightful conversations with notable guests.

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    Bryan Falchuk was a guest of People of Purpose on episode 015. He came into my life by serendipity on his 80 something podcast interview. His story of losing more than 100 pounds and overcoming the pain of his wife's battle with cancer is inspirational. Today he runs marathons and inspires people to live a better life every day through his book, Ted Talks, and now his podcast Do a Day. He asked me to be a guest on his podcast to share my story of how I used my rock bottom experience nearly dying after a major fall at Yosemite National Park to live a life more alive and purpose driven. Below is his writeup: 

    "After suffering many injuries and a major concussion when he fell off the side of a mountain, Tanur was forced to relook at the idea of purpose, the choices we make to relearn life, and how to actually live it. 

    Tanur had me on his show a while ago, and I was blown away by the depth of his soul and his humanness, and knew I had to have him on my show one day. Let's just say I wasn't let down."

    Tanur Badgley is a school teacher, blogger, and host of his own podcast, People of Purpose. Fascinated with understanding the unique gifts he's been given and how he is shaped into a higher purpose when he chooses to live with full appreciation of these gifts. At age 19, during the summer break after his freshman year of college, Tanur was hiking in Yosemite National park with his father and younger brother. When his younger brother decided to venture off the beaten path and got stuck, Tanur found himself on a small ledge with no safe way down. Tanur ended up barrel rolling down the mountain, and sustained multiple injuries, but miraculously none of them were fatal. 

    Three years later, Tanur finished college without a plan or purpose. he found himself working a soulless corporate sales job, battling depression, and suffering from a second concussion. He finally found his path and purpose in 2015 when he packed up and moved to Phrae, Thailand to become an English teacher to 400 5th and 6th graders. During this time he kept up his blog, Student of the World, with information he found out about himself and the world through teaching, volunteering on a organic farm in Cambodia, trekking to Mt. Everest Bas Camp, sitting for a 5-day meditation course, and his month-long yoga teacher training certification course in Rishikesh, India. 

     One year later, Tanur felt happy and whole with his new life style, so he decided not to renew his teaching contract, opting instead to vagabond and couch-surf across Southeast Asia, the U.S., and Canada through family and friends. During this time, Tanur started his podcast, People of Purpose, in October of 2017 because he felt compelled to go beyond himself and begin a project that shares the stories and wisdom of all the purposeful people he met along the way. People of Purpose features guests who live with a high degree of intentionality, are leading communities toward positive change, and are treading a path that is very authentic to their passions and purpose. People of Purpose has expanded to now include a biweekly newsletter where Tanur shares what he's been experiencing and dwelling on to grow in his purpose and how they can be applied to your life as well. 

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    Bryan has been so generous to grant me republishing rights so we could share this with the People of Purpose audience. 

    Listen as we talk about:

    •  How intentionality and purpose are the key themes to both this interview and Tanur's life journey
    •  How Tanur chose the more risky choice while on the ledge with his brother, and it turned out to be the more foolish choice. 
    •  How Tanur was frustrated with the rescue team because they focused their help on him, while his brother was still on the ledge and in danger.
    •  How he got his second concussion while he was angry because he was on the wrong life path and letting it effecting his day to day.
    •  How Tanur got to focus on himself while healing from his head injury and it helped him define his purpose and how to live for his own interests.
    •  How he dropped everything in America and moved to Thailand to pursue a more peaceful life.
    •  How he used the time and the new perspective to move forward from his last relationship.
    •  How Tanur is positive that he wouldn't be where he is now if not for the travel or the concussions. 
    •  How his teaching job has allowed him to see that teaching is the most proactive force for good.
    •  How difficult walking the line between being in the world, but not of the world is for him.  

     

     

     

    •  Sign up or hear more about our Path to Purpose course via peopleofpurposepodcast@gmail.com

     

    • Join our purpose seeking podcast community at...
     
     
     
     
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