In this episode of WizdoRise, we dive deep into the concept of free will, unraveling one of the most debated topics in philosophy. Do we truly have the power to make choices, or is free will just an illusion created by our minds? We explore the psychological and philosophical perspectives that challenge our understanding of freedom, willpower, and the boundaries imposed by society and belief systems. Join us as we question the limits of personal autonomy and uncover the hidden mechanisms behind our actions, blending philosophical inquiry with insights from neuroscience and psychology.

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

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In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of superficial thinking and its pervasive influence in our society. Starting from a viral social media post about Portugal’s supposed divorce rate, I explore how easily misconceptions can spread, fueling shallow judgments. From personal anecdotes to philosophical musings, I break down the dangers of surface-level thinking, its impact on belief systems, and the importance of critical thinking.

We’ll look at the process that leads our minds to form beliefs and why we often accept certain ideas without question, even as children. The episode also delves into the contrasts between superficiality and wisdom, addressing the role of cognitive biases and how we can cultivate a more reflective approach to life’s complexities.

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

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In this episode, we delve into the concept of spirituality and how it varies vastly across different belief systems, ideologies, and cultures. While prayer is considered a spiritual act in monotheistic religions, it holds an entirely different meaning in Buddhism or Shamanism. For those who identify as spiritual but not religious, spirituality may manifest through a connection with nature, acts of kindness, or any activity that brings a sense of inner peace, such as music, meditation, or group rituals. We’ll also touch upon states like trance or mystical experiences and explore their profound impact on human consciousness.

The narrative begins with a personal reflection on spirituality, suggesting that it can be found in simple, everyday moments like having a cup of coffee with a friend, walking barefoot on the beach, or spending quiet hours in a forest. The episode argues that spirituality is not confined to religious practices but can be seen in any experience that brings meaning to one’s life.

We explore how our minds create stories to make sense of the world around us and how these stories evolve into beliefs that shape our values and identities. Through examples and thought experiments, we discuss how these beliefs can be both powerful guides and potential sources of conflict, especially when they clash with new information or different worldviews.

The episode also delves into the thin line between deeply held beliefs and superstitions, emphasizing how collective validation can transform a personal belief into a widely accepted truth—or vice versa. We discuss the dynamics of belief and value systems, how they are formed, and how they can shift over time, impacting our behavior, our decisions, and even our sense of morality.

Finally, we introduce the idea of a “supreme value” or guiding principle, such as wisdom, and explore what it means to live a life oriented towards wisdom. This involves balancing knowledge, self-awareness, empathy, and a commitment to a path of continuous learning and self-improvement. Wisdom, as described, is not a static destination but a dynamic, ever-evolving journey.

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

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In this episode, we explore the intricate concept of personality, often referred to as the “self,” “ego,” or “I.” Throughout the discussion, these terms may be used interchangeably, each adding a nuanced understanding to what we perceive as our identity. Typically, personality is defined as a collection of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional patterns that distinguish one person from another. However, in this episode, we delve deeper into a more complex definition. We describe personality as a set of content patterns based on mental context—our underlying mental framework.

The challenge of defining personality lies in its ever-changing nature. Just as a complex matrix is constantly evolving, so too is our mental context, shaped by countless factors such as the books we read, the people we meet, the cultures we are part of, and even our genetic and environmental influences. These elements are in a continuous state of flux, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint a single, unchanging personality.

We also discuss the internal dialogues we have with ourselves—those moments of internal debate and conflict that suggest the presence of multiple personas within us. Just like an orchestra where each musician plays a different role yet contributes to a harmonious whole, our internal personalities strive for balance and cohesion. However, when one note is out of tune, it can create a sense of discord, which may manifest as mental or personality disorders.

Further, we examine the concept of trauma, its impact on our mental framework, and how significant events can alter our personality. Trauma, in this context, is described as a severe expectation error that fundamentally changes the content and structure of our mental space. We also explore why children are more susceptible to trauma due to their developing cognitive abilities and limited understanding of the world.

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

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In this episode, we delve into the concept of reality and how our perception of it is influenced by our unique vantage points. Just as augmented reality overlays additional information onto what we see, our human perspective shapes our understanding of the world around us. But what if we could see the world from the viewpoint of an ant, a bat, or a whale? Would reality still appear the same?

We explore how each individual’s understanding of reality is molded by countless factors, including personal experiences, background, and mental context. Using analogies and thought experiments, we challenge the notion that reality is a singular, objective truth. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of perception and contemplate what it truly means to see the world from “zero distance.”

Perfect for those curious about philosophy, neuroscience, and the nature of consciousness, this episode will make you rethink what you consider to be real.​

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

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This episode focuses on the concepts of “Expectation” and “Prediction” and how our minds are wired to anticipate outcomes and navigate the reward and punishment pathways. We explore the intricacies of how expectations shape our experiences, the satisfaction or dissatisfaction that arises from meeting or missing these expectations, and the mental and emotional consequences of prediction errors. Using vivid examples and personal stories, I illustrate how our brains continuously strive to balance predictions and reality, driving our behaviours and influencing our emotional states. Listen in to discover how to manage expectations and better understand the brain’s reward system.

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

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In this episode, we delve into the concept of “Context” and its critical role in shaping our perceptions and experiences. We explore how our mental context, much like a sheet of lined paper, provides the framework that guides how we interpret the world around us. By examining various examples, from our morning routines to unexpected life events, we discuss how different contexts can alter our expectations and influence our emotional and psychological responses. Tune in to understand how our mental context affects our daily lives and shapes our reality.

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

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In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of the “Mind,” exploring its definition, functions, and complexities. We examine the mind as the product of brain and nervous system activity, considering it as both a repository of thoughts, emotions, and experiences and a dynamic space where consciousness emerges. This discussion unravels the intricate relationship between sensory perceptions, thoughts, and emotions, and how they collectively form our mental landscape. We’ll also discuss the differences between “mental space” and “space of awareness,” offering a philosophical and practical framework to better understand the nature of the mind and consciousness. Join me as we explore these profound concepts and their implications for our understanding of ourselves and our experiences.

References and additional resources for this episode can be found here: http://www.wisdorise.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.