The Observing I Podcast
The Observing I Podcast
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A Philosophical Journey Through the Mind of Philip K. Dick
In our first episode of 2025, we dive deep into The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick-the sprawling, chaotic, and profoundly philosophical work of one of science fiction's greatest minds. Through the lens of Dick’s personal life and mystical experiences, we explore the core themes of his Exegesis: the nature of reality, the divine, time, and the fragmented self.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. We analyze how these ideas manifest in Dick’s fiction, from the reality-warping Ubik to the metaphysical quest of VALIS, and consider their relevance to our modern world of AI, simulation, and existential uncertainty.
Along the way, we reflect on the big questions Dick asked-questions that still resonate today: What is real? Who are we? And how do we navigate a world that feels increasingly unreal?
Whether you’re a fan of Philip K. Dick, a seeker of philosophical insights, or just curious about the mysteries of existence, this episode offers a thought-provoking journey into the mind of a literary and metaphysical pioneer.
Join us as we unravel the threads of The Exegesis, explore its connection to Dick’s fiction, and uncover the timeless lessons it holds for us all.
Much love,
David
PS: Buy my book - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D54FV5D5
Переглядів: 57

Відео

Immanuel Kant, the OG Over Thinker
Переглядів 8421 день тому
In today's episode, we're talking about Immanuel Kant, the philosopher with ideas so big, they’re still shaping how we think centuries later. We take a deep yet approachable dive into Kant’s life, his revolutionary ideas, and his surprisingly modern legacy. Join us as we explore his daily routine of clockwork precision, his ground-breaking “Copernican Revolution” in philosophy, and his ethical ...
Living Courageously in the Face of Mortality - A Tribute to Ernest Becker
Переглядів 7328 днів тому
In today's episode, we delve into the world of Ernest Becker's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Denial of Death. Exploring Becker’s central ideas, we uncover how the awareness of mortality shapes human behaviour, fuels creativity, and drives us to seek meaning in a transient world. Join us as we examine heroic projects, the role of culture and religion in coping with death anxiety, and the dark con...
The Collapse of Time: Dougles Rushkoff and the Age of Present Shock
Переглядів 70Місяць тому
In today's episode, we're exploring the world of media theorist and philosopher Douglas Rushkoff and how his ideas impact the human experience He's also one of the few living philosophers that we've covered so far (the other being Alain de Botton, go check out that episode as well). Have you ever felt that time is slipping away from you whilst simultaneously piling up like a never ending quagmi...
What if a demon could teach you philosophy?
Переглядів 97Місяць тому
What if a demon could teach you philosophy? In today's episode, we delve into the world of Buer, the Demon of Philosophy, as described in the Ars Goetia. Known for his teachings in moral philosophy, natural sciences, and medicine, Buer is more than just a demon - he's a symbol of humanity's complex relationship with knowledge. We'll explore Buer's historical and symbolic significance, the ethic...
Minecraft, but it's an Existential Crisis Simulator
Переглядів 46Місяць тому
In today's episode, we're getting into the voxel world of Minecraft. Far more than just a video game, Minecraft stands as a mirror to the human experience. It challenges us to consider very human ideas of purpose, creativity, and resilience. Through the lens of philosophy and psychology, we'll look at what this creative sandbox can teach us about existential freedom, the inevitability of loss, ...
Find Your Purpose with a Personal Philosophy
Переглядів 109Місяць тому
In today's episode, we explore the raw power of having a personal philosophy. What does it mean to craft a set of beliefs and values that truly reflect who you are? Why is it important in today’s fast-paced, often chaotic world? And how can it help you navigate life with more clarity, purpose, and resilience? Join me as we dive deep into the process of developing a personal philosophy, the chal...
The problem with Modern Stoicism
Переглядів 642 місяці тому
In today's episode, we dive into the modern resurgence of Stoicism and explore why today’s self-help versions of the philosophy often feel incomplete. While Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus practiced Stoicism as a guide to ethical living, duty, and interconnectedness, today’s interpretations frequently reduce it to a toolkit for personal resilience and self-mastery, often leaving out its ...
Unravelling Merkabah Mysticism: Aliens, Magic, and Consciousness
Переглядів 1882 місяці тому
In today's episode, we delve into the ancient world of Merkabah mysticism. Originally rooted in early Jewish mystical practices, the Merkabah-meaning “chariot”-has captivated spiritual seekers, philosophers, and even modern New Age practitioners for centuries. But what is the Merkabah, really? Is it a symbolic pathway to the divine, a powerful tool for psychic awakening, or even a connection to...
Every major philosophical ideology in 30 minutes
Переглядів 1862 місяці тому
What have I let myself in for this week? We're doing a high speed birds-eye view of the major philosophies from the pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales and Pythagoras, through the middle ages, into the renaissance and enlightenment, and all the way up to the contemporary philosophers of the 21st century. We'll look at how philosophy has changed over the years, and how it's both influenced the...
The Hidden Dangers of the Self-Help Industry
Переглядів 602 місяці тому
In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the darker side of self-help culture. While the self-help industry promises growth, success, and happiness, it can also set unrealistic expectations, create toxic perfectionism, and leave us feeling more isolated than empowered. We’ll explore the false promise of quick fixes, the overwhelming pressure to constantly improve, and the commercialization ...
Are you just a product of your mind?
Переглядів 1623 місяці тому
In this week's episode, we're exploring a rather dramatic and powerful question -"Are you the product of your mind?" We'll look at the relationship between thoughts, identity, and self-perception, and the contrasts of Western philosophies, like Descartes' "I think, therefore I am," with Eastern views, such as Buddhism's concept of the self as an illusion. We'll discuss how our minds filter sens...
The Dark Tetrad: A Guide to Power, Manipulation, and Control
Переглядів 723 місяці тому
The Dark Tetrad: A Guide to Power, Manipulation, and Control
Navigating Life with a Narcissist: Essential Strategies
Переглядів 483 місяці тому
Navigating Life with a Narcissist: Essential Strategies
BONUS: The myth of Echo and Narcissus
Переглядів 373 місяці тому
BONUS: The myth of Echo and Narcissus
Stop Trying so Hard: Lao Tzu and the art of Wu Wei
Переглядів 763 місяці тому
Stop Trying so Hard: Lao Tzu and the art of Wu Wei
The Ultimate Balance: Dualism vs. Non-Dualism
Переглядів 1574 місяці тому
The Ultimate Balance: Dualism vs. Non-Dualism
Why Our Pain Defines Us: A Philosophical Look at Suffering
Переглядів 544 місяці тому
Why Our Pain Defines Us: A Philosophical Look at Suffering
The War for Your Mind: Unravelling Psychological Warfare
Переглядів 744 місяці тому
The War for Your Mind: Unravelling Psychological Warfare
Sigmund Freud, Psychoanalysis, and why you want to have sex with your mother
Переглядів 594 місяці тому
Sigmund Freud, Psychoanalysis, and why you want to have sex with your mother
Decoding Carl Jung: Dreams, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious
Переглядів 1014 місяці тому
Decoding Carl Jung: Dreams, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious
How Occultism Shapes Modern Psychology
Переглядів 815 місяців тому
How Occultism Shapes Modern Psychology
Secrets Behind H.P. Lovecraft's Cosmic Horror
Переглядів 865 місяців тому
Secrets Behind H.P. Lovecraft's Cosmic Horror
The dark side of consumerism revealed
Переглядів 1145 місяців тому
The dark side of consumerism revealed
Why Maslow's Theory Revolutionized Psychology
Переглядів 496 місяців тому
Why Maslow's Theory Revolutionized Psychology
DEEP DIVE: The Journey to Authentic Self Expression
Переглядів 196 місяців тому
DEEP DIVE: The Journey to Authentic Self Expression
DEEP DIVE: The Influence of Storytelling on Human Perception
Переглядів 416 місяців тому
DEEP DIVE: The Influence of Storytelling on Human Perception
Embrace Your Mess: The Power of Accepting Imperfection
Переглядів 366 місяців тому
Embrace Your Mess: The Power of Accepting Imperfection
Find your talent, not your passion
Переглядів 157 місяців тому
Find your talent, not your passion
New book out now
Переглядів 87 місяців тому
New book out now

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @ZakStandridge
    @ZakStandridge 2 дні тому

    Thanks for this great episode - cheers, mates

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI День тому

      Glad you enjoyed it. About time I covered PKD.

  • @spottylogic
    @spottylogic 8 днів тому

    Aw, Buer is my favorite! Thank you for this!

  • @jamesskinnercouk
    @jamesskinnercouk 17 днів тому

    I’ve enjoyed listening and reading Alain de Bottons work every since 2000 with his easy to read book consolations of philosophy and his channel 4 program back then. I grew up in a wealthy highly educated middle class house hold, yet I was made to feel like a failure with doing badly in education and ever since doing low skilled and low paid jobs (the rest of my siblings and cousins going off to high flying jobs). Yet the philosophy that Alain brings helps to shine the light on the simple things, I honestly feel inside richer than I could of possibly imagined due to philosophy. The values of Alain’s philosophy help us to find gold where it gets over looked. I currently work collecting trolleys for Tesco yet I notice the freedom of thought I have in doing something so simple, the interactions I have with others is simple and uplifting, I notice the good in humanity when people pass each other the trolly when finished with, the big issue seller I talk with and find out about his beautiful family, and so much more than what meets the eye in these places, we just need to be open to receive. It seems to be the activities that flow without effort are where the gold lies, like skimming stones on water, there is no purpose or meaning to my mind when doing these things other than fun, and the philosopher simply ponders and let’s the sea of the imagination reveal itself in all its wonders. For what is there to life other than to simple be.

  • @JanBell-v1t
    @JanBell-v1t 18 днів тому

    Found this looking for Alain de Botton - really enjoyed it and have now subscribed. Thank you.

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI 15 днів тому

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, and happy new year!

  • @goeroe1536
    @goeroe1536 Місяць тому

    In these days and times we try to catch up. Running behind time as it where. We stopped making history.

  • @kellysober9352
    @kellysober9352 Місяць тому

    Alain- modern day genius. We need his wisdom and simplicity.

  • @melineairapetian3279
    @melineairapetian3279 3 місяці тому

    Just the best podcast . Thanks a lot for your wisdom. I'm so happy I found this gem

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI 3 місяці тому

      That's very kind of you to say, and happy the episodes are proving useful

  • @gizmosurplus7846
    @gizmosurplus7846 3 місяці тому

    Just found your channel but so far I'm loving it. The vibes and topics are definitely intriguing

  • @tanmayrahangdale8983
    @tanmayrahangdale8983 3 місяці тому

    🎉

  • @julie5668
    @julie5668 3 місяці тому

    The ideal man: He makes you laugh, he makes you think, and he is in touch with his emotions.

  • @Shokunin_Spirit
    @Shokunin_Spirit 4 місяці тому

    The coexistence of dualism and non-dualism has been explained elaborately by the theory of vyavahārika (transactional reality) and paramārthika (the ultimate reality of Brahman). Good job on presenting a comprehensive overview of the two standpoints👍

  • @lornabooker7328
    @lornabooker7328 5 місяців тому

    I really like the structure and content ...I like the way you set out the pros and cons of his philosophy and your balanced , informed conclusion. ( which i basically agree with 😊)

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI 5 місяців тому

      Really appreciate the feedback, thank you!

  • @meritwithchoice
    @meritwithchoice 5 місяців тому

    I appreciate long format videos like this.

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI 5 місяців тому

      More to come!

    • @meritwithchoice
      @meritwithchoice 5 місяців тому

      @@TheObservingI I would like to know what books you read.

  • @willgetthere519
    @willgetthere519 6 місяців тому

    Ha ha, this is great! Love the humour and Alain de Botton 🎉

  • @SB-rw7oq
    @SB-rw7oq 6 місяців тому

    He is awesome!❤; I listen to him to make sense of life.

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI 6 місяців тому

      I'm a big fan. Love his books as well - my favourite is his first one, "Essays in Love".

  • @mariama.segura628
    @mariama.segura628 6 місяців тому

    I love the episode, really enriching monolog, for those of us interested in the topic, came for de Botton but subscribed.

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI 6 місяців тому

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

  • @guitarmotion
    @guitarmotion 11 місяців тому

    Your personal manifesto resonates with me. Thank you for sharing - you have inspired me to consider writing my own.

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI 11 місяців тому

      I'm really glad you found it useful, feel free to reach out if you want to chat further about it.

    • @guitarmotion
      @guitarmotion 11 місяців тому

      Thank you@@TheObservingI , that's very kind of you, that would be very nice if you had the time, though I expect you're a busy man!

  • @subbox1
    @subbox1 Рік тому

    God I love youtube's recommendation algorithm

    • @TheObservingI
      @TheObservingI Рік тому

      I'm glad you found us! Hope it gave some food for thought.

  • @desireegreenhaw6991
    @desireegreenhaw6991 Рік тому

    New favorite podcast