The Resolutions That Make Us — A Philosophical Guide to Your 2026 New YearNew Year’s resolutions aren’t just goals. They’re identity commitments.In this episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, we explore how to create resolutions that don’t just change your calendar—they change who you are becoming.We talk about:the myth of January 1stdesire vs. resolvehow identity (“I am someone who…”) anchors habitchoosing fewer, deeper goals for 2026the “floor and ceiling” method for sustainable progressdiscipline as an act of love toward your future selfbuilding systems and environments that support changeaccountability, witnesses, and why you shouldn’t do this alonethe art of returning after you break your resolution10 practical tools to apply immediatelyThis episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about returning—again and again—to the person you’ve decided to become.Follow Philosophy for Better Humans for more long-form episodes on meaning, responsibility, virtue, and the quiet work of becoming a better human.
Why Schools Stopped Teaching Virtue (and Why We’re Lost Without It). Martha Nussbaum: The Fragility Of Goodness. Why we need a Renaissance of Virtue.What if true virtue isn’t about strength… but softness?In this cinematic and soul-stirring episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the powerful ideas of philosopher Martha Nussbaum and her landmark work The Fragility of Goodness. Drawing from Greek tragedy, Aristotle’s ethics, and modern psychology, Nussbaum reveals a radical truth: the good life is inherently vulnerable.We explore how emotion, tragedy, and moral luck shape our ability to be good—and why modern culture is starving for the moral clarity we’ve lost. With vivid storytelling and timely insight, this episode shows why the courage to love what can be lost may be the highest virtue of all.Perfect for anyone grappling with grief, uncertainty, or the challenge of staying kind in a harsh world.
Gravity vs. Grace in the Age of AlgorithmsAttention, Ego, and the Battle for the Human Soul Narrated by Charles Sebastian WhitbyWhy does modern life feel so effortless… and yet so empty?In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the hauntingly relevant philosophy of Simone Weil through one of the defining questions of our time: What happens to the human soul in a world governed by algorithms, speed, and automatic behavior?Simone Weil believed that human life is governed by two opposing forces. Gravity — the pull of ego, habit, power, comfort, and momentum — moves automatically. Grace, by contrast, does not move by itself. It arrives only where attention, humility, and waiting make room.As artificial intelligence accelerates convenience, prediction, and optimization, this episode asks whether something essential is being quietly eroded: our capacity for attention, silence, and seeing one another as irreducible human beings.This episode is a cinematic, story-driven exploration of:Gravity vs. grace as forces shaping human lifeAlgorithms as engines of automatic behaviorAttention as a moral and spiritual actWhy speed and convenience weaken the soulSilence, waiting, and resistance in a technological worldHow grace can still survive in ordinary lifeThis is not an episode about rejecting technology. It is an episode about protecting what technology cannot create.
The Last Economy: Can Intelligent Economics Prevent Societal Collapse? In this cinematic deep-dive, Charles Sebastian Whitby unpacks the bold ideas in Emad Mostaque’s The Last Economy—a groundbreaking vision of a world reshaped by artificial intelligence, where traditional capitalism no longer holds, labor is optional, and value is redefined.Is a collapse coming—or a transformation?From “free intelligence” and universal basic income to decentralized platforms and AI-powered abundance, we explore how AI is dismantling the economic playbook and forcing us to rethink the meaning of work, worth, and wealth. Alongside insights from Sam Altman, Demis Hassabis, and Bill Gates, we uncover the philosophical and practical questions shaping the next five years.This isn’t just about tech. It’s about how we live—and how we must adapt.Topics Covered: – The collapse of labor-based capitalism – Mostaque’s “intelligent economics” vision – AI’s impact on jobs, value, and creativity – UBI, post-scarcity, and data ownership – What you can do to thrive in the coming shift—Subscribe to Philosophy for Better Humans for weekly episodes exploring timeless ideas, modern dilemmas, and the future of human flourishing.
Episode 16: The Next Five Years of AI — A Warning, Not a PredictionNarrated by Charles Sebastian WhitbySomething has changed.The people building artificial intelligence — the researchers, CEOs, and engineers closest to the technology — have stopped celebrating. They’ve started warning.In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores why so many AI insiders believe the next five years may be the most dangerous and consequential period in human history since the invention of nuclear weapons.This is not a tech hype episode. And it is not science fiction.It is a sober philosophical examination of acceleration, power, work, meaning, and the human psyche as artificial intelligence begins to outperform us in domains once central to identity and dignity.This episode explores:Why AI timelines are collapsing faster than expectedThe coming automation cliff and the disappearance of entry-level workHow culture, truth, and meaning may no longer be primarily human-generatedThe geopolitical race that makes slowing down nearly impossibleThe psychological cost of feeling unnecessaryHow to prepare without false optimism or despairThis is an episode about responsibility — not fear. About orientation — not prediction.The future is not yet decided. But the choices we make quietly, right now, will echo for decades.
The Next Five Years of AI — A Warning, Not a PredictionNarrated by Charles Sebastian WhitbySomething has changed.The people building artificial intelligence — the researchers, CEOs, and engineers closest to the technology — have stopped celebrating. They’ve started warning.In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores why so many AI insiders believe the next five years may be the most dangerous and consequential period in human history since the invention of nuclear weapons.This is not a tech hype episode. And it is not science fiction.It is a sober philosophical examination of acceleration, power, work, meaning, and the human psyche as artificial intelligence begins to outperform us in domains once central to identity and dignity.This episode explores:Why AI timelines are collapsing faster than expectedThe coming automation cliff and the disappearance of entry-level workHow culture, truth, and meaning may no longer be primarily human-generatedThe geopolitical race that makes slowing down nearly impossibleThe psychological cost of feeling unnecessaryHow to prepare without false optimism or despairThis is an episode about responsibility — not fear. About orientation — not prediction.The future is not yet decided. But the choices we make quietly, right now, will echo for decades.
What happens to meaning when work disappears?In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the philosophy of Viktor Frankl through one of the defining questions of our time: What gives a human life meaning in an age of artificial intelligence and automation?Frankl survived the concentration camps having lost everything society uses to define worth — profession, productivity, status, usefulness. And yet, he discovered something radical: meaning does not come from what we produce, but from how we respond to life itself.As AI reshapes work, identity, and usefulness, this episode brings Frankl’s wisdom into the modern world — exploring why anxiety rises when productivity fades, why freedom without meaning becomes emptiness, and why the future may need meaning more than intelligence.This episode is a cinematic, story-driven exploration of:Meaning beyond work and productivityAI, automation, and the crisis of human worthFrankl’s insights from Man’s Search for MeaningThe existential vacuum of modern lifeResponsibility, dignity, and the “last human freedom”What remains when usefulness disappearsThis is not an episode about technology. It is an episode about being human — when the old answers no longer hold.
Why do people cling so fiercely to identity, success, ideology, and recognition? Why does modern life feel anxious even when it appears comfortable? And what if much of human behavior is driven by a fear we rarely name?In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the philosophy of Ernest Becker and his groundbreaking work The Denial of Death.Becker argued that human beings are uniquely burdened by the knowledge of mortality — and that much of culture, ambition, conflict, and ego exists to protect us from facing it directly. To manage this fear, we create “immortality projects”: symbolic ways to feel heroic, significant, and enduring.This episode explores:Death anxiety as the hidden driver of human behaviorSelf-esteem and identity as defenses against mortalityLove, work, and success as modern hero systemsWhy outrage and ideology escalate so quicklyHow denial of death fuels cruelty and conflictWhat real courage looks like without illusionsHow accepting finitude can make people calmer, kinder, and more humaneThis episode is not about despair — it is about honesty, humility, and learning how to live fully without pretending we are immortal.
Episode 11 — C. S. Lewis: The Abolition of Man & The Great DivorceTruth, Meaning, and the Choice That Defines a Soul Narrated by Charles Sebastian WhitbyWhat if modern humanity isn’t progressing — but quietly unmaking itself?In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the profound moral philosophy of C. S. Lewis, focusing on two of his most powerful works: The Abolition of Man and The Great Divorce.Lewis warned that when societies abandon the idea of objective truth and goodness, they don’t become more free — they become more controllable. Through sharp philosophical argument and unforgettable storytelling, Lewis shows how moral relativism, technocratic thinking, and the loss of virtue slowly hollow out the human soul.This episode explores:Why Lewis believed modern education produces “men without chests”How rejecting objective value leads to power replacing virtueThe meaning of The Abolition of Man and why it matters todayThe Great Divorce as a psychological map of pride, illusion, and surrenderWhy souls cling to resentment, self-justification, and comfortThe danger of cleverness without wisdomAI, behavioral engineering, and the modern risk of the “abolition” of humanityHow to remain human in an age of distraction, outrage, and moral confusionThis is not a religious episode. It is a philosophical meditation on truth, formation, humility, and courage — and what it means to live a meaningful human life in the modern world.
Episode 10 — Earl Nightingale: You Become What You Think AboutMeaning, Direction, and the Quiet Laws That Shape a Life Narrated by Charles Sebastian WhitbyWhy do so many people feel restless even when life seems “fine”? Why does success often feel empty without meaning? And what actually determines the direction of a human life?In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the philosophy of Earl Nightingale, one of the most influential thinkers on purpose, responsibility, and intentional living.Nightingale believed that human lives are shaped not by luck or circumstance alone, but by consistent thought, clear direction, and disciplined attention. Long before the age of algorithms and AI, he warned that a drifting mind is easy to control — and that meaning begins with choosing a worthy aim.This episode explores:The philosophy behind The Strangest SecretWhy most people drift instead of choosing directionHow attention quietly shapes destinyWhy responsibility restores dignityNightingale’s definition of true successFear as misdirected imaginationMeaning in an age of abundance and distractionHow to live deliberately without hype or pressureThis is a calm, thoughtful, and deeply practical episode for anyone seeking clarity, purpose, and direction in modern life.
Episode 9 — The Courage to Be (Paul Tillich)Facing Anxiety, Meaninglessness, and the Fear of Nonbeing Narrated by Charles Sebastian WhitbyWhy does anxiety persist even when life seems stable? Why do certainty and confidence fail to bring peace? And what does it mean to live courageously in a world with no guarantees?In this long-form episode of Philosophy for Better Humans, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores Paul Tillich’s existential masterpiece The Courage to Be — a profound meditation on anxiety, meaning, and what it truly means to exist.Tillich argues that anxiety is not a defect to be cured, but an unavoidable consequence of being human. Courage, he teaches, is not fearlessness, but the act of affirming one’s life in the face of uncertainty, guilt, and meaninglessness.This episode explores:Why anxiety is the price of awarenessTillich’s three forms of existential anxietyThe collapse of modern meaningWhy distraction and certainty fail usThe difference between confidence and courageHow to live meaningfully without guaranteesCourage in work, love, creativity, and truthHow to affirm existence in an uncertain worldThis is a quiet, honest, and deeply human episode for anyone navigating doubt, fear, or the search for meaning in modern life.
Episode 7 — Iris Murdoch: The Sovereignty of GoodSeeing Clearly in a World Full of IllusionNarrated by Charles Sebastian Whitby Philosophy for Better HumansWhy is it so hard to truly see the world as it is? Why do we so often misunderstand the people we love most? And what does genuine goodness look like in an age of distraction, ego, and noise?In this profound and quietly transformative episode, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the central insights of Iris Murdoch’s masterpiece The Sovereignty of Good — a philosophy of moral clarity, compassionate attention, and the lifelong struggle to see reality truthfully.Through vivid storytelling, psychological depth, and Murdoch’s own piercing ideas, this episode guides listeners through:The ego as a fantasy-making machineAttention as the foundation of moral life“Unselfing” — the dissolving of ego through beautyLove as the clear perception of another’s realityWhy goodness is a direction, not a performanceHow Murdoch’s ideas can heal modern relationshipsPractical clarity practices for everyday lifeBeauty, silence, and humility as moral disciplinesThis is not a lecture. It is a gentle invitation to look again at the world, to see others with more depth and compassion, and to walk toward the Good — one clear moment at a time.
Episode 6 — AI, Meaning & the Future of HumanityAdam Smith and the Rise of the Abundance EconomyNarrated by Charles Sebastian Whitby Philosophy for Better HumansWhat happens to capitalism, identity, and the human soul when scarcity disappears?In this sweeping, cinematic episode, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores one of the most consequential questions of our age: Can capitalism — and the idea of meaningful work — survive a world transformed by artificial intelligence and material abundance?Drawing from Adam Smith’s overlooked moral philosophy, Viktor Frankl’s search for meaning, Nietzsche’s call for self-creation, and the psychological challenges of a post-labor world, this episode takes listeners on a deep journey through:The collapse of scarcity and the birth of the abundance economyAI as “The Invisible Hand 2.0” — the allocator of a new worldWhy humans struggle when work no longer defines identityThe rise of the meaning economy: creativity, purpose, communityThe new role of humans as creators, mentors, explorers, moral teachersHow personal meaning becomes the currency of the futureWhy AI doesn’t make humans obsolete — it reveals who we must becomeWith vivid storytelling, philosophical depth, and a compassionate voice, this episode helps listeners understand not just the future of economics… but the future of themselves.
Episode 5 — Simone Weil: Gravity vs. GracePhilosophy for Better Humans Narrated by Charles Sebastian WhitbyWhat if every human life is shaped by two invisible forces—one that pulls us downward, and one that lifts us upward?In this profound long-form episode, Charles Sebastian Whitby explores the piercing philosophy of Simone Weil, the French mystic who believed that “gravity” (ego, habit, selfishness, reactivity) constantly drags us into suffering, while “grace” (attention, compassion, silence, sacrifice) has the power to redeem our inner and outer world.Through intimate storytelling, vivid metaphors, and deep psychological insight, this episode guides listeners into Weil’s revolutionary ideas on:Learning to pause before reactingSeeing the person behind the labelThe discipline of attentionThe healing power of silenceThe moral beauty of saying “yes” slowlyTransforming suffering into compassionThis is not a lecture—it’s a conversation. A walk into one of the most luminous philosophies of the 20th century, grounded in everyday tools you can use today to live with more clarity, compassion, and grace.A transformative episode for anyone seeking peace in a noisy world.
In this deeply human and beautifully told episode, Charles Sebastian Whitby guides listeners into Jordan Peterson’s philosophy of responsibility, order, and the courageous confrontation with life’s chaos. Blending vivid storytelling with psychological depth, this episode explores why “clean your room” isn’t about tidiness at all—but about reclaiming sovereignty over your life.Through myths, real-life stories, shadow integration, the meaning of suffering, and the quiet power of small responsibilities, this episode reveals how Peterson’s ideas can help anyone create a life of clarity, courage, and purpose. An intimate, transformative journey into what it really means to become a responsible—and therefore meaningful—human being.
What if forgiveness isn’t a moral suggestion—but a civilizational necessity? In this gripping episode, Charles Sebastian Whitby investigates forgiveness as a courageous philosophical act that has shaped revolutions, ended feuds, and brought healing to wounded souls. Guided by thinkers from ancient religions, classical philosophy, Eastern wisdom, Enlightenment ideals, and modern dissidents, this journey uncovers how forgiveness can interrupt cycles of anger and build a better future—starting with your own heart.
The Philosophy of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn — Truth, Suffering, and the Moral Courage to ResistPodcast: Philosophy for Better Humans Host: Charles Sebastian WhitbyIn this powerful episode, we examine the life, ideas, and moral philosophy of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn — Nobel Prize–winning author, Soviet dissident, and one of the most courageous truth-tellers of the 20th century.Solzhenitsyn believed that society collapses when individuals abandon truth, responsibility, and moral courage. His warnings were not just political — they were deeply spiritual and philosophical, offering a blueprint for how ordinary people can resist tyranny both in the world and within themselves.🔥 What You’ll LearnWhy Solzhenitsyn believed truth is the foundation of freedomHow suffering, when faced honestly, becomes a path to moral growthThe dangers of ideological thinking and “little lies” in everyday lifeHow to become a person who cannot be compelled to say what they do not believeLessons from The Gulag Archipelago and A Day in the Life of Ivan DenisovichPractical modern applications: personal responsibility, courage, integrity
Episode Description — “The Philosophy of Elon Musk: Relentless Drive & the Vision for a Better World”In this episode, host Charles Sebastian Whitby dives deep into the mind of one of the most driven innovators of our time — Elon Musk. We explore Musk’s philosophy of relentless work ethic, audacious goal-setting, and uncompromising dedication to solving humanity’s biggest problems.This isn’t just a story about business success — it’s a study in how to think bigger, act faster, and refuse to accept limitations. From first principles reasoning and extreme focus, to his belief in sacrificing comfort for progress, we break down the mental frameworks that fuel SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and beyond.You’ll learn:Why Musk believes meaningful work requires obsession, not motivationThe power of first-principles thinking to overcome obstacles that stop everyone elseHow to cultivate a mindset that turns “impossible” into engineering problemsThe importance of aiming at world-changing goals, not incremental improvementsMusk’s ultimate vision for humanity — from sustainable energy to multi-planet lifeWhether you admire him, question him, or simply want to understand the psychology behind his drive, this episode will challenge you to rethink your own boundaries and pursue the biggest version of your life.Subscribe, take notes, and get ready to push past what you thought was possible.