The Lightning Podcast S1 E14: To Like or Not to Like

“A man who likes nobody is much more unhappy, than a man whom nobody likes.” This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Anne Dudek, and Zohar Atkins as we grapple with this statement from François de la Rochefoucauld’s “Maxims”. From political intrigue of European courts to the techniques actors employ to get into character, to the laws and rulesets we all set up for ourselves when navigating society: this episode is a deepdive into the concept of “happiness” and love.

00:01 Introduction to the Podcast

00:24 Unpacking François de la Rochefoucauld's Quote

00:56 Exploring the Historical Context

01:47 Interpreting the Quote through Political Intrigue

03:01 Contrasting Perspectives: Machiavellian Philosophy

04:36 Engagement and Community in Philosophy

05:08 The Role of Envy and Defensiveness

06:36 Exploring the Concept of 'Like'

07:05 The Role of Discernment and Judgment

07:30 The Complexity of 'Like' and 'Happiness'

08:00 The Role of Analogy in Understanding

09:20 The Paradox of Liking and Being Liked

22:27 The Role of Aspiration and Striving

25:15 Art, Happiness, and Fulfillment

26:00 Final Thoughts on Happiness and Superficiality

28:06 The Power of Liking and Being Liked

29:33 The Art of Empathy and Connection

30:35 Acting: A Tool for Emotional Control

31:24 The Struggles of Playing Unlikable Characters

32:56 The Complexity of Villains in Film

35:08 The Thin Line Between Acting and Reality

37:51 The Role of Empathy in Society

49:25 The Tragedy of Being Loved but Not Loving

54:40 Closing Thoughts

 

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