David D Hopkins Phd public
[search 0]
More
Download the App!
show episodes
 
Intellectual freedom is not just a buzzword. It is a fundamental necessity for human civilization and your life's flourishing. It is the essence of the human spirit to question, explore, and seek answers to the most profound questions that confront us every day. Without intellectual freedom, we are but slaves to the whims of those in power, unable to challenge authority, push boundaries, or pursue truth. In our post-modern world, ignorance and oppression weigh heavy on all of us, stifling cr ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Have you ever wondered why a government, a system of institutions specifically designed to solve problems, often preserves and worsens the problems they are supposed to solve? Buckle up as we dive into a lively discussion unraveling the Shirky Principle, which suggests governments are more prone to protect problems than solve them. We will break do…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, we delve deep into the heart of American democracy and confront a stark reality: Democracy is Dead. Join us as we explore the undeniable influence of economic elites, intellectual elites, and unelected officials in steering the course of our nation through the uniparty of Democrats and Republicans. We analyze eye-opening statistics…
  continue reading
 
It is past time to challenge the age-old belief in the college dream. Join us in a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of higher education. As a seasoned educator, I take a holistic approach to this important decision for high school students, college students, or adults considering returning to college. I am neither anti-college…
  continue reading
 
Explore the world of "Mono-Thinking." Have you ever noticed how political affiliations often dictate people's stances on various issues? You can identify a mono thinker by the number of things or problems they explain with the same answer. Mono-thinking individuals rigidly adhere to a single perspective, leading to oversimplification and tribalism.…
  continue reading
 
"People are happy; they get what they want, and they never want what they can't get... they're so conditioned that they practically can't help behaving as they ought to behave." ~Aldous Huxley This quote from the dystopian novel Brave New World is playing itself out in the psyche of far too many in the United States of America and worldwide. Join u…
  continue reading
 
It's not a secret that higher education and the academic elites far too often do not serve the nation effectively. The PhD is especially failing society in countless ways. More specifically, this podcast focuses on our philosophers and great thinkers. I'm not interested in exploring fields such as educational leadership/administration or any other …
  continue reading
 
Welcome to a transformative episode where we unveil a life-changing perspective shift: Challenge Yourself to Be Process-Oriented, Not Goal-Oriented. Whether you're a student, professional, or retiree, this mindset can revolutionize your journey. Using real-life examples, we will discuss how a process-oriented mindset will bring physical and mental …
  continue reading
 
Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we tackle the looming specter of a Trump vs. Biden rematch in the 2024 election. Three fundamental characteristics of both candidates make this rematch a horror show nobody should want to watch. Plus, regardless of who wins, the aftermath of potential violence and an even greater divide make this rematch…
  continue reading
 
This thought-provoking podcast episode delves into the timeless wisdom of an ancient proverb attributed to King Solomon: "Walk with the wise and become wise. Associate with fools and become foolish." Join me on a journey of self-reflection as we explore the profound impact your social connections have on your life. Whether your friends, family, or …
  continue reading
 
In this episode, we venture into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and its potential to reshape human thinking. We explore the intriguing question: Can machines learn to think and understand like humans, or even better? We delve into the Theory of Mind, a once exclusively human trait, and witness how AI, particularly very advanc…
  continue reading
 
In this thought-provoking episode, we passionately explore history, culture, and the controversial topic of renaming military installations, sanitizing history, or downright removing history when it is uncomfortable. Buckle up for an engaging journey as we navigate the complexities of erasing or preserving history. We address the recent renaming of…
  continue reading
 
In this poignant episode we delve into the timeless concept that life's most profound wisdom can often be found in the simplest of moments. Join us as we explore the extraordinary story of a life cut short, but through death emerges new life, hope, and knowledge. We'll share the remarkable story of Holly Butcher, who, just 24 hours before her untim…
  continue reading
 
The news headlines are admittedly ugly. War, hate, anger, and division, unfortunately, represent the interactions of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. But, if we deeply read the texts of these three great religions, there is deep wisdom to be uncovered. For many, it may be shocking to see that the shared values and common ground of Judaism, Christiani…
  continue reading
 
The world is in a state of chaos, and one of the main reasons is the loss of a unifying system of justice and morality. It can be argued that long before the flowering of democracy and the idea of freedom sprung to life in the West, Thomas Aquinas' Natural Law Theory laid the foundation. However, this foundation is eroding in our post-modern era. A…
  continue reading
 
TikTok, a seductive digital vortex, has been a source of amusement for many and terror for others. The app's algorithmic power to draw in users, particularly the impressionable young, has been a cause for deep concern as it exposes them to harmful and inappropriate content. From sexually explicit dances to harmful challenges, TikTok has created a b…
  continue reading
 
For an atheist, faith seems to be an impossibility. For a practitioner of Christianity or any religion for that matter, it is hard to maintain faith. But why? We live in a superficial world. In many ways, the religious institutions of the west mirror this superficiality. It has created lukewarm Christians—the Christmas and Easter-type practitioners…
  continue reading
 
We have all been there—bad decisions. Making bad decisions triggers negative consequences, such as financial loss, relationship damage, or missed opportunities. As we go through life and accumulate lousy decision after lousy decision, the baggage we carry around gets heavy—embarrassment, regret, anxiety, loss of self-confidence, and even fear that …
  continue reading
 
A recent YouGov survey found that only 30% of Americans overall believe in the American dream and see it as very or somewhat attainable for themselves. It is cliche now to say the American Dream is dead. You can read innumerable articles on the topic. The surface reasons for the death of the American Dream are obvious, too—rocketing inflation, stud…
  continue reading
 
Subscribe for Free: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Examples are everywhere—social media, political soundbites, and cable TV demonstrate that ignorance is trending globally. We have all seen it. It is scary to watch. Politicians boast, “I’m not a scientist,” or that people are “sick of the so-called experts.” Rather than expertise, lack o…
  continue reading
 
Just twenty-two percent of the youngest adults describe themselves as Protestant – a more than fifty percent decline from the 1950s and 60s. A cataclysmic decline if things do not change. Gen Z is the most likely generation yet to say they don’t believe in God. They are also the least religiously affiliated and the least likely to attend church. Me…
  continue reading
 
There is no easy way to slice it; religion is a challenging topic. This week we take on one of the most influential spiritual leaders to ever walk the planet earth and, arguably, one of the most influential people in the history of the world. That person is Jesus Christ. In this episode, we discuss the person, the history, and most importantly, the…
  continue reading
 
How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself? It is a fair question. It is a tough question. The 21st century has been labeled as “The Age of Anxiety,” “The United States of Stress,” “The World of Worry,” to name just a few of the unflattering descriptors. The implication is that what we are experiencing—political extremism, deep c…
  continue reading
 
If there ever was a Donald Trump-like figure in Greek philosophy that evoked both love and hate it is probably Epicurus. He had a legion of fervent followers, but probably had equally as many detractors. Often he is over-simplified down to a person interested in little more than pleasure. This would be a mistake. In the success-driven, outcomes-obs…
  continue reading
 
One key characteristic of an independent mind is not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.” This podcast discusses skepticism and the practical application of this ancient philosophy in our modern lives to make us better thinkers. We go all the way back to Pyrrho, Sextus Empiricus, and other ancient Greek philosophers to look at the emergence of…
  continue reading
 
American happiness has reached an all-time low. I doubt too many are surprised when a random google search on 'happiness in America' yields horrifying results. Right now, America is about as angry, anxiety-riddled, stressed-out, and drugged-up as at any time in our history. In this episode, we deep-dive into Aristotle's monumental work: Nichomachea…
  continue reading
 
So excited to dive into Sophists in this episode of the Intellectual Freedom Podcast. We will analyze the philosophies and impact the Sophists have had on modern culture. Especially, looking at moral relativism which has reared its head in modern culture with a vengeance. Moral relativism has set in so deeply that the upper crust of society has bec…
  continue reading
 
We do not like the idea that we are not in control of our life. However, what if the choices we make are an illusion created between those with power and those without? It is a hard and difficult question to wrestle with. In this podcast episode, we continue our march through the genre known as wisdom literature by analyzing the great philosopher P…
  continue reading
 
Us humans are fickle creatures. We are prone to error, bias, irrational emotions and are easily duped. We need to question everything. This episode analyzes cornerstone philosophical concepts of Socrates. Socrates, pound for pound, was probably one of the greatest minds ever to walk the planet earth. He challenges us to think deeply and live of lif…
  continue reading
 
“The smaller the mind, the greater the conceit.” Is just one of the great one-liners from the genius Aesop. This podcast discusses the fables, Aesop, and finding wisdom to navigate an insane world. Go even deeper by joining the Intellectual Freedom course for free! Website: https://www.daviddhopkins.com/ Newsletter: https://intellectualfreedom.subs…
  continue reading
 
Subscribe for free to my wisdom literature talks! We live in uncertain times. If we understand peace is within us which we can tap into for strength, life changes dramatically. Conversely, if we expect or believe that an external thing, whether a politician, law, job, or material thing from culture will make us happy, we will end up disappointed. I…
  continue reading
 
Mencius was a Chinese Confucian philosopher who has often been described as the Second Sage after only Confucius himself. He is part of Confucius’ fourth generation of disciples. Mencius inherited Confucius’ ideology and developed it further. A positive, strong undercurrent moves through his writings we can all embrace—all humans have innate but in…
  continue reading
 
In this lesson, you genuinely get a treat! We are studying an intellectual heavyweight considered the pinnacle of Chinese sages. His name is Master Kong, more commonly known as Confucius.Confucius’s teachings and philosophy underpin East Asian culture and society, remaining influential across China and East Asia to this day.Confucius had was obsess…
  continue reading
 
Laozi was one of the greatest minds to ever live. He wrote the venerable Tao Te Ching meaning "The Classic Way of Virtue." This work is the basis of the long-lost religion of Taoism (also known as 'Daoism' in Chinese), an official religion of China's Tang Dynasty in 500 BCE. The lesson covers the deep philosophical and political influence in humani…
  continue reading
 
It has been a very tough week, with yet another mass shooting in the United States. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted. I won’t even pretend to understand the pain of loss. It is perfect timing to be evaluating wisdom from indigenous cultures. There is so much we can apply to our current situation. A thriving civilization living, inte…
  continue reading
 
No one is born with the Warrior Ethic. It is taught through training and discipline. The warrior ethic is for everyone, whether winning on the battlefield or beating inner demons. Learn how to tap into it. This podcast dives deep into the warrior ethic from our readings in Moral Wisdom Past and Present. I invite you to listen in to the podcast and …
  continue reading
 
There is so much sound and fury from preening peacocks in the public sphere it takes wisdom to wade through the swamp of BS. The great thing is moral wisdom has been preserved in so many amazing shapes and forms across history. We just have to explore and use it. Proverbs, across many cultures, give us a bedrock of wisdom we can all use every day t…
  continue reading
 
Join our Intellectual Freedom Course. This is lesson 1. We start our study thousands of years ago. The ethics of the tribal traditions, based on custom, found expression in many cultures as customary laws. We are going to study many of the earliest. Website: https://www.daviddhopkins.com/ Newsletter: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Follow…
  continue reading
 
I'm back after a lengthy respite. Life can be a winding road, and it was. Health problems, work projects, etc., et., I don't need to bore you with my details. However, I am happy to be back! Every podcast I am now releasing is simultaneously being published on Substack as part of an Intellectual Freedom Course. I would love to have you subscribe. h…
  continue reading
 
Intermittent fasting could be a transformational technique to boost your health. Ben Tanner, a Physician Assistant, has been counseling patients needing to make lifestyle changes for years. He discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating fasting into your life style. You will be amazed how simple it is to take a couple baby steps that can…
  continue reading
 
If you died today, and everything, I mean everything you ever viewed, posted, or commented online, is compiled in a book, how would you be remembered?It is an essential question because, first of all, you will die. And second of all, your digital footprint will be substantial. As a result, many will know more about you from your online impressions …
  continue reading
 
I had the privilege to speak with Deborah Driggs in this podcast. From her start as a Playboy Centerfold and Covergirl to her life as a Screen Actors’ Guild member. Later, she achieved success by being in the Top 5% in the real estate industry as a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. Deborah Driggs has cleared many hurdles in life. While it ma…
  continue reading
 
I recently heard a story about a wealthy student on campus. He got busted parking in a handicap-accessible parking spot. His rationale was, ”It‘s not illegal for me to park in handicap spaces. It only costs $250 if I get caught. I‘d rather pay the money and not deal with the rain today.” My first thought when I head this is how despicable. There ha…
  continue reading
 
I had the opportunity to speak with the Top-Rated MMA podcast host, which is the #1 rated podcast in this genre, Erik Allen. Beyond his success in business, his personal story of perseverance is incredible. From a broken home, beaten by mom‘s boyfriend, jailed at 18, bankrupt by 21, and battled addictions, his life was on a downward spiral quickly.…
  continue reading
 
Fun fact of the day, Gallop conducted a poll and uncovered that out of the world‘s one billion full-time workers, an astronomical 85% are unhappy in their jobs. The usual suspects are present in the survey: domineering boss, annoying colleagues, type of work sucks, the commute, or no opportunity for growth. We have heard all of these before. Most o…
  continue reading
 
I can still see the TV public service announcements in my brain. ”This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs,” as the camera sweeps to an egg sizzling in a frying pan. I was an 80s child, and this was the message we were all taught. It has been 50 years and well over a trillion dollars spent since President Nixon declared war on drugs. Yet, dr…
  continue reading
 
Someday is not a day of the week. For the chronic procrastinator, this may come as a surprise.Yes, it is easy to joke about that certain person in your life being ‘time-challenged.‘ Sure, some claim that without the stress of a looming deadline they simply can‘t perform. Some believe they are genetically predisposed to be a procrastinator--its Mom …
  continue reading
 
When a conversation turns to issues of race or identity politics things can heat up in a hurry. It doesn‘t have to be that way. The conversation is bigger & more nuanced than over-simplified, snide memes on critical race theory. It is possible to have an honest conversation, move past the emotion and negativity to racial healing if only we will put…
  continue reading
 
You need to 'do you' or 'focus on yourself first,' are common statements heard across society today. I recently read an article in the journal Public Discourse by Carl Trueman titled, "The Rise of Psychological Man."It is a good thing to pursue your goals, dreams, and aspirations; however, modern culture is pushing the self-centered focus to an ext…
  continue reading
 
Over 75% of Kelly's body was severely burned in a freak accident when she was two years old. Her life was forever changed at that moment. It led to over 40 painful surgeries.Because her scars were so profound and visible, she was often bullied, shunned, and avoided. People were uncomfortable around her. As she grew up, this lead to not feeling want…
  continue reading
 
On the windswept southern face of the Parnassos Mountain in Greece are the remains of the Temple to Apollo at Delphi. In the 7th century BC, it would have been a glorious sight to see. Once carved into stone at this temple were two simple words, "Know Thyself." It is easy to flippantly dismiss the words as we all think, "of course I know myself, I'…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide