5 minute summaries
1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from each episode
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#513: Sebastian Junger — Seeking Freedom, Near-Death Experiences, and Reordering Your Place in the World
The Tim Ferriss Show
11 May 2021
1hr 45mins
FEATURING
Quote
"A society that is well organised enough to defend itself, is well organised to oppress itself."
Ideas
1
Demoting yourself as being the most important thing in your life is a gift to yourself.
When you have kids, your own sense of importance comes after that of your own kids. In the same way that if you're at war, you don't think for yourself, you have to think about what's best for your group first.
You initially think that this may be a loss, but it's actually a gain. The focus on only the self limits your meaning, and being able to add value to others allows for a far more enriching and rewarding life.
You initially think that this may be a loss, but it's actually a gain. The focus on only the self limits your meaning, and being able to add value to others allows for a far more enriching and rewarding life.
2
Freedom is only in question when there's a more powerful entity that might deprive you of your choices. If you're the most powerful economy or person in the world, freedom is guaranteed.
The task of any society is to be well defended enough so that you don't get overrun by barbarians or those stronger than you, but gentle, kind and loving enough that you can provide a moral existence for your community.
3
For any group of people to overcome enormous odds, they have to have exceptional leadership.
One of the most important characteristics of those leaders is that they are willing to expose themselves to the same risks & outcomes of those that they are leading.
Questions
1
Can you think of something or someone that you care for more than you care for yourself?
What else is in the episode
1
How a near death experience changed his perspective on life
2
Run, fight & think - the three ways to rise up against stronger entities
3
What it means to be a warrior in the past and in the present
Who is Sebastian Junger?
1
A journalist, author and filmmaker. His books cover freedom, war, tribes and more.
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