The Darkest Philosophies You've Never Heard Of - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley
Dark Philosophies: Finding Light in Pessimism
Explore why the darkest philosophical outlooks, like those of Cioran and Schopenhauer, can paradoxically offer unexpected relief and humor. You will learn how expecting the worst lowers stakes and changes your perception of daily suffering.
Short Summary
- Black pessimism, especially Cioran's work, often produces moments of hilarious levity when suffering reaches a threshold.
- Low expectations, common in nihilism, reduce the perceived stakes of failure, similar to Stoic advice provided by Seneca.
- Philosophy often acts as clever branding for pre-existing thought patterns, helping readers feel less alone in their internal frameworks. The discussion dissects famous pessimistic thinkers, contrasting self-indulgent views with rigorous arguments like David Benatar's anti-natalism, uncovering practical benefits hidden within bleak observations.
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Top Comments (10)
Dream blunt rotation
This is going to be the best podcast. They are so cute together.
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts" -Marcus Aurelius
Can't wait for the full episode
He really fucking did it. He listened to the people
00:30 “Comma Emile, Emile Cioran.” Alex is sitting there laughing and saying that like Joe is his son or something 😂 and he’s gotta make sure he gets it right.
Hello you beauties. Watch the full episode with Alex & Joe - https://youtu.be/h9Bp7AuUh_E Get my free Reading List of 100 life-changing books here - https://chriswillx.com/books/
Joe's "that face" ❤. Every time he says he's sorry a baby angel comes to earth to save a life. 👼
Just release the episode bro😔💔🥀
9:09 Joe's face of confusion is probably the best thing I've seen today
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Top Comments (10)
Dream blunt rotation
This is going to be the best podcast. They are so cute together.
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts" -Marcus Aurelius
Can't wait for the full episode
He really fucking did it. He listened to the people
00:30 “Comma Emile, Emile Cioran.” Alex is sitting there laughing and saying that like Joe is his son or something 😂 and he’s gotta make sure he gets it right.
Hello you beauties. Watch the full episode with Alex & Joe - https://youtu.be/h9Bp7AuUh_E Get my free Reading List of 100 life-changing books here - https://chriswillx.com/books/
Joe's "that face" ❤. Every time he says he's sorry a baby angel comes to earth to save a life. 👼
Just release the episode bro😔💔🥀
9:09 Joe's face of confusion is probably the best thing I've seen today