Why dogmatism keeps us divided and what ancient philosophy teaches about modern truth.
In this conversation, Josh Waldron joins host Justin to explore how studying religion and philosophy shaped his understanding of reality, why most people cling too tightly to their beliefs, and how humility might be the key to healing division in the modern world.
From defining what religion actually is (hint: it's not what you think), to understanding why knowledge is a void, Josh breaks down how loosening your grip on your opinions can transform your conversations, relationships, and worldview.
If you've ever wondered why the world feels so divided right now, or why it's so hard to admit when you're wrong, this conversation will challenge you to hold strong beliefs loosely and embrace the uncomfortable truth that we all know a lot less than we think we do.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
05:00 – How asking a kid questions early on shaped Josh's critical thinking
08:00 – Why philosophy is just "open-ended questions" but religion is philosophy applied
12:00 – Josh's working definition of religion (worldview + community + methodology)
24:00 – Eastern vs Western concepts of religion and the sacred vs profane
45:00 – Why people reject religion and miss out on connection to the divine
1:15:00 – The parallel between religious practice and productivity frameworks
1:45:00 – Why Josh doesn't consider himself religious despite studying religion
2:09:00 – Dogmatism, division, and why people can't have rational conversations anymore
2:11:00 – The Charlie Kirk paradox and why Socrates was put to death
2:13:00 – "Knowledge is a void" and why the smartest people admit they don't know anything
2:14:00 – Strong beliefs held loosely vs loose beliefs held strongly
Quote from Josh Waldron:
"Knowledge is a void. The more you educate yourself, the more you realize you don't know. If the experts don't know very much, then we who aren't experts definitely don't know shit."
Josh Waldron's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshontrack_/
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