EF29 (BTP-EF9): Waging War Between Reason and Emotions and the Importance of Leaving Things Unresolved — Behind the Podcast of Episode EF9

(EF29) BTP-EF9: Waging War Between Reason and Emotions and the Importance of Leaving Things Unresolved Behind the Podcast of Episode EF9

(EF29) BTP-EF9: Waging War Between Reason and Emotions and the Importance of Leaving Things Unresolved — Behind the Podcast of Episode EF9

PLAY | DOWNLOAD Countless theories like the Hurrah/Boo Theory show that we'll jump onto the emotional bandwagon of the masses almost instinctively. Why? To feel safe. But is there a way to break the secure chains of emotions? Is there a way to rationalize the irrational, reason the unreasonable and ultimately be masters of our feelings? More...

EPISODE EF29 SUMMARY

Spoiler alert: You’re about to listen to a Behind The Podcast  (BTP) of Episode EF9, which was Season 1, Episode 7 of the Evolve Faster Podcast titled I Feel, Therefore I am: Capsized on the River Emotion.  The driving question of this episode (and this AMA) for you to think through is … Can rationality and emotions coexist? It’s a fascinating question that actually has surprisingly little research or philosophical investigation.

As a reminder about Episode EF9: Elliott made a terrible mistake that’s been haunting him ever since. As if rafting through Class V rapids without a paddle, Elliott’s sanity is inches away from crashing into sharp rocks of guilt, shame and sadness. Where do we turn when it feels like our emotions have us hurtling out of control in dangerous waters? And is there any hope for recovery even once you’ve faced the reality of your situation head-on, in light of the power of these emotional currents?

The seventh episode of the first season of the Evolve Faster Podcast Episode is driven by the big question Can rationality and emotions coexist. It’s hard to juggle emotions and the need to be loyal to reason. But what is the need to be reasonable but another emotion?

To peek behind the curtain of Episode EF9, we’ll dissect the following submitted questions:

  • Does it really just take venting all our emotions to get control of them?
  • Why this question (Can rationality and emotions coexist?)?
  • What would have happened if Elliot DID take the Mule?
  • Did Edward know about the Mule, or was he only in the dark about the GUV’s involvement with the anti-immigrant groups?
  • What does Edward do at the end? Does he send the letter? Should he?
  • What does Elliot choose at the fork?
  • Should Elliot kill himself considering he now has learned to face his emotions?
  • Did Elliot call the cops on himself? Why?
  • And more…

Can Rationality and Emotions Coexist?

The big question driving Episode EF9 is … Can rationality and emotions coexist? We tend to put people (and ourselves) into two groups: people who are rational, and people who are emotional. So what should you strive being? A rational or emotional person? Rationality is usually more encouraged as too many emotions can blur your mind. But is it that simple?

Emotions motivate even the most rational people. Thus, shutting down one side is like riding a bike with one leg. Although feelings and rationale do come in conflict — with your mind being the arena for the great fight — we need cohesion and acceptance of their collaborative value rather than picking sides in the fight. Only you can know the key to your personal cohesion and harmony. And how can you know anything without experiencing the conflict first?

Into The Rabbit Hole

SHOW NOTES: This episode is dedicated to William James. See the EF28 Show Notes for details of the dedication, inspirations, references, selected quotes and more.

ABOUT THE EVOLVE FASTER PODCAST: Everything is changing, yet the questions that drive us remain the same. Will humanity face the absurdity of our collective existential crisis in time? Join Scott Ely as he takes us deep into the rabbit hole with philosophical tales to reboot your mind, upgrade your life and explore your soul. To Evolve Faster is to see the fact that you will die someday as a formidable challenge, instead of a source of immense fear. Create your reality…before it creates you. Isn’t it time for an upgrade? More episodes…

SUBSCRIBE: The Evolve Faster Podcast is written, performed and produced by Scott Ely. Writing and production of each episode of the podcast is a significant undertaking spanning many months—it’s a labor of love, but it needs your help to survive. To help ensure the creation of more episodes, please learn about ways you can support the podcast (register, share, review and subscribe) on the Support Evolve Faster page. Your help is much appreciated.

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