In this episode of Inquiring Minds, host Indre Viskontas speaks with Kurt Gray, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding.

Gray’s groundbreaking new book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality in Politics and How to Find Common Ground, delves into the psychological roots of moral outrage and the societal divisions it fuels. Through scientific insights and engaging anecdotes, Gray explains how our deeply ingrained perceptions of harm shape our moral convictions and why bridging moral divides is both critical and possible.

They discuss:

• The psychological basis of moral outrage and why it’s driven by differing perceptions of harm.
• How disgust and fear influence our moral judgments and why facts alone rarely resolve disagreements.
• The role of social media in amplifying moral panics and polarizing society.
• Why shared stories and genuine listening are more effective than statistics in fostering understanding.

Gray also explores myths about morality, including the false belief that humans evolved as apex predators, and provides evidence for how our evolutionary history as prey shaped the cooperative moral frameworks we rely on today. Despite the challenges of polarization, Gray offers hope for bridging divides through empathy, understanding, and open dialogue.

Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of how morality drives human behavior, divides societies, and offers pathways for reconciliation.

Outraged is available now at booksellers everywhere.

Links:

Get Kurt’s new Book “Outrage” on Amazon

and visit his website: kurtjgray.com

And connect with Kurt on X and Linkedin

Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

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The Purpose Code: How To Unluck Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave A Lasting Legacy with Jordan Grumet

In the wake of the devastating fires in Los Angeles where people have lost their homes and all their worldly possessions and when many are questioning their purpose it was a timely moment for host Indre Viskontas to sit with hospice physician, financial independence expert, and author Jordan Grumet to discuss his transformative new book, The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy. Drawing from his experience at the bedsides of terminally ill patients and his financial acumen Grumet explores how understanding purpose can help us navigate life’s challenges, overcome loss, and build a meaningful legacy.

Grumet shares his insights on:

• The difference between "big P-purpose," which often leads to anxiety, and "little p-purpose," a path to happiness and fulfillment.
• How reframing our approach to purpose can help us build lives filled with enriching activities that connect us to others.
• Strategies for identifying purpose anchors, drawing from childhood joys, regrets, or incremental changes in daily life.
• The impact of social media on purpose anxiety and how to counter its influence with genuine, personal goals.

Jordan’s work weaves together medicine, finance, and the significance of purpose, profoundly impacting those seeking a meaningful life.

Listen in for practical advice on aligning your actions with your values, finding joy in small, meaningful pursuits, and creating a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime.

The Purpose Code is available now at booksellers everywhere.

Links:

Get Jordan’s new Book at Amazon

and visit his website: https://jordangrumet.com/

Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

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In this episode of Inquiring Minds, host Adam Bristol sits down with Silicon Valley tech expert, philosopher, and acclaimed science fiction author Gary Bengier to discuss his new novel, Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges. As a prequel to his celebrated book Unfettered Journey, this latest work delves into the pivotal technological, political, and societal challenges humanity may face in the next century, all framed through the lens of a multi-generational family saga.

Bengier’s unique background—spanning a career as eBay’s Chief Financial Officer to his roles in astrophysics and philosophy—brings an unparalleled depth of realism and foresight to his writing. In Journey to 2125, he explores themes like climate change, robotics, AI, biotechnology, and the shifting labor landscape. The book blends hard science fiction with philosophical reflections, offering both a sobering view of the obstacles ahead and an optimistic call to action for addressing humanity’s most pressing issues.

They discuss:

• The challenges of automation and labor displacement in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
• The integration of cutting-edge biotechnology and its societal implications.
• The global energy crisis and the pivotal role of nuclear fission in the future.
• The philosophical and economic systems required to navigate an increasingly automated world.

Bengier shares insights from his career in Silicon Valley, his work with the Santa Fe Institute, and his early life experiences that shaped his empathetic approach to storytelling. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to thrive in an era of exponential technological change.

Listen in to uncover actionable insights and a hopeful vision for building a sustainable and equitable future.

Journey to 2125 is available everywhere books are sold.

Links:

Get Gary’s new Book at Amazon

Follow Gary on Facebook @garybengierauthor,

Good Reads @Gary_F_Bengier

and Twitter (X): @GaryFBengier

and visit his website: GaryfBengier.com/journey-to-2125/

Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

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