Finding meaning in a world gone mad I Iain McGilchrist

Iain McGilchrist is an Oxford literary scholar, and a doctor in psychiatry and neuroscience. A champion of holistic thinking, Iain’s tour-de-force book The Master and His Emissary, along with his more recent The Matter with Things, have transformed academic and popular understanding not only of the human brain, but also of the importance of a fundamental worldview shift. His works sustain an in-depth critique of reductionism, and unfold different approaches for understanding who we are and what the world is.

In this episode, Iain’s research on the differences between the left and right hemispheres provide the backdrop for discussions of the human experience of the sublime, and how important that experience is if we are to reestablish social and ecological balance in the world. He discusses his long-standing appreciation for the local, the place-based and the natural, suggesting that these offer avenues towards right-hemisphere aspects of our experience – aspects which have been neglected to our detriment.

Listen to this interview as a podcast:

Local Futures is an international non-profit organization, dedicated to renewing ecological and social well-being by strengthening communities and local economies. To learn more about our work, visit:

Subscribe to our email newsletter:

[micheleleech]

As a French person living in the U.K. I have learnt to enjoy the British sense of humour, and their freedom of expression through music, fashion, and the arts generally. I have found that the British also have great respect for the values of the past and tradition. It shows in the preservation of ancient buildings, even steam trains, which is quite endearing. But what has captivated me the most is their love for plants, gardening and wildlife, which I share. I also like a good pantomime!

[stuartthorpe]

Thank you for this, Iain. A most moving and elevating talk.

[williammurtha]

Amazing man. Have seriously got into his work this year and my life is better for it.

[theresapelham]

Relaxed in the heart awake in the brain

[DeborahPinder-ft]

Really enjoyed that, thanks for sharing

[Raymond-dln]

A very insightful thinker for our sad times.

[rachelvisconti]

What a lovely man! I am so glad to discover this wonderful thinker!

[craigkeller]

Absolutely agree. Would love to share a pint and watch the sunset! Aloha.

[marielloyd]

iain - the most broadly capable, most healing of doctors.

[hglatGAIA]

I love to support this man. His work is excellent.

[iayanarael]

oh gawsh - so many wonderful phrases to quote !! Chi miigwech!

[peterwiles]

Profound. The government is not going to help us. Government welfare is a road to collapse. It’s the family and community that’s paramount.

[sheenapearse]

‘ Once we know ourselves, … we can construct our knowledge of the external world (with all its contingency and uncertainty ) on our own individual foundation .’ Husserl. … ie First ‘ Know thy self ‘
“ As a suffering creature, I cannot do without something greater than I - something that is my life - the power to create.” Vincent van Gogh

[waltergigandet]

It is thru connection to nature, the temple of the Devine, that one finds peace within

[jmaryk]

Also recommend The Compassionate Brain

[DaveE]

Permaculture and regenerative agriculture is vital

[ximono]

Wonderful interview, thanks for sharing this!

9:24 I think AI is not so much about _improving_ our cognition, but outsourcing it to machines, effectively _impairing_ our cognition.

There's nothing wrong with improving one's cognition, is there? Isn't that what (good) education does? Computers can also aid in that, as long as we use _it_ as a tool and not the other way around. I'm thinking of judicious use of actual computers, not the "smart" gadgets and apps that are being pushed upon us. Used responsibly, I think computers can be good tools for thought, aiding but not replacing Human Intelligence (HI).

[tomgreene]

The matter with Things is a journey ...but it takes a good deal of time !

[kasturiswami]

Absolutely balanced. The complete negation of faith and divine in the face of reason is destroying us. One can not prove everything like in a laboratory.

[beljacobs]

Wonderful talk. Could the Natural also be the Divine?