Wisdom and The Depth of Life

0:00 – Introduction
0:32 – Our Mostly 2-dimensional World
1:49 – Life's Depth-dimension
2:12 – Spiritual and Religious Experience
3:07 – Self-actualization and Authenticity
5:00 – Our World's Problems: 3 Types
6:28 – Our Lack of 3-Dimensional Wisdom
8:01 – The Power of Distraction
9:13 – The Logic of Seduction & Addiction
10:11 – Evolution & Consummating Our Existence
11:43 – What's Standing in Our Way?
12:12 – #1: Our Prevailing Cultural Practices
13:58 – #2: Institutionalized Power
16:47 – #3: Wisdom's Paradoxical Nature
17:25 – #4: Addiction to Self-importance
19:08 – Summary of Obstacles to Wisdom
19:49 – Cultivating Humility
20:14 – Cultivating Self-awareness
22:18 – Cultivating Courage
23:36 – Summary of Prescriptive Suggestions
24:30 – All apologies

[TheJwolf]

I can't fully articulate why, but I shed so many tears when Dr. Dodson finished a very evocative statement with, "You're already an agent of The Infinite, whether you realize it or not." I think this somehow restored some intrinsic hope, and maybe set in motion a chain reaction within me to counteract the learned helplessness that has overcome me in the past decade. Thank you, so much. Since my time at UWG, I find myself returning to your statements in times of need.

Edit: Also, sorry for your loss. I lost my mom in 2015 right after graduating UWG. It was a painful experience that still impacts me to this day.

[McFraggn]

My sincere condolences regarding your loss... I'm still very glad that you found the time and strength for uploading another video. I discovered the channel a few month back and watched through many of your videos, of which its content already triggered changes in my own life. Thank you for that!

[satwikanmol]

Thanks for existing in our life professor

[SASEFacultyMarinaSQuila]

Thanks Prof. My husband and I used to watch your video but I'm alone now, since June 2021. I found strength watching your video.

[quip]

Thank you for finding the strength to keep teaching after what must have been a few very painful months. Your pointers to wisdom are so appreciated and needed. God bless.

[DeFi-Macrodosing]

Eric, your work is incredibly important, even for those who have initiated their journey and are in search for self-actualisation. Your thoughts help systematise thinking, consolidate learnings, and provide the strength to press forward in the face of everyday mainstream adversity. Thank you. Finally, I'm very sorry for your loss and your absence is completely understandable - take all the time you need.

[silverfoxcondor]

Becoming self-aware at the ways we are addicted. How society normalizes this behavior. You've given me a new way to think about this. Thank you.

[harmanveerrandhawa]

Condolences for your loss Eric. Thank You for taking time out to post this, you were missed

[myblackaura]

Your videos are always great touchstones for breaking out of the two-dimensional world of distractions. I thank you for these videos, and your lectures as well. You introduced me to Amor Fati and a lot of amazing philosophy I never got from school. I'm sorry for your loss man, I dread the day I'll have to part with my mom. I pray for your strength and healing. 🙏💜

[hncjkhj]

You're a wonderful soul! Thanks for still taking the time to help us! My condolences.

[HAllegraLansing]

Very grateful for your perspective and insights. Glad to see you back!

[unusualpond]

So good to have you back Dr D. I was thinking something big must have happened in your life to take you away from us, and I’m sorry it had to be this. Much love and care to you, kind man. I’m sure you are surrounded by people who love you and I’m happy to be able to sprinkle a few pixels of care onto your screen.

[propha-c]

The timing is impeccable. I had just rewatched some old vids 1 week before you posted. Glad to have you back!

[TheAlien]

Thank you, Eric, for sharing why you've been absent. I've missed your words of inspiration. I imagine you've reflected quite a lot as you cared for your mom. Be well....

[dougpalmer]

Thank you for posting and sharing your wisdom, you have been missed. Sincere condolences about the loss of your mother.

[LikeRYTP]

So sorry for your loss... Stay strong!

[charlizebianchi]

I'm deeply and sincerely sorry you experienced the loss of someone close to you professor. Your videos are a comfort and sense of guidance for me. Thank you for being a psychopomp and sharing your wisdom. I aspire to be as wise as you one day.

[mouwersor]

I think it helps to label that what we're missing most in mass-society: Meaning. The serotonin-related form of happiness (in Emilssons categorization). You could team up with Vervaeke to bring and create wisdom on this 'Meaning-crisis'.
We are being sold the idea that dopamine-related happiness ('fun') and endorphin-related happiness ('pleasure') are the only types of phenomenological pull-factors to care about, but this leads to depression and anxiety because (as you point out) another dimension is missed completely. When Meaning is not felt, we cease to want altogether. The other forms of happiness (which we quickly build tolerance for, headonic threadmill, unlike Meaning) are felt as insufficient when weighed against the suffering we feel.

[zackwalker]

Profound synthesis! Love & gratitude!

[timluna]

Great video going to listen twice, I have been waiting for your wisdom and take on life. Take care.