Rebecca Newberger Goldstein: Why Philosophy Still Matters Today
We deceive ourselves with highfalutin reasons that aren't the real reasons.
Have you ever wondered if ancient philosophy has a place in our modern world? Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, a celebrated philosopher, novelist, and public intellectual, believes it does. In this episode of 'The One You Feed', Goldstein joins host Eric Zimmer to discuss her latest book, *Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won't Go Away*.
Through a series of imaginative dialogues, she brings Plato into the 21st century, engaging him in debates with contemporary figures like a Google software engineer and a right-wing talk show host. The conversation explores how these ancient ideas remain deeply relevant to our lives today. Goldstein shares her thoughts on cultivating positive emotions, the will to matter, and the importance of empathy and dialogue in understanding different perspectives.
She also recounts her experience of winning the National Humanities Medal and meeting President Obama. Whether you're a philosophy enthusiast or just curious about how these timeless ideas can enrich your life, this episode offers an engaging and thought-provoking listen.