There Is No Spoon

What do you think about friendship? Was it just a random, unexpected thing that happened, or is it a conscious choice? Who becomes your friend? Peterson’s third rule for life is phrased as: “Make friends with people who want the best for you.” On the surface, it sounds simple and clear. But look closer, and questions arise. First, how can you tell who truly wants the best for you? And second, why...

We continue exploring Jordan Peterson’s second rule for life. The second rule is closely connected with the well-known moral law expressed in Kant’s categorical imperative or in the Christian commandment to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. An often-overlooked consequence of this idea, which Peterson emphasizes, is its reciprocity. In other words, by accepting this principle f...

Continuing our discussion of Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life . The second rule is: “Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.” However, in my view, this rule is not really about that. The key concepts in this section are order, chaos, and the process that unfolds between them. Despite their abstract nature, these forces are present in our lives and are just as significant as...

“Stand up straight with your shoulders back.” — that’s how the first of Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life sounds, which we’re discussing this season. While the idea of the connection between physical and psychological states is generally reasonable and relevant, I believe this rule carries much deeper meaning. In this episode, we’ll discuss Peterson’s key concept of the dominance hierarchy and h...

The new season of the podcast is dedicated to exploring Jordan Peterson’s Twelve Rules for Life . A few years ago, while studying mythology, I stumbled upon a series of YouTube lectures by an author I didn’t know at the time. The topic was the psychological interpretation of biblical stories. What struck me most was how these seemingly dry, hours-long videos were being watched by millions of peopl...

In this episode, we explore one of the most mysterious and debated topics — the topic of destiny. Reflected in mythology, cultural studies, and psychology, destiny has always raised many questions. We analyze it through the lens of time, starting with ancient gods of fate such as the Greek Moirai and the Norse Norns (and not only them), and ending with modern psychological perspectives. What is th...

In this bonus episode, we revisit the phenomenon of synchronicity — a concept Jung used to describe events that are meaningfully connected, yet not causally related. Often labeled as mystical or esoteric, synchronicity takes on a different light when viewed through the lens of narrative psychology. Building on our previous discussions about personal life stories, we explore how this seemingly irra...

In this episode, we return to the themes we’ve been exploring throughout the previous thirteen conversations — the midlife passage and what it asks of us. We revisit key ideas from earlier episodes and take a step further by using the symbolic language of alchemy to understand what is happening within us during this profound life transition. As Jung suggested, alchemy offers a powerful metaphor fo...

If you've lost the meaning in life, should you be upset and rush to find it again? A traditional psychological issue for a person standing at the midpoint of life’s journey is a crisis of meaning. The goals and purposes that once worked no longer do, and new ones have yet to emerge. But is that the root of the problem? In this episode, we’ll explore a different perspective — one in which meani...

We often fear loneliness, desperately trying to avoid it like the plague. But here's the twist: loneliness isn’t just something to run from — it’s a key player in our journey toward self-understanding. In this episode of the podcast, we’ll discuss why solitude is essential for navigating the middle of life, how it helps shift our focus from the Ego–World axis to the Ego–Self axis, and, of cour...

Have you ever thought about how the way you think about death might affect the way you live? Many depth psychologists believe that the task of the second half of life is to prepare for death — from Eros to Thanatos. In my view, this is one of the most important yet most taboo topics in modern society. How fundamental is the fear of death? Why is immortality problematic, and how is this reflected i...

In this episode, we’ll explore Carl Jung's theory of psychological types and how they help us understand ourselves. Jung identified four key functions through which we interact with the world: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. We use all of them, but one always takes the lead, while the opposite function remains the weakest and least noticeable. Throughout life, we develop our stren...

At midlife, one of the most important skills is knowing when to pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself the right questions. Doing so helps you reflect on your life experiences and aspirations while mapping out a meaningful path forward. But what should you be asking yourself? Who am I? and What do I want? — while important — are often too abstract. Something more specific is needed. In this e...

Modern psychology talks a lot about self-care — prioritising your well-being, setting boundaries, and nurturing your mind and body. And while this is undeniably important, is it truly enough? In my view, beyond physical health, mental balance, personal growth, and social connections, there’s a deeper, often overlooked dimension — the existential one. What does it mean to take care of yourself exis...

In the previous episode, we briefly touched on the saying, "More knowledge, more sorrow." In the context of self-actualization, it seems somewhat strange: if it's true, then why pursue personal growth at all? We discussed that life itself forces us to engage in this process. But why does this happen? What kind of knowledge are we talking about? Is it possible to avoid awareness and remain forever...

What is the essence of true independence? We challenge the common misconception between "looking independent", genuine autonomy, and being independent, exploring how our decisions are often unconsciously guided by inherited patterns and societal expectations. Discover why real independence requires confronting uncomfortable truths about our desires and motivations, and learn how external...

Ever wondered why we sometimes see the world through rose-colored glasses, only to have them shatter in midlife? In this episode, we dive deep into psychological projection — not just as a fancy term, but as a mechanism that shapes our entire worldview. We'll explore how these mental "ready-made models" help us navigate life... until they don't. From understanding why our careful...

One of the most challenging ghosts we encounter at life's midpoint is the Ghost of Job. It emerges when we examine our deepest beliefs about how the world should work - the unspoken contracts we make with the universe. What silent agreements do we make with life? How do we react when these imagined contracts are broken? From career expectations to relationships, from health to happiness - we'll ex...

In this new podcast episode, we'll dive deep into childhood traumas and their impact on adult life. We'll explore the classification proposed by Jungian analyst James Hollis, which consists of two types of trauma — overwhelming trauma and deficiency trauma — that can leave an indelible mark on our psyche. Each of these traumas can trigger specific psychological defense mechanisms. By under...

In this episode, we're embarking on a journey into the midpoint of life, exploring the profound question: what baggage do we carry with us as we approach this crucial threshold? Before we discuss different strategies for navigating the midlife crisis, we'll first understand the complex web of experiences, emotions, and unresolved issues that bring us to this pivotal moment. In this episode, we'll...

This episode kicks off a new podcast season dedicated to the “midway pass” or the midlife crisis. I believe this topic will resonate with listeners of all ages. For those currently at the “pass,” this season might help piece together some kind of map for the journey ahead. For those approaching it, it offers an opportunity to better prepare for this pivotal stage in life—after all, they say, “fore...