In this episode, explore what the modern, scientific viewpoint, Aristotle, the Stoics, Christianity, Judaism, Confucius, Hinduism, the Yogic tradition, and Buddhism have to say on what it is that makes us human. Explore the defining characteristic of our species and hear how each of the above traditions hints at an answer to the challenge posed by the Oracle of Delphi: Know Thyself.

In the martial arts, it is essential to find and maintain your centre of gravity. The true sensei can not be thrown off centre. In exploring how some of the great teachers of the spiritual and intellectual arts have found their gravitas, it is my hope that you may strengthen your own spiritual and intellectual centre so that the scoundrels of this world will not so easily disturb your cool.

Disclaimer: It is my belief that the work quoted in this podcast falls within fair use as defined by the United States.  No quote constitutes a significant portion of the podcast, and each is introduced for the purpose of the interpretation and extension of a work of non-fiction for educational purposes. Furthermore, there is an attempt to guide listeners to a version that is published with the copyright owner's assent so that it may be purchased and consumed in a legal form, thereby increasing the copyright owner's share of the marketplace. In consideration of this fact, please take as demonstrated that the intent of quoting is to increase the market for the original and not to supplant the copyright owner's right to exist in the marketplace without having to compete with stolen copies of their work. If I have infringed on any copyright owner's rights or inadvertently harmed your position in the marketplace, please contact me so that appropriate accommodations, corrections, or removals may be made.

References:

Freidländer, Michael, translator. The Guide for the Perplexed.By Maimonides, Moses, Dover Publications Inc. 1956

Govinda, Lama Anagarika. Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism. B. I. Publications, 1977. pgs  17 -19

Lau, D.C., translator. The Analects (Lun yü). By Confucius. Penguin Books. 1979 pg. 118

Law, Vivien. The History of Linguistics in Europe: From Plato to 1600. Cambridge University Press. 2003

Satchidanada, Sri Swami. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Narrated by Rev. Rudra Swartz, Sam et al. Internal Yoga Publications, 2019. Audiobook, presented by Audible.com

Russel, Bertrand. “What I Believe.” The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russel. Routledge. 2009. (pgs. 349 - 350)