The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is a guidebook to good living.
In this episode of Hardcore Literature (Season 3, Episode 5), we’re talking about Aristotle, habits, entrepreneurship, law of attraction, religion/Christianity, how to read the Bible, and personal deep spiritual transformation.
Check out the timestamps below the player to jump to any topic that interests you the most.
If you would like a Part 2, please let me know by leaving a review for Hardcore Literature on iTunes.
Fun Fact: This show was recorded before lockdown (I’ve only just dug it out of my audio vault), before anyone even knew about this virus, and I think you can tell from the tone of optimism in my voice.
The C. S. Lewis Podcast (The Screwtape Letters)
Timestamps:
- 4:30 – body and blood of Christ
- 6:30 – you are what you repeatedly do
- 8:45 – wantrepreneurs and action faking
- 9:00 – how to learn new things
- 9:30 – marathon training analogy
- 10:00 – the problem with the law of attraction/affirmations
- 11:30 – getting past the inflection point
- 12:00 – Japanese learning analogy
- 12:30 – how to solidify a new habit
- 13:00 – the desert of desertion
- 14:00 – the gym after New Year’s resolutions
- 14:20 – on romantic relationships
- 15:20 – emotions vs principles
- 16:20 – how to be a writer
- 17:00 – how to discover your principles
- 18:00 – how you do anything is how you do everything
- 18:30 – how to read the Bible
- 19:00 – the daily pinpricks of life
- 20:00 – on lying, fighting with loved ones, and drug and alcohol abuse
- 23:00 – inner conversion begins outside yourself
- 23:30 – something I’ve never told anyone
- 24:30 – my biggest gripe with “charity”
- 26:00 – on transformation
Mentioned in the show:
- Joe Rogan
- Aristotle
- Brian Tracy
- MJ Demarco
- Marcus Aurelius
- Buddha
- Gandhi
Great episode, Ben! I would love to hear the second part too, and some more of your considerations on The Screwtape letters, which I haven’t read yet, but I just ordered 🙂 .
I’m also curious to hear more about your experience reading the Bible and being in touch with Christian communities. Maybe you’ve already made an episode about it?
I’m not sure I fully agree on the idea that to achieve something you should “prepare/read” about it for only 5% of the time though. If it’s true that many people indulge in over-thinking, I also think that our society tends to be slightly obsessed with this ‘get shit done’ attitude, and with listing one’s achievement after achievement, even when the product of their work is complete rubbish. Personally, I think it’s important to strike a balance between preparation and action, reading and writing, learning more on how to run properly/set realistic goals and actual running. However, as someone who tends to indulge in overthinking, this episode has helped me to remind myself of that balance. So thank you 🙂
Thank you, Sofia! Part two is pencilled in 🙂 I’ve had it in my mind to do episodes on a few different books of the bible, like Job, Ecclesiastes, Genesis, and so on. Maybe even a ‘How to Read the Bible’ series as a long-term project, because it’s definitely a rich and rewarding work. And can certainly talk more about my time spent in Christian communities – it’s always been a part of my life, as I was raised Roman Catholic.
Totally agree with the ‘get shit done’ attitude. Our society has this fetish for “productivity” and busyness, which is often counterproductive without the necessary insight to aid it. Personally, I’m super over-analytical, and also indulge in overthinking, so it works for me to push myself towards action, as I know the research will take care of itself naturally – but, definitely, many people could use a better approach to research before they dive straight in. Measure twice, cut once!
Thank you for the great comment!