In this episode of The Mad Genius Thesis, we confront a haunting paradox of the modern world: the more freedom we gain, the more depressed we seem to become. Why does a society built on choice, autonomy, and self-expression leave so many people feeling empty, anxious, and lost?
We explore how modern freedom, unanchored from tradition, structure, or inherited identity, creates a crushing psychological burden. Drawing on existential philosophy, psychology, and cultural criticism, we examine how the collapse of external authority forces the individual to become their own god, therapist, and brand. But what if the self can’t bear that weight?
Is our freedom liberating—or is it a trap? This episode asks whether depression is not a dysfunction, but a logical consequence of a culture obsessed with infinite possibility and allergic to limits.
#FreedomAndDepression #ModernAnxiety #ExistentialCrisis #DepressionCulture #TheMadGeniusThesis #MentalHealthCrisis #ModernFreedom #PhilosophyPodcast #CamillePaglia #Nietzsche#Depression#camilleandjordan peterson
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!