This lecture discusses key ideas from the 20th Century American science-fiction short story writer and novelist, Philip K. Dick's novel Ubik

It focuses specifically on one of the key features of the narrative world Dick develops in the story, namely the technology of Cold-Pac, which allows people who have experienced bodily death to be kept at cold temperatures and have their brains and thereby consciousnesses maintained, extending them for a while into "half-life". They do eventually run down and die after their energies are exhausted, and perhaps are reincarnated or have their consciousness simply drift off into space. Within half-life, there are some predatorial people who consume the lives of other people in order to extend their own half-lives.

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Philip Dick, Ubik - Death, Cold-Pac, and Half-Life - Sadler's Lectures

Are you part of the growing stoicism movement? Built on virtue, reason, and self-control, the ancient Roman philosophy is gaining popularity in a world that just seems to get crazier and crazier.

Today's guest is a self-described stoic. Robert Rosenkranz is the author of The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious, which takes a deep dive into how stoic principles can lead to personal, financial, and social success. Rosenkranz charts his path from a small, cramped family apartment in 1950s New York City to becoming a billionaire deal-maker and founder of Open To Debate, a nonprofit that hosts nationally broadcasted debates about the toughest issues of the day.

The Stoic Capitalist is an emotional memoir with snippets of philosophy from the likes of Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. It illustrates the power of rational thinking and purposeful action in all parts of life. Reason's Nick Gillespie and Rosenkranz talk about the political journey from a New Frontier liberal to more of a libertarian-leaning Reagan Republican to a philanthropist deeply committed to promoting intense but civil debate. They also talk about how the creative destruction that undergirds capitalism displaces people not just economically but culturally—and how to make it easier for people to adapt to the unending change that is necessary for improvements in living standards.

This interview was recorded at a live event in New York City.

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Robert Rosenkranz: How To Use Stoicism To Build a Meaningful Life

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New tracks tagged #Life Extension