Listen "#70 - The Truth About Desire: Why We Want What We Want With Charlotte Fox Weber"
Episode Synopsis
Are We Slaves to Our Desires? | Charlotte Fox Weber on Human Desires, Free Will & RelationshipsIn this episode of The Struggle, Gregor Thomson sits down with renowned psychologist and author Charlotte Fox Weber to explore the complex nature of human desires, free will, and the role our upbringing and societal scripts play in shaping what we want.They discuss: • How desires can enslave us if ignored, but can also guide us toward self-discovery (00:08–04:50) • The paradox of instant gratification vs. higher-order desires and finding balance in daily life (03:30–05:50) • Understanding taboo or “dark” desires and how curiosity can free us from shame (09:12–12:34) • How childhood experiences and cultural scripts shape our expectations in love and relationships (12:34–21:21) • The evolutionary roots of wanting to be noticed and understood, and why this is central to human connection (25:56–32:53) • The challenge of balancing autonomy and connection in modern life (34:23–37:15) • Practical tips for reconnecting with others, noticing small joys, and cultivating flexibility and self-compassion (37:15–54:49)This conversation is a masterclass in navigating the human mind, understanding the motivations behind our actions, and embracing complexity in both desire and life.📚 Charlotte Fox Weber’s Book: • What We Want: A Journey Through Twelve of Our Deepest Desires • Follow Charlotte on Instagram: @charlottefoxweberpsychology • Upcoming book (2026): Sacred MonstersBooks • Weber, C. F. (2024). What We Want: Unlocking the Power of Desire. [Publisher not specified in transcript] • Von Hippo, W. (2024). The Social Paradox: Balancing Autonomy and Connection. [Publisher not specified in transcript] • Weber, C. F. (2026). Sacred Monsters. Penguin.• William Von Hippel: The Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find Happiness• Oliver Burkeman (4000 Weeks): Concept of telic vs atelic activities. [Referenced by Thomson]• Greg McKeown’s 1-2-3 Method - Essentialism [Referenced by Thomson]⸻Podcasts / Interviews • Chris Williamson (Modern Wisdom) Discussion on finding joy in small everyday moments. [Referenced by Thomson]⸻Quotes / Philosophical References • Sartre, J.-P. (1943). No Exit (“Hell is other people”).📄 SponsorSign up for The Struggle Newsletter here - https://gregorthomson.com📺 Watch The StruggleYouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD📱 Get In TouchInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1Email - [email protected]
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