Published Feb 19, 2021

What It Means to be Kind in a Cruel World

Join Ezra Klein and George Saunders as they delve into the power of mindfulness and revision in the creative process, explore how individual perceptions shape our realities, and offer profound insights on sustaining kindness and empathy amidst societal discord.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Ezra Klien

What It Means to be Kind in a Cruel World

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Thanksgiving Cooking Ideas

Kindness and Human Perception

Normalizing Extreme Behavior

Empathy and Understanding

Mind States

Understanding Human Behavior

Capitalism's Human Impact

Writing Revision Process

Individual Responsibility, Systemic Solutions

Cultivating Creative Craft

Moral Dilemmas

Transformation Through Energy

Defining Kindness

Literary Recommendations

Episode Highlights

Creative Processes

Human Constructed Realities

Kindness and Compassion

Related Episodes

Best of: George Saunders on Kindness in a Cruel World

How to Do the Most Good

Three Sentences That Could Change the World — and Your Life

How ‘Being Animal’ Could Help Us Be Better Humans

Your Success Probably Didn’t Come From Merit Alone

We Know So Little About What Makes Humanity Prosper

How Do We Face Loss With Dignity?

This Conversation With Richard Powers Is a Gift

The Art of Noticing – and Appreciating – Our Dizzying World

If You’re Reading This, You’re Probably ‘WEIRD’

Status Games, Polyamory and the Merits of Meritocracy

A Weird, Wonderful Conversation With Kim Stanley Robinson

Best Of: This Conversation With Richard Powers Is a Gift

George Saunders on the ‘Braindead Megaphone’ That Makes Our Politics So Awful

Why Adults Lose the ‘Beginner’s Mind’

What It Means to be Kind in a Cruel World

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Creative Processes

Human Constructed RealitiesGeorge Saunders examines how individual perceptions shape our realities, often leading to humor or conflict. He also discusses the normalization of extreme behaviors and the role of novelistic insight in understanding societal dynamics.

Human Constructed Realities

Kindness and CompassionGeorge Saunders discusses the role of kindness and empathy in navigating the complexities of human perception and behavior. He offers insights into personal transformation and the challenges of maintaining empathy in a polarized world.

Kindness and Compassion

Related Episodes