Occasionally, I reference content of Lex Fridman’s podcast which bears his namesake. I’m a fan of Fridman’s thoughtful discourse and I enjoy his discussions with many guests.
While I don’t agree with everything that anyone says or the views of all people, I appreciate how Fridman explores various topics and I often find myself agreeing with many of his conclusions. One major critique I have of his work is that I perceive Fridman’s perspective to be a bit too Pollyannaish for my taste.
In particular, Fridman generally asks his guest about what role “love” plays in various matters wherein love seemingly has little relevance. As well, I’ve heard him express on many occasions that there is “magic” surrounding some concepts.
Additionally, Fridman appears quite fond of asking guests about how “beauty” impacts their decision-making abilities. I acknowledge Fridman’s use of idealism while often using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) techniques to address personal discomfort when hearing his romanticized views of life.
In particular, I understand human fallibility. Fridman is an imperfect being and it would be irrational to conclude that he shouldn’t be. Likewise, I use unconditional acceptance to keep myself from placing unnecessary stipulations on Fridman and his content.
Additionally, I use the ABC Model—chiefly, disputation—to challenge my unhelpful assumptions when they inevitably manifest while listening to the podcast. Ultimately, I apply humor to these techniques so that I may laugh at Fridman and myself when nonsensical ideas emerge.
In this regard, I recently listened to a video wherein Gad Saad critiqued Fridman’s inordinately optimistic perspective and I laughed out loud—perhaps a bit too loud, because I over-identified with Saad’s message. Saad stated:
I am sure that Lex Fridman is a lovely guy. I am sure that Lex Friman maybe means well; I don’t know, or maybe it’s all a shtick. I’ll…I’ll be quiet for now about what I think it is. But that doesn’t mean that spreading a message—‘Love will conquer all,’ ‘Love is love, ‘Kindness to all,’ ‘The only way we’re going to solve all problems is through greater kindness’—that’s not a realistic, adult position to take. That makes you a three-year-old living in Unicornia, utopia. That’s not how an adult thinks.
When disputing my illogical and unreasonable assumptions, I sometimes laugh at the preposterous things of which I’m convinced. Likewise, when helping others to challenge their absurd beliefs, I invite individuals to use a whimsical approach to REBT.
The concept of Unicornia clearly encapsulates the whimsy of ridiculous convictions with which people disturb themselves. If a person can release the tightly held grip on irrational beliefs, stop behaving like a toddler, laugh at oneself, and adapt healthier methods of dealing with reality, I suspect the individual will lead a more productive life.
Of course, this isn’t to suggest that Fridman’s life is fruitless, because he’s far more accomplished than I. Who knows, maybe there’s something to the whole love, magic, and beauty angle that could better serve my interests and goals?
How about you, dear reader? Does use of a three-year-old’s point of view benefit your life in any meaningful way? If not, I may be able to help you out of Unicornia.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Enriquez, A. (2021, October 25). Q. How does fair use work for book covers, album covers, and movie posters? Penn State. Retrieved from https://psu.libanswers.com/faq/336502
EuroGraphics. (n.d.). Unicorn fairy land [Image]. Puzzle Warehouse. Retrieved from https://www.puzzlewarehouse.com/Unicorn-Fairy-Land-500-Piece-Puzzle-8500-5363.html
Fridman, L. (n.d.). Lex Fridman. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/@lexfridman
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Blog – Categories: Disputation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/blog/categories/disputation
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Hollings, D. (2022, March 25). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
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Hollings, D. (2022, November 9). The ABC model. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-abc-model
Hollings, D. (2022, July 11). Unconditional acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance
Hollings, D. (2023, May 12). Use of humor. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/use-of-humor
Saad, G. (2023, June 5). 3 physicians including 2 gynecologists confirm that Dylan Mulvaney is a woman (The SAAD Truth_1578) [Video, starting at minute 28:35]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/03cl12HOuN0
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Gad Saad. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gad_Saad
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