Huberman’s Spiritual Side

Beginner

Task 1: True or False?

Listen to the transcript and decide if the following statements are True or False.

1. Only two kinds of people do not feel sad emotions: psychopaths and dead people. 
   • True / False
2. Tal Ben Shahar believes a happy life means being happy all the time. 
   • True / False
3. The speaker says the brain is unbelievable. 
   • True / False
4. The speaker believes in God. 
   • True / False
5. The speaker says prayer helps him feel peace. 
   • True / False

Task 2: Listen and Circle the Word

Listen carefully and circle the word you hear in each sentence.

1. There are only two kinds of people who do not experience painful / happy emotions.
2. Learning / Speaking to accept painful emotions is important.
3. We see antifragile systems all around us and within us / them.
4. The brain is unbelievable / interesting.
5. I pray / play out loud in the morning.

Intermediate

Task 1: Main Ideas and Key Concepts

Listen to the transcript and answer the following questions in your own words.

1. What is antifragility? How is it different from resilience? (Hint: Think about muscles and stress.)
2. What is the paradox of pursuing happiness that the speaker mentions? How does he suggest we solve this paradox?
3. Why does the speaker believe in God? Name at least two famous people he mentions who also believed in God.
4. What is the speaker’s advice for someone who wants to start a podcast or social media channel?

Task 2: Fill in the Blanks

Listen to the transcript and fill in the missing words.

1. There is a false understanding or expectation that a happy life means being happy all the time. No. Learning to __________, and even embrace painful emotions is an important part of a happy life.
2. Antifragility is essentially resilience __________.
3. On the psychological level, you know what that’s called? PTG, post-traumatic __________.
4. I’m very comfortable saying I __________ in God.
5. I absolutely __________ I absolutely love that the idea but also what for me is really a deep belief which is that we can’t control everything.

Advanced

Task 1: Analysis and Reflection

Listen to the entire transcript carefully and answer the following questions with detailed explanations.

1. The speaker connects the complexity of the brain and biology to his belief in a Creator. Elaborate on his reasoning, providing specific examples he uses to illustrate the “unbelievable” nature of biology, particularly the brain.
2. Discuss the speaker’s personal journey with prayer and spirituality. How has it evolved, and what specific benefits or insights does he attribute to it, especially in overcoming hardship?
3. Analyze the speaker’s nuanced perspective on “being loving but also realistic.” How does he connect this to his overall well-being and professional success?
4. The speaker emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in podcasting. How does he contrast podcasting with traditional journalism or media in this regard, and what does he suggest is the core driver of success for podcasters?

Task 2: Critical Thinking and Discussion Points

Based on the transcript, prepare to discuss the following questions.

1. The speaker mentions “post-traumatic growth.” In what ways can experiencing hardship lead to personal growth, and what factors might contribute to this positive outcome?
2. The paradox of pursuing happiness is a central theme. Do you agree with the speaker’s resolution to pursue happiness indirectly? Why or why not? Can you think of other ways to approach this paradox?
3. The speaker shares personal experiences with loss and hardship. How does his perspective on these challenges, particularly his belief in a “plan,” contribute to his ability to grieve and move forward?
4. Reflect on the idea that “all the elements of science are entirely compatible with the idea of there being a God.” Do you find this statement convincing, and why? Discuss how science and spirituality might intersect or diverge in different worldviews.

Beginner

Task 1: Amazing Brain

Read the part where the speaker talks about the brain.

1. What does the speaker think about the human brain? (Is it amazing? Not amazing?)
2. Name two things the brain helps us do (like move our body).
3. Why does the speaker say “wow” when he thinks about the brain?

Task 2: Why Pray?

Read the part where the speaker talks about praying.

1. Does the speaker pray? (Yes/No)
2. What does praying give him? (Circle one: money / peace / more problems)
3. He says prayer is like “consistent work.” What does he mean by that?

Intermediate

Task 1: The Creator and Science

The speaker talks about how the brain works and mentions a “Creator.”

1. What question does the speaker ask himself when he thinks about how the brain works?
2. Does he believe that science and the idea of a Creator are compatible (can exist together)? Provide one piece of evidence from the text to support your answer (e.g., mention another scientist).
3. In your own words, explain why the speaker finds biology, especially the brain, “unbelievable.”

Task 2: Overcoming Hardship

The speaker shares personal experiences of hardship (losing scientific advisors, friends committing suicide).

1. What specific hardships did the speaker face? Name at least two examples.
2. How did putting his “trust in that” (meaning a plan or a higher power) help him grieve?
3. What important lesson did he learn from these difficult experiences?

Advanced

Task 1: The Magnificence of Biology and Belief

Analyze the speaker’s arguments for his belief in a Creator based on biology.

1. How does the speaker connect the complexity and “magnificence of biology and nature” to his belief in a Creator?
2. Discuss his assertion that “all the elements of science are entirely compatible with the idea of there being a God,” referencing any examples or reasoning he provides.
3. How does his personal experience with prayer support his views on its effectiveness and connection to a “higher power”?

Task 2: Gifts, Service, and the “Sweet Spot”

The speaker discusses “honoring gifts” and “serving a higher power.”

1. Explain what the speaker means by his “gift” and how he feels rewarded by honoring it.
2. Describe his perspective on “serving a higher power” and how this links to his desire to “put the best possible work into the world.”
3. Elaborate on his concept of “the sweet spot” which he describes as “being loving but also realistic.” Why does he find this balance crucial, and how does prayer help him achieve it?

Beginner

Task 1: Amazing Brain

The speaker talks about the brain. What makes the human brain so amazing? Write 3-4 sentences about what the brain can do.

• Keywords to use: brain, amazing, think, move, understand

Task 2: My Beliefs

The speaker talks about believing in God and praying. What do you believe in (it could be anything, not just God)? Do you think prayer or believing in something helps people? Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) about your thoughts.

• Keywords to use: believe, pray, help, peace

Intermediate

Task 1: Science and Belief

The speaker, a scientist, states that science and the idea of a Creator (God) are compatible. Explain what he means by this. Do you agree or disagree? Use examples from the transcript or your own ideas to support your opinion.

• Word Count: 100-150 words
• Concepts to include: compatible, science, Creator/God, explain, examples (e.g., Einstein, Carl Jung)

Task 2: Overcoming Hardship

The speaker shares personal stories of hardship, including the loss of his scientific advisors and friends. How did he cope with these difficult experiences? What did he learn from them? Describe how he connected these personal challenges to a greater purpose or understanding.

• Word Count: 120-180 words
• Concepts to include: hardship, cope, learn, purpose, trust, acceptance

Advanced

Task 1: The “Magnificence of Biology” and Personal Awe

The speaker expresses “absolute awe” at biology, particularly the human brain, and finds it “impossible to conceive how that could come about any other way” without a Creator. Discuss the concept of “awe” as described by the speaker in relation to complex biological systems. Analyze the speaker’s personal reasoning for believing in a higher power based on the magnificence of nature and biology. How does this perspective influence his approach to life and work?

• Word Count: 200-250 words
• Key Concepts to address: awe, magnificence of biology/nature, Creator/higher power, personal conviction, influence on life/work, scientific perspective.

Task 2: Prayer, Purpose, and Service

The speaker describes prayer as a vital part of his life, not just for asking, but for listening and receiving guidance. He also connects it to a desire to “serve higher power” and be a “conduit” for good work in the world. Analyze the speaker’s multifaceted view of prayer and its role in fostering a sense of purpose and connection to humanity. Discuss how his concept of “serving a higher power” translates into his professional and personal actions, particularly in the context of his podcast’s success and his view of giving back.

• Word Count: 250-300 words
• Key Concepts to address: prayer (listening vs. asking), purpose, service, conduit, self-discipline, love/care for others, connection to humanity, podcast success, honoring gifts.