Michael Woudenberg
Today’s topic is a quick reminder to slow down and appreciate the complexity of the world around you. It’s a great antidote to misery and doesn’t require anything special. We’ll introduce a simple technique that can help you find awe in almost anything. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic attempts to unmask true anti-social behaviors from the protective cover of neurodivergence. We’ll explore the current state of the neurodivergent world, identify key patterns to pay attention to, and in doing so, I truly believe that once we pull off that mask, we can create healthy, inclusive cultures. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today's topic ignites the conversation about human hubris and its ecological impact when we view ourselves as masters of nature, or set apart from the consequences. It looks at the recent focus on wildfires and how they’re largely of our own creation, though, not through the reasons that are often provided. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic explores the mythos of tribal cultures worldwide. When we dig just below the surface, we find the same humans, the same issues, and the same struggles, whether in the Amazon jungles, among American tribes, or in the cities of the world. We’ll also discover how to reconnect with the land to ensure thriving. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic investigates the nuance between the Patriarchy and the Matriarchy and how our common misunderstandings of what they really are deny us an understanding of what it truly means to be human. Let’s strip back the false binaries and fictions to find out how nature optimized us for both. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic addresses a common misunderstanding that our survival in a hostile natural world has become systematized through complex transactional mediums which are misinterpreted as requiring humans to pay to live. We’ll step back from the moral language and dive into evolutionary biology to see the truth. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic adds to our toolkit of Mixed Mental Arts and provides another way to embrace humility, which we first explored in Embracing our White Belts. This powerful art can be applied to politics, our life circumstances, and to our own behaviors to uncover the absurd things we do, and then laugh them away. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic strives to untangle and understand what is actually meant when we use populism as a pejorative. As with much of politics, we find that its use reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of a critically important concept, and that the solution is far easier to achieve individually than we’re told. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic wrangles with a contradiction between male and female consumption of erotic content. Men tend to prefer visual, and women tend to prefer verbal. This, in itself, isn’t the contradiction; that occurs when we have such different perspectives on the acceptability of those media as well as the twists and turns of female sexuality we aren’t supposed to discuss in polite company. Let’s go deeper! Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic addresses the challenges of an uncritical use of AI in writing. On the one hand, AI represents a transformative tool that can help unlock creativity, improve research, sharpen arguments, and challenge bias. On the other hand, it can lull the author into a sense of agreement, feeding their ego, and drowning their voice in the banality of the average. Let’s dig into the consequences and the solution. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s Topic is Part 11 in our Keys to Innovation series and tackles the idea of “Settled Science,” showing just how myopic and resistant to new information that idea really is. Worse, it lacks creativity and locks out innovation when consensus can no longer be challenged, preventing us from learning, unlearning, and relearning. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic forces us to face two rules that govern our lives. The first is evolutionary biology, and the second is soul maturation. We’ll see how ignoring these two rules creates chaos in society and how understanding, appreciating, and embracing them creates fulfillment. A quick caveat before we get going: This topic is going to make many people uncomfortable, and my intent isn’t to offend. I’m trying, without moral claims, to understand how the world works and what that means for us humans. If you feel triggered, that’s a good thing, and you should lean in on that to better understand yourself. Don’t forget to check the footnotes for references and other observations. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic introduces two amazing writers on Substack who are helping improve the health and resilience of… anyone. The focus is on Functional Fitness, which simply means being able to do what you want, when you want, without significant limitations, no matter your age, condition, or experience. You’ll discover that, when you embrace the challenge, how much potential you’ve left on the table. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic builds on a new concept that resonated with me: the idea of a PolyPath as opposed to a Polymath. It’s the same thing from a different framing that I’ll exemplify as we explore the multiple paths my career has taken. It’s been both an asset and a liability, but understanding what it means can also help take the fear away from others who would like to try something new. This one is extra special as it’s my 200th essay since I started nearly four years ago! As always, I strive to keep these essays open to everyone, so please help by becoming a paid subscriber for just $24 a year. That’s just $2 a month and makes a big difference. Right now, we have 1.5% helping out. Can we get that to 3%? Use the link below for the discount: https://www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe?coupon=4f50679e&utm_content=174258440 Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic is another collaboration with my cousin and co-conspirator Jared Bruder. It explores the idea of embodying Christian ideals and the challenge to be Christ-like. We also explore how this same pattern exists across multiple religions and philosophies, and how it is the most rewarding place to be. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic looks at the importance of the unique phases of human femininity that differentiate us from much of the natural world. We’ll explore the power behind each of the three phases as well as the shadow archetypes that emerge when we don’t properly mature through those phases. At the end, you’ll get a preview of my third novel, Rebirth, where these ideas are fused together. Music credit to @meditativemind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivCOrc1HWxI Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic introduces a new systems thinker as we collaborate to tease apart the drivers of the nerodivergent craze. In doing so, we’ll discover just how broad neurotypical really is, how that unlocks appreciation of diversity, and how the truly neurodivergent aren’t who we, or they, think they are. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic is Part Ten in the Keys to Innovation series, continuing to explore how to unlock your capability both personally and professionally. The Science of Good Enough helps to put aside the fear of imperfection, bracket the outcome against continuous maturation, and reduce the overall effort of success. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe
Today’s topic addresses our desire to change the world as we see best while failing to change the one thing we can: ourselves. This is where these topics become so important because the real work is facing what we see in the mirror and recognizing that we have the power to fix what we see… as long as we understand the reflection. Get full access to Polymathic Being at www.polymathicbeing.com/subscribe