Existential Hope podcast: Clay Routledge | Why Meaning and Agency Matter More Than Ever
MAR 28, 202562 MIN
Existential Hope podcast: Clay Routledge | Why Meaning and Agency Matter More Than Ever
MAR 28, 202562 MIN
Description
<p>In this episode of the <em>Existential Hope Podcast</em>, existential psychologist <em>Clay Routledge</em> explores how meaning and agency shape both individual well-being and societal progress.</p><p>While material conditions have improved, many people—especially younger generations—report growing pessimism and disconnection. Clay argues that a lack of meaning, not just external barriers, often holds us back. By understanding how humans derive purpose and motivation, we can unlock new paths to flourishing.</p><p>We discuss:</p><ul><li>Why <em>agency</em>—the belief that we can shape our future—is crucial for progress</li><li>How <em>nostalgia</em> can fuel innovation rather than trap us in the past</li><li>The difference between <em>hope</em> and <em>optimism</em>, and why hope drives action</li><li>The psychology behind rising pessimism and how to counter it</li><li>What a world that maximizes meaning and human potential could look like</li></ul><p>If you’ve ever wondered how psychology can help us move from existential angst to existential hope, this episode is for you.</p><br><p><strong>Full transcript, list of resources, and art piece:</strong><a href="https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.existentialhope.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Existential Hope</a> was created to collect positive and possible scenarios for the future so that we can have more people commit to creating a brighter future, and to begin mapping out the main developments and challenges that need to be navigated to reach it. Existential Hope is a<a href="https://foresight.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Foresight Institute</a> project.</p><br><p>Hosted by<a href="https://foresight.org/our-team/allison-duettmann-president-ceo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Allison Duettmann</a> and<a href="https://foresight.org/our-team/beatrice-erkers-chief-of-operations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Beatrice Erkers</a></p><br><p>Follow Us:<a href="https://twitter.com/foresightinst" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> |<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ForesightInstitute/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Facebook</a> |<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/foresight-institute/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> LinkedIn</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/existential.hope/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Existential Hope Instagram</a></p><br><p>Explore every word spoken on this podcast through<a href="https://fathom.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Fathom.fm</a>.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
