Episode
216: Rebecca Newberger Goldstein KNOWS Philosophy, Emotion, Education, Humanities & What it Means to Truly Matter
- Published
- Feb 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3031
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Summary
What does it mean to matter? Why do humans seek meaning, purpose, and recognition? Award-winning philosopher, public intellectual, and bestselling author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones to explore the psychology and philosophy of mattering, human identity, morality, and the search for meaning. Goldstein is the author of ten acclaimed books blending philosophy, science, literature, and human psychology, including: 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction Betraying Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us In this fascinating conversation, Goldstein and Jones examine why humans are driven by the need to matter—and how that instinct influences everything from personal relationships and self-worth to politics, prejudice, and cultural identity. Goldstein earned her Ph.D. in philosophy of science from Princeton University and has taught at Yale, Columbia, NYU, Dartmouth, and Harvard. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Grant, and has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, Radcliffe Institute, Whiting Foundation, and the National Science Foundation. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the National Humanities Medal for her contributions to philosophy and literature. This episode explores big questions about human nature, purpose, philosophy, personal identity, and how the need to matter shapes our lives and societies. About ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones Called "the best podcast and host ever" by recurring guest Erin Brockovich, ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a dynamic Society & Culture, Personal Growth, and Arts podcast exploring success,…