Robert Greene, bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power, Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature, joins Joe to discuss his newest book, The Law of the Sublime, and how we can break free from the familiar patterns of thinking that limit the way we experience the world.
Greene shares how a life-threatening stroke in 2018 fundamentally changed his perspective and transformed the book he had originally envisioned. What began as an intellectual exploration of awe and wonder became a deeply personal journey into the mysteries of human existence, the power of attention, and our capacity to experience life more fully.
Joe and Greene explore why we become trapped inside our own heads, how our egos shape the way we see the world, and why reconnecting with our curiosity, sense of purpose, and the world around us can fundamentally change our lives.
Joe and Greene also discuss:
- How Greene’s 2018 stroke changed his understanding of life, death, and the sublime
- Why our minds become consumed with what other people think of us and how we can learn to quiet the constant mental chatter
- Why contemplating the vastness of the universe and the lives of people thousands of years ago can change our perspective
- The ancient Greek concept of the daemon and how it can help us discover our deeper purpose in life
- How Joe’s journey from a 20-year military career to writing illustrates the importance of following that inner calling
- What the incredible survival story of Nando Parrado in the Andes teaches us about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles
- What Ernest Shackleton’s leadership reveals about empathy, resilience, and the human spirit
- Why the pursuit of power can become destructive when leaders lose their sense of perspective and become consumed by ambition
- How Greene uses reading, research, and thousands of handwritten note cards to discover the themes that shape his books
Whether you’re a leader navigating difficult decisions, someone questioning the direction of your life, or simply looking to experience the world with greater curiosity and wonder, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that there is far more to life than the narrow world we often create inside our own heads.
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