JRE #809 - Aubrey Marcus

6/14/2016

Joe Rogan Podcast #809 – Aubrey Marcus: Topics & Summary

This podcast features a wide-ranging conversation with Aubrey Marcus, a writer, entrepreneur, and adventurer. They delve into topics related to consciousness, psychedelics, the nature of reality, animal intelligence, cultural appropriation, and the power of choice. The conversation is infused with humor, introspection, and a deep sense of wonder. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics explored:

1. Psychedelics and the Nature of Reality

Aubrey describes his experiences with Ayahuasca and how it led him to “see” bears with gold chains, signifying the imprisoning nature of wealth.
Joe and Aubrey discuss the power of the imagination and its role in shaping our reality. They suggest that the things we imagine, especially archetypes like aliens and dragons, might exist on a different frequency or dimension.
They explore the potential that psychedelics allow us to access these different frequencies, blurring the line between what we consider real and imaginary.
The conversation touches on the scientific reductionist point of view, which seeks to explain psychedelic experiences through chemical processes in the brain, but ultimately emphasizes that the subjective experience itself is transformative.

2. The Intelligence of Animals

Aubrey and Joe discuss the surprising intelligence of octopuses, highlighting their unique biological features and remarkable abilities to camouflage and adapt.
They consider the ethics of consuming octopus, suggesting that their advanced intelligence might warrant a rethink of our culinary choices.
The conversation expands to explore the intelligence of other animals, including wolves, dolphins, insects, and plants, highlighting the spectrum of consciousness and free will across the animal kingdom.
They discuss how our own anthropomorphization of animals can impact our choices, and how the perception of an animal’s intelligence can influence our behavior towards them.

3. The Nature of Suffering and the Importance of Presentness

Aubrey recounts a story about a mother bear mourning the death of her cub but then consuming the carcass, highlighting the bear’s ability to exist solely in the present moment.
They discuss how our own suffering often stems from clinging to past traumas and anxieties about the future, contrasting our experience with the present moment-focused existence of nature.
They suggest that spending time in nature can serve as a potent remedy for mental suffering, reconnecting us to the present moment and allowing us to release the burdens of the past.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a mission or purpose in life to combat the ennui of a life where our basic needs are readily met and our sense of purpose is lost.

4. The Dangers of Social Media and the Importance of Authenticity

Joe and Aubrey explore the psychological pressures associated with social media, particularly the constant need for validation and attention.
They discuss how this constant exposure to the “look at me” culture can create a distorted sense of self and lead to anxiety, depression, and a disconnect from our authentic selves.
They emphasize the need for activities that counter these pressures, such as spending time in nature, meditating, or engaging in hobbies that require full attention and presence.
The conversation touches on the importance of acknowledging and addressing the negative aspects of fame and the potential for it to lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and even self-destructive behavior.

5. The Importance of Openness and Sharing Knowledge

Joe and Aubrey discuss the importance of sharing knowledge and best practices with the world, challenging the idea that knowledge should be hoarded for power or control.
They explore the potential of psychedelics to foster openness and connection, highlighting the ancient cultures that embraced these substances for spiritual growth and social harmony.
They contrast these open societies with the rigid and hierarchical structures of religions and institutions that control access to knowledge and often use it for power and control.
They argue that embracing open-source knowledge and practices can lead to greater understanding, progress, and a more harmonious society.

6. The Power of Choice and the Need for Self-Forgiveness

Aubrey emphasizes the power of choice and how it can be empowering to accept responsibility for our actions and choices.
They discuss the challenge of confronting our own inner critic and the need for self-forgiveness to break free from the cycle of self-judgment and shame.
They encourage listeners to embrace the possibility of failure, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than a reason for despair or self-criticism.
The conversation suggests that those who are most successful are often those who are willing to acknowledge their flaws and embrace the lessons that come with failure.

7. The Role of Resistance in Growth and Development

Joe and Aubrey discuss how resistance, both in our personal lives and in society, can serve as a catalyst for growth and development.
They highlight the importance of confronting our own fears and seeking out challenges that push us to grow and evolve.
They suggest that the resistance to new ideas, knowledge, and social change can actually fuel progress by strengthening the resolve of those who are working for positive change.
The conversation emphasizes that overcoming resistance, whether it be personal or societal, requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

8. The Value of Connection and the Importance of Tribe

Aubrey and Joe discuss the importance of connection and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a tribe or a community.
They highlight the profound bond that can develop between individuals who share common experiences and a sense of purpose, particularly in challenging or stressful situations.
They suggest that modern society often lacks the sense of tribe that was prevalent in earlier, more traditional societies, and explore the need to create new rituals and practices that foster connection and a sense of shared purpose.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a group or community where we feel a sense of belonging and unconditional acceptance, where we can be our true selves and support each other in our growth and development.

9. The Nature of War and the Importance of True Leadership

Joe and Aubrey discuss the destructive nature of war and the often distorted perspectives of those in positions of power who make decisions about war and conflict.
They contrast these leaders with those who have actually experienced the realities of war, highlighting the difference in perspective and the importance of having individuals with real-world experience in positions of leadership.
The conversation calls for a shift in our approach to war and conflict, moving away from a focus on punishment and control towards a more compassionate and restorative approach.
They emphasize the importance of choosing to fight for something truly worthy, aligning ourselves with forces that promote love, understanding, and a more peaceful world.

10. Ancient Civilizations, Lost Knowledge, and the Potential for a New Era

Aubrey and Joe explore the evidence of advanced civilizations that existed thousands of years ago, highlighting the enduring mysteries of ancient Egypt, Peru, and other cultures.
They discuss the possibility that these civilizations were destroyed by cataclysmic events, such as asteroid impacts, and that we may be living in a cycle of destruction and rebirth.
They suggest that we may have lost significant knowledge and practices from these ancient civilizations, which could potentially offer solutions to the challenges we face today.
The conversation encourages listeners to embrace a sense of wonder and curiosity about the past, recognizing that the mysteries of our own history hold clues to our potential for the future.

11. The Importance of Recognizing and Confronting Our Ego

Joe and Aubrey discuss the ego and its often-destructive tendencies, highlighting how it can inflate our sense of self-importance, make us fragile, and prevent us from seeing the world clearly.
They use the example of the Persian King Xerxes, a notorious egomaniac, to illustrate the dangers of unchecked ego and its tendency to lead to self-destruction.
They suggest that the ego is often reinforced by unearned power and privilege, making it difficult for individuals in such positions to recognize their own limitations and flaws.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of confronting our own ego and learning to accept our imperfections, recognizing that true growth and fulfillment come from embracing our humanity and accepting that we are not perfect.

12. The Power of Fear and the Need for Courage

Aubrey and Joe discuss the role of fear in shaping our beliefs and behaviors, highlighting how it can be used to control and manipulate people.
They explore how fear, often instilled through religion and societal norms, can rob us of our free will and our ability to think critically.
They argue that embracing courage and confronting our fears is essential for growth and liberation, allowing us to access our full potential and break free from the constraints of fear-based thinking.
The conversation encourages listeners to challenge the fear-based narratives that often limit our choices and to embrace a more rational and evidence-based approach to life.

13. The Importance of Acknowledging and Processing Trauma

Joe and Aubrey discuss the importance of acknowledging and processing trauma, highlighting the societal and individual costs of ignoring or suppressing it.
They explore the potential for trauma to lead to negative coping mechanisms, such as addiction, self-destruction, and a disconnect from our authentic selves.
They encourage listeners to seek support and guidance in dealing with trauma, recognizing that healing and growth are possible through self-awareness, compassion, and the right kind of help.
The conversation emphasizes that trauma is a universal experience and that we can all learn from each other’s stories and support each other in the process of healing.

14. The Nature of Consciousness and the Search for Meaning

Joe and Aubrey explore the nature of consciousness and its role in shaping our experience of reality.
They discuss the potential for consciousness to extend beyond our individual selves, connecting us to a larger, interconnected web of life.
The conversation delves into the search for meaning and purpose in life, encouraging listeners to explore their own values, beliefs, and aspirations.
They suggest that finding meaning in life is often a journey of self-discovery, involving embracing our unique talents and passions, and contributing to something larger than ourselves.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“I think the imagination is something really fucking weird. And I think we’ve somehow are another we’ve almost like no. I don’t wanna say we underestimate it, but we underrate it.” – Aubrey emphasizes the power of imagination and suggests that we often undervalue its potential.
“The experience is exactly the same. whether or not it’s in a physical form or whether or not it’s something that happens to you while you’re tripping.” – Aubrey highlights that the transformative experiences we have, whether through psychedelics or other means, have a profound impact regardless of their perceived reality.
“Nature is really perfect because nature is always in the present moment.” – Aubrey contrasts our tendency to dwell on the past and future with the present-moment focused nature of the natural world.
“I think we’re all forces and that force needs to have an effect, needs to have a reason that it’s moving in a certain direction.” – Aubrey emphasizes the importance of having a mission or purpose in life to guide our actions and create a sense of fulfillment.
“You don’t need to believe it, you just need to do it.” – This quote, reflecting a sentiment often attributed to Scientology, highlights the dangers of blind obedience and the suppression of critical thinking.

JRE #809 – Aubrey Marcus