Edward Slingerland, PhD, is a Professor of Philosophy and Associate Member in the Asian Studies and Psychology Departments at the University of British Columbia. He's an expert on the cognitive science of ancient philosophies.

On this episode, we discuss the science of ancient concepts like Wu Wei (”effortless action”), hot vs cold cognition, ways to alter consciousness, the paradox of trying not to try, and much more.

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SHOW NOTES

0:00 | Intro to Edward Slingerland, PhD
1:39 | Wu Wei & Flow State
9:34 | Hot vs. Cold Cognition
13:45 | How to Get into State of Wu Wei
17:35 | When to Not Use We Wei
19:30 | Paradox of Trying Not to Try
26:40 | Wu Wei in Daily Life
30:10 | Microdosing Psychedelics
32:28 | Alcohol and Ways to Alter Consciousness
38:06 | How Much Effort is Needed to Become Effortless?
40:00 | Rapid Fire Questions