David Boles: Human Meme
739 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsThis Human Meme podcast is the inflection point for what it means to live a life of knowing. We are in the critical moment of human induction. David Boles is a writer, publisher, teacher, lyricist and author living and working in New York City. He has dedicated his life to founding the irrevocable aesthetic. Be a Human Meme!
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Episodes
Unraveling the Leviathan Myth: From Ancient Symbolism to Modern Political Manipulation
March 20, 2024 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBThe Leviathan, as mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Job, Psalms, and Isaiah, is often interpreted as a symbol of chaos, representing the untamed and dangerous aspects of the natural world that stand in opposition to the order and civilization that Yahweh, the God of Israel, strives to establish. This cosmic battle between the deity and the sea monster draws from a rich storytelling of Near Eastern mythology, where such confrontations between gods and chaotic sea creatures we...
DARVO and Beyond in Digital Communication
March 19, 2024 11:00 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBDARVO was first identified by Dr. Jennifer Freyd, a psychology professor at the University of Oregon, in the late 1990s. Dr. Freyd's work primarily focused on betrayal trauma, and it was in this context that she observed a recurring pattern among perpetrators of abuse and misconduct. This pattern, she noted, was not just a defensive tactic but a sophisticated form of psychological manipulation.
Cat Heads in Space! Episode 21: The Great Cat Treat Caper
March 18, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBIn the endless expanse of the universe, aboard the S.S. Litterbox, our intrepid Cat Heads, Captain Whiskerfluff and Lieutenant Mittens, drift in search of their long-lost bodies. But today, they're about to encounter a story that's out of this world.
Understanding Incels
March 17, 2024 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBTo understand the Incel, we must first think back to its origins, which are surprisingly less ominous than what the term has come to represent today. The term "Incel" was actually coined in the late 1990s by a Canadian woman known as Alana. She created a website to discuss her sexual inactivity as a way of creating a shared space for people like her – those who, for various reasons, weren't having sex, but desired to. The term was not meant to be derogatory, but rather a descriptor of a share...
In Circles, the Boy Who Loved Circles
March 16, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBOnce in a verdant valley, cradled by ancient, whispering forests, lived a boy named Lenny, whose world was shaped, quite literally, by circles. From the tender age of three, Lenny was mesmerized by the perfection of this shape. He would spend hours spinning in circles, his laughter echoing through the trees, and he would blow soap bubbles, marveling at their round symmetry as they caught the sunlight.
The Harrow Family's Tale of Courage and the Mysterious Crow
March 15, 2024 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MBOnce upon a time in a bustling city, where skyscrapers kissed the clouds and the streets hummed with endless activity, there lived the Harrow family. In this forest of concrete and glass, they were a typical urban family: parents working hard to provide for their two children, a life of routine and simple pleasures. However, their ordinary life was soon to be shadowed by an extraordinary presence – a crow.
Navigating Immortality, Privacy, and the Right to Be Forgotten
March 14, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 16 MBLet's start by acknowledging a simple truth: the internet, for all its vastness, is not immune to the ravages of time and technology. Websites go down, social media platforms become obsolete, and digital content can be lost in the blink of an eye. The servers and domains that host our digital selves are as mortal as we are. So, does this mean that our digital existence is fated to fade away as we do? Not necessarily.
Exploring the Miracle of Metformin
March 13, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBOriginally derived from the French lilac or goat's rue, the history of Metformin is a fascinating tale of ancient wisdom meeting modern science. Traditional herbal medicine used this plant for centuries to treat symptoms of what we now know as diabetes. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the active compound, guanidine, was isolated, leading to the development of Metformin.
Overcoming the 'Fundie Voice': Empowerment and Deprogramming from Vocal Infantilization
March 12, 2024 10:00 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBLet's look into the fascinating yet complex world of vocal expression and its profound impact on identity and societal perception, focusing on the "fundie voice" phenomenon and the subtle yet pervasive issue of vocal infantilization of women. This exploration uncovers the roots of these vocal tendencies, their implications for personal and social identity, and the possibility of deprogramming from such ingrained patterns.
Cat Heads in Space! Episode 20: The Meowsterious Black Hole of Uncertainty
March 11, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBIn the vast expanse of space, the Starship Furrball sails silently. Today, we find our heroes facing the unknown: a massive, swirling black hole.
Legacy of Henry the Second and Thomas Becket
March 10, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MBThrough the historic lens of the tumultuous relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, we explore how words, when spoken by those in positions of authority, carry an immense weight that can shape the course of history. This episode is a trek through the psychological, ethical, and cultural dimensions of leadership and communication, revealing how lessons from the past remain vitally relevant in our modern, rapidly-changing world. Now we unravel the complexities of authority, the su...
Human-AI Intersection: Creativity, Education, and the Future of Learning
March 09, 2024 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBLet's start with history. Art, in all its forms, has been a cornerstone of human civilization. From the cave paintings of Lascaux to the masterpieces of the Renaissance, from the haunting melodies of ancient folk songs to the boundary-pushing soundscapes of modern music, art has been our companion through every stage of human development. It's how we've expressed our deepest emotions, our greatest aspirations, and our most profound questions.
Old New Gods of War in Modern and Future Warfare
March 08, 2024 11:00 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBTake, for instance, the wars in the ancient Near East. Here, gods were directly involved in the affairs of states. The Bible tells us of King David, a figure revered and yet complex. Among his many military exploits, one curious and somewhat unsettling account is his collection of Philistine foreskins. This act, seemingly bizarre to modern sensibilities, was a brutal symbol of victory and divine favor. It's a stark reminder of how religion and violence were intertwined, with physical proof of...
How Ancient Warfare Shaped Modern Medicine and Surgical Innovation
March 07, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBDigging into the ancient theaters of war, we find ourselves amidst a world where the art of healing was as pivotal as the art of warfare. The writings of physicians like Hippocrates and Galen are not just historical texts; they are windows into the early development of medical science, shaped significantly by the exigencies of war. In this segment, let's explore how the brutal necessity of treating battlefield injuries in antiquity laid the groundwork for modern medicine, particularly in the ...
Dissecting the True Cause and Harsh Realities of the American Civil War
March 06, 2024 11:00 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBOur focus is the Civil War, a pivotal event that reshaped the United States. There's a prevailing debate about the cause of the Civil War, with a stark division between those who assert it was primarily about states' rights and those who argue it was fundamentally about one thing: slavery. In this episode, we'll unravel this historical conundrum and explore why it's crucial to acknowledge that slavery was indeed at the heart of the Civil War.
AI and Human Motivation: Exploring Cultural, Ethical, and Societal Shifts
March 05, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBFast forward to the 20th century, the term "Artificial Intelligence" was coined in 1956 by John McCarthy, a visionary who often gets overshadowed by more commercial names in tech history. But it was Alan Turing, a name synonymous with the breaking of the Enigma code during World War II, who laid the philosophical groundwork with his seminal paper, "Computing Machinery and Intelligence" in 1950. Here, he proposed the Turing Test - a benchmark for machine intelligence.
Cat Heads in Space! Episode 19: Abe's Cosmic Refuge
March 04, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 12.4 MBOn a tranquil vacation planet, Captain Whiskerfluff, Lieutenant Mittens, and Skeedootle, seek rest. Little do they know, a historical mission awaits them.
Enduring Legacy of Latin and Its Impact on Modern Languages
March 03, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBOver 2,500 years ago, in the region of Latium near modern Rome, the Latin language began its remarkable evolution. As the language of the powerful Roman Empire, Latin was more than a mere tool for communication; it was the heartbeat of a culture that would leave an indelible mark on the world. But how does a language die, and what does it mean for a language to be considered 'dead'? We will unravel these mysteries, examining the gradual transformation of Latin as it ceased to be a native lang...
Diversity in the Pantry: A Tale of Peanut Butter and Unity
March 02, 2024 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBIn the bustling pantry of a quaint New York City kitchen, nestled between a bag of aromatic coffee and a box of delicate teas, there resided an ambitious jar of peanut butter named Peter. Unlike his smooth and creamy peers, Peter harbored a peculiar aspiration: he longed to be a spoonful of jam.
A Snowball's Dream: The Magical Tale of Snowy the Pebble
March 01, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 16.1 MBOnce upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled among snow-capped mountains, there lived a unique snowball named Snowy. Unlike other snowballs, Snowy had a peculiar wish - he yearned to be a pebble. While his snowy companions delighted in the frosty winds and blizzards, Snowy admired the enduring, unchanging nature of the pebbles that lined the mountain paths.
Unspoken Love: A Story of Unrequited Love and Forgiveness
February 29, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 12.4 MBOnce upon a time, there was a young woman named Lila who lived in a small town. She was a kind-hearted and intelligent person who had a passion for music. Lila had a secret crush on her best friend, Alex, who was a talented musician himself. They had been friends since childhood and shared a deep bond.
Rewriting Destiny: Zorax the Alien's Time-Travel Quest to Prevent Hitler's Rise and Its Unexpected Aftermath
February 28, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MBOnce upon a time, in the vast expanse of the cosmos, there lived an alien named Zorax, whose planet had been scarred by wars. Zorax, a time-traveler at heart, embarked on a quest to study histories of different worlds, hoping to prevent his home from suffering a similar fate. His travels brought him to Earth, specifically to the early 20th century, a time on the cusp of immense turmoil.
Advertising: Strategies, Ethics, and Future Trends
February 27, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBLet's start with a bit of history. Advertising, in some form or another, has been around for centuries. Think ancient civilizations – they had their own ways of advertising, be it through town criers or market stalls. But it was the printing press in the 15th century that really set the stage for advertising as we know it. Fast forward to the 20th century, and we see the explosion of radio, television, and later, internet advertising.
Cat Heads in Space! Episode 18: "The Taylor Ham Revolt: New Jersey Comes for the Cat Heads!"
February 26, 2024 11:00 - 7 minutes - 11 MBIn the cosmic kitchen of our feline heroes, a new culinary controversy brews. The Cat Heads, originally hailing from the distant planet of New Jersey, face an interstellar debate over a dish dear to their hearts – or where their hearts used to be.
Elmer Gantry's Rise and Trump's Political Pandering
February 25, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 22.3 MB"Elmer Gantry," published in 1927, is a piercing satire of American religious fundamentalism and the hypocrisy it often harbors. Elmer Gantry, the protagonist, is a charismatic but morally bankrupt evangelist. He's a master of manipulation, using religion as a tool for personal gain and power. Gantry’s rise to prominence is not due to his spiritual convictions but rather his skill in exploiting the beliefs and emotions of others. Donald Trump's rise in the political arena, on the other ...
A Comprehensive Exploration of Universal Basic Income: Unveiling the Future of Economic Stability
February 24, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 16.7 MBUBI has the potential to redefine our societal and economic landscapes. We'll trace the history of UBI from its philosophical roots to modern-day experiments across the globe, critically analyze its successes, and confront common concerns about its implementation. Delving into the debates around socialism, work ethic, and economic feasibility, we'll dismantle these apprehensions with evidence and logic.
Evolution of Drama: Aristotle, Avant-Garde, and Absurdist Theatre Unveiled
February 23, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MBFrom the meticulously structured tragedies of Aristotle, emphasizing catharsis and mimesis, to the bold, rule-breaking experiments of the 1960s' Avant-Garde, and the existential, often bewildering narratives of Absurdist theatre, this narrative digs into the heart of what makes theatre a mirror and a mold of the human experience. As we unravel these threads, we discover not just the evolution of dramatic form and content, but also a reflection of the evolving human condition, revealing how ea...
ASMR: Understanding Its Impact on Mental Health, Intimacy, and Digital Culture
February 22, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MBASMR, at its core, is a sensory experience characterized by a pleasant tingling sensation that typically begins in the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. It's a response to certain triggers, often auditory or visual, and it can evoke a feeling of deep relaxation and even euphoria in some individuals. Think of it as a kind of brain massage, triggered by sounds like whispers, tapping, or the rustling of paper.
Dreaming Giant of Echoing Valley: A Legacy of Peace
February 21, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBOnce, in a distant land cradled by mountains and veiled in mist, there lay the Echoing Valley, a place of profound silence and beauty. In this valley, a gentle giant named Eirwyn slumbered for centuries, his heart beating in rhythm with the earth, his dreams a canopy of peace over the land. In the kingdom bordering Echoing Valley, there lived a cunning warlord, Lord Kazuo. He, having heard legends of the giant's immense power, coveted it for his own conquests. One fateful night, guided ...
Unraveling the Complexities of Factitious Disorder
February 20, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MBFactitious Disorder, a complex mental health condition, stands as a testament to the intricate and often perplexing nature of human psychology. It's a condition where a person deliberately and artificially induces or fabricates symptoms of illness in themselves. Historically, this disorder has been known by various names, most notably as Munchausen Syndrome, named after Baron Munchausen, an Eighteenth century German nobleman known for his penchant for fantastical stories.
Cat Heads in Space! Episode 17: "Mothers and Stew, Love Anew"
February 19, 2024 11:30 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MBIn the vast expanse of space, aboard the S.S. Feline, our intrepid Cat Heads float, pondering the mysteries of the universe. But today, something extraordinary is about to unfold. The stars are like the scattered litter of the cosmos, each a fragment of the unknown... And speaking of unknown, why is there a spaceship shaped like a giant yarn ball approaching us?
Three Reasons NFT Art Failed
February 18, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 17 MBIn this Boles.tv live stream highlight, David Boles explains at least three reaons why the NFT Art movement failed. Reasons include price deception, corrupt custodians, the rise of AI, the punishment of taxes, and more!
Freud's Three Caskets Across Ages and Cultures
February 17, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MBOur focus centers on Sigmund Freud's interpretation of the "Three Caskets" motif from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice." We'll take a look into how Freud's psychoanalytic lens sheds light on the choices represented by the gold, silver, and lead caskets and what these choices reveal about human nature and desire. But we won't stop there. We'll extend this analysis to see how these age-old concepts resonate with today's digital culture, especially in the world of memes. Memes, in the...
Understanding the INTJ Personality: Masterminds of Strategy and Creativity
February 16, 2024 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBToday, we wander into the enigmatic and complex world of the INTJ personality type, a rare blend of intellectual prowess and structured imagination. Often termed the 'Rational Mastermind', INTJ people are a fascinating study in contrasts: strategic yet creative, future-oriented yet adaptable, and logical yet imaginative. This exploration takes us deep into the psyche of INTJ folk, unveiling the nuances that define their interaction with the world and their internal processes. From the...
The Mystical and Cultural Significance of Numbers: From Lucky 7 to the Esoteric 11
February 15, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBWe will now share a pathway through the fascinating world where numbers transcend their mathematical identity to become symbols of collective human beliefs, cultural narratives, and mystical meanings. In this exploration, we dive into the luck and divinity associated with the number 7 in American culture and the Book of Revelation, contrasted with its perception in other cultures. We examine the prosperity linked to the number 8 in Chinese numerology and its starkly different connotations in ...
Valentine's Legacy: Althea and Caelum's Eternal Love
February 14, 2024 11:00 - 8 minutes - 12.3 MBOnce, in a time not unlike ours, a quaint village lay nestled in the embrace of ancient hills, where myths whispered with the wind and reality danced with fantasy. It was here that the story of two souls, Althea and Caelum, unfolded—a tale that sought to unravel the provenance and meaning of love. Althea, a weaver of unparalleled skill, was known for her artistry that captured not just images but emotions. Her threads seemed to pulse with life, weaving tales of joy, sorrow, and love. Ca...
The Enduring Power of Liberal Arts Education in the Modern World
February 13, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBThe Liberal Arts, historically regarded as the education befitting a free person, encompass a diverse range of disciplines – literature, philosophy, history, arts, languages, and social sciences. These fields are often unjustly critiqued in our technology-driven era, seen as luxurious relics without practical application. Yet, this perception is not just short-sighted; it's a fundamental misunderstanding of the intrinsic value and versatility these disciplines offer.
Cat Heads in Space! Episode 16: "The Paradox Pulsar"
February 12, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MB"Amidst the star-speckled canvas of the universe, our feline voyagers navigate the endless void. Captain Whiskerfluff, lost in contemplation, stares into the abyss." "The universe, vast and mysterious. Here we drift, heads without bodies, searching for meaning in the void."
Harmony in Twilight: The Uniting Tale of the Shadeborn and Shadowfolk
February 11, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 16.7 MBIn a world where light and darkness danced in a perpetual waltz, there were two distinct peoples: the Shadeborn and the Shadowfolk. The Shadeborn lived beneath the sprawling branches of the ancient Whispering Trees, where gentle shade caressed the land. Their homes were woven from leaves and branches, allowing the soft, dappled sunlight to speckle their lives with ever-changing patterns. They thrived in this tranquil, sun-kissed environment, cultivating lush gardens and singing with the birds...
The Complex Legacy and Future of Eugenics in the Modern World
February 10, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.4 MBThis episode aims to foster a critical understanding of how the past informs our present and future, especially in the realm of genetic science and ethics. We'll confront challenging questions about the potential misuse of genetic technologies and the importance of ethical safeguards to prevent a recurrence of history's darker chapters. Join me in this reflective exploration, where we seek to learn from the past and envision a future that upholds the dignity and diversity of human life.
History and Future of Slavery: Economic, Social, and Ethical Dimensions
February 09, 2024 11:00 - 15 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this episode, we will struggle together through the murky corridors of history to unearth the origins of slavery, examining how this abhorrent practice has morphed across cultures and epochs. We'll also grapple with the paradoxes of its economic incentives, the social and cultural underpinnings that have sustained it, and the philosophical conundrums it presents. As we navigate this challenging terrain, we'll also cast our gaze forward, contemplating the potential future of slavery i...
Human Meme Special Edition: Google Gemini Music
February 08, 2024 22:59 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBToday, we are celebrating the release of Google's new AI Bot: Gemini. Our test of Gemini today was musical. We asked Gemini to create the lyrics for two songs for us this morning. What you will hear is based on a single prompt. No revision. No human interference. This is AI, at it's best, at work. The first song is a little Sugar Pop ditty about this Human Meme podcast. The second song, is a Swampy Blues tune about the same topic -- this Human Meme podcast! The lyric results were so...
How a Writer and Editor Overcame Bias to Inspire a Literary Renaissance
February 08, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 14.6 MBIn a quaint, bustling town known for its vibrant literary scene, there lived a diligent writer named Thomas and his editor, Mr. Eldridge. Thomas, a man of simple but profound thoughts, wrote stories that mirrored the quiet beauty of everyday life. Mr. Eldridge, on the other hand, had a peculiar habit of reading between the lines a bit too fervently, often finding meanings that were never intended by the author. Their story begins with the submission of Thomas's latest work, a gentle tal...
Revelation: Unveiling Hope Amidst the Apocalyptic Vision
February 07, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 15.2 MBThe Book of Revelation, a moog of prophecy and apocalyptic visions, stands as a testament to the enduring human quest for meaning in the midst of chaos. Written during a time of intense persecution for early Christians, it offered a message of hope and divine justice, a stark contrast to their reality under Roman oppression. But its significance extends far beyond its historical context. Today, we arc into the symbolism, dualistic themes, and the vivid imagery of Revelation. From the fo...
The Quest for the Golden Keywords
February 06, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBOnce in the digital kingdom of Weblandia, there was a thriving website named EverGrow. This site was a vast repository of knowledge, stories, and resources, but it was lost in the endless sea of online content, rarely discovered by the citizens of Weblandia. The ruler of EverGrow, a wise and savvy content creator named Alex, was determined to make his website visible to all in Weblandia. He knew that the key to this visibility lay in the mystical art of SEO - Search Engine Optimization.
Cat Heads in Space! Episode 15: "The Nebula of Nine Lives"
February 05, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MBIn the boundless expanse of the cosmos, our intrepid Cat Heads, Captain Whiskerfluff and Lieutenant Mittens, along with Skeedootle, the ever-enthusiastic Puppy Head, journey through the stars. Their quest: to reunite with their long-lost bodies. Today, they find themselves on the cusp of the mysterious Nebula of Nine Lives.
The Depth of 'Expect Horses, Not Zebras' in Life and Decision-Making
February 04, 2024 11:00 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBThe provenance of this saying -- “When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don't expect to see a zebra.” -- lies in the mid-20th century. Dr. Theodore Woodward, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, used this phrase to teach medical students the principle of searching for the most common and likely diagnosis when faced with a set of symptoms, rather than jumping to rare and exotic conditions. It's a principle grounded in probability and practicality, an anchor in the turbul...
The Complex Truth About Lies: Unraveling Deception in Society and Culture
February 03, 2024 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode, we will explore the multifaceted nature of lying. From the personal fears that drive individuals to deceive, to the strategic manipulations of governments, we'll examine the motives and consequences behind the lies that shape our world. As we navigate through tales of deceit, we'll also contemplate the ethics of lying. Is a lie always morally reprehensible, or can it sometimes be a tool for greater good? Our exam will take us through historical examples, like the Treaty...
Young Willa Cather: Writing the Braided Prairie
February 02, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MBNot too long ago, but in a place far away in the rolling prairies of Nebraska, a young girl named Willa Cather grew up under the vast, open skies. Her life was not just a story of growing up in the American heartland, but a journey into the heart of storytelling itself. Willa's early days were filled with the kind of adventures that would one day find their way into her books. She often wandered through the fields, her imagination as boundless as the prairies themselves. These wandering...
Navigating Randomness: Embracing Life Beyond Reasons
February 01, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MBIn a world often seeking order and meaning amidst chaos, the idea that there's a predetermined plan for each of us provides a sense of security. But what if this security is a mirage, masking the true nature of our existence? Today, we dissect this myth with logic, analysis, and real-life examples, unraveling the threads of passivity and fear that often bind us to this belief. We will explore how embracing the randomness of life doesn't lead us into a nihilistic abyss but opens doors to...