Ep. 76 The Weekly: The Pursuit of Popularity

Thinker Sensitive

Ryan discusses the futility and vanity of the pursuit of popularity, a pursuit that is often confused with the pursuit of happiness.

Like with money and wealth, instead of viewing fame as an end in itself, it should be used as a means to an end—particularly a means to the end of helping others. In this way, popularity and status can be used for good and can lead to virtue. When we use our influence for others, in a selfless manner, we will find a piece, a part, of that happiness that we so badly desire. Influence that is used as a concrete expression of love for neighbor becomes a means to true happiness, a happiness that is fulfilled, in part, in time and, in whole, in the eternity of God—the source and goal of all happiness.

About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:

Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.

Links:

• Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive
• Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/
• Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen