What does it mean to matter? Why do humans seek meaning, purpose, and recognition? Award-winning philosopher, public intellectual, and bestselling author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones to explore the psychology and philosophy of mattering, human identity, morality, and the search for meaning. Goldstein is the author of ten acclaimed books blending philosophy, science, literature, and human psychology, including: 36 Arguments for the...
What does it mean to matter? Why do humans seek meaning, purpose, and recognition?
Award-winning philosopher, public intellectual, and bestselling author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones to explore the psychology and philosophy of mattering, human identity, morality, and the search for meaning.
Goldstein is the author of ten acclaimed books blending philosophy, science, literature, and human psychology, including:
36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction
Betraying Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity
The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us
In this fascinating conversation, Goldstein and Jones examine why humans are driven by the need to matter—and how that instinct influences everything from personal relationships and self-worth to politics, prejudice, and cultural identity.
Goldstein earned her Ph.D. in philosophy of science from Princeton University and has taught at Yale, Columbia, NYU, Dartmouth, and Harvard. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Grant, and has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, Radcliffe Institute, Whiting Foundation, and the National Science Foundation.
In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the National Humanities Medal for her contributions to philosophy and literature.
This episode explores big questions about human nature, purpose, philosophy, personal identity, and how the need to matter shapes our lives and societies.
About ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
Called "the best podcast and host ever" by recurring guest Erin Brockovich, ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a dynamic Society & Culture, Personal Growth, and Arts podcast exploring success, creativity, leadership, books, and human potential.
Across 200+ energetic interviews, host Randall Kenneth Jones speaks with celebrity guests, bestselling authors, artists, innovators, and cultural thought leaders about their journeys, insights, and lessons learned.
With a frequent focus on authors, books, philosophy, and the humanities, the podcast blends intellectual curiosity, humor, storytelling, and practical wisdom—creating engaging conversations about creativity, purpose, legacy, lifelong learning, and personal growth.
Often described as an antidote to today's anxiety-driven media landscape, the show celebrates conversation, curiosity, kindness, laughter, and connection.
Host Randall Kenneth Jones is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and communications consultant. The show's announcer is celebrated voice actor Susan Bennett, best known as the original voice of Apple's Siri. The podcast is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones.
Memorable Quotes from the Interview
• "Every living thing is organically driven by a mandate that ensures it matters to itself—which is to say that it prioritizes its own surviving and thriving."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
• "Do I matter? This is the mother of our mattering questions."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
• "I used to think I wanted to be famous, but now I know I just want to matter." — Randall Kenneth Jones
• "When it comes to our own mattering, we are staunch realists. We don't want feelings. We want the facts."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
• "Some seek to demonstrate their mattering by diminishing the mattering of others—racism, sexism, classism, jingoism, elitism, and other forms of mattering diminishment."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
• "There just doesn't seem to be enough mattering to go around, and we scramble like children beneath a piñata."—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
Learn More
www.OnTheKnows.com
Rebecca Newberger Goldstein www.RebeccaGoldstein.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com
