Episode Description
Why do so many people feel rushed, rigid and disconnected from themselves?
In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by writer and philosopher Emily Herring to explore the life and ideas of Henri Bergson, once the most famous philosopher in the world.
We discuss Bergson’s ideas on time, freedom, memory, intuition, laughter and why modern life can feel increasingly mechanical. Emily explains how we often mistake clock time for lived experience, habit for freedom, and concepts for reality.
We also explore Bergson’s clashes with Einstein and Bertrand Russell, the meaning of élan vital, mysticism, and whether technology is advancing faster than our moral development.
A thoughtful and surprisingly relevant conversation about how to stay human in an increasingly mechanical world.
Topics include
- Henri Bergson explained simply
- Lived time vs clock time
- Freedom and free will
- Memory and the hidden self
- Intuition beyond fixed concepts
- Why laughter matters
- Bergson vs Einstein
- Bergson vs Bertrand Russell
- Élan vital and creativity
- Technology, algorithms and modern life
Guest
Emily Herring is a writer based in Paris. She studied philosophy at the Sorbonne and received her PhD in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Leeds.
She is the author of Herald of a Restless World: How Henri Bergson Brought Philosophy to the People — the first biography of Bergson in English.
Website: https://www.wellreadherring.com/
Support the podcast
If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon:
Online Meditation Sessions
Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time.
Message Marc on Instagram to join.
About the podcast
The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times.
Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together.
Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living.
Find updates and more information at:
https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/
Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller
Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE&