Passion Struck with John R. Miles

The Mattering Instinct: Why We Long to Matter | Rebecca Newberger Goldstein – EP 727

February 10, 2026·1h 26m·8-min readinterviewself improvement
Podzilla Summary (8 min)
TLDR
The human need to matter is not just emotional but existential, rooted in our self-reflective consciousness and the universal struggle against entropy. This instinct drives both our greatest achievements and our worst atrocities, and understanding it allows us to live with greater mercy,

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Guest

R

Rebecca Newberger Goldstein

interview on Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Mentions

Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

Rebecca Newberger GoldsteinJohn MilesMartin SeligmanWilliam JamesScott Joplin

Books

The Mattering Instinctby Rebecca Newberger GoldsteinPlato at the Googleplexby Rebecca Newberger Goldstein

Topics

ExistentialismMental HealthPhilosophySelf Improvement

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