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Published on:

17th Jul 2025

The Same Light, Many Paths: Humanity, Destiny, and the Illusion of 'Belonging'

In this segment of The Living Conversation, we explore the tension between conformity and individuality, between the illusion of belonging and the truth of who we are.

Drawing from Confucian and Taoist thought, we reflect on how real unity doesn’t erase our differences, but honors them. Adam and Anthony discuss why walking your own path is not just courageous…it’s essential.

Through the lens of Eastern philosophy, critical thinking, and classroom experience, we look at the subtle manipulations that shape identity, the pressure to trade insight for approval, and the quiet rebellion of becoming fully human.

Featuring:– Confucius on destiny and “walking bits of Heaven”– Lao Tzu on being and non-being– The fallacy of ridicule and the story of chess with a pigeon

This episode is a meditation on real belonging, the kind that arises not from agreement, but from deepening our insight, our humanity, and our true selves.

—🎧 Listen to all episodes at thewaybetween.substack.com📍 Follow on Instagram: @the.waybetween



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About the Podcast

The Living Conversation
Exlporing wisdom, practice, and the art of living well — East and West, then and now.
The Living Conversation is a podcast on philosophy, clarity, and the art of living well.

Hosted by Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright, it blends Eastern and Western wisdom, from Confucius and Socrates to the questions we face today.

We explore how to live with sincerity, presence, and joy; not in theory, but in daily life.

This show airs biweekly on KWMR, alternating with Dr. Wright’s program Attunement, and appears here in podcast form with added reflections and ways to stay connected.

For those drawn to a more thoughtful way of living, we invite you to join the conversation.

https://thewaybetween.substack.com?>thewaybetween.substack.com
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Adam Dietz

Adam Dietz, PhD, is a philosopher, writer, and teacher exploring how wisdom can live in the modern world. His work bridges East and West: from Socrates and Confucius to Zen and contemporary life. Adam hosts The Living Conversation and The Way Between, projects devoted to the art of living well.