Hidden Brain · October 5, 2026 · 01:32:22

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Historian Kate Bowler discusses how her stage IV cancer diagnosis forced her to confront the human tendency to impose order on uncontrollable tragedy. She explores what it means to live fully when life offers no satisfying explanations. Later, psychologist Lisa Miller returns to answer listener questions about the intersection of science and spirituality.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

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Imposing Order on Uncontrollable Tragedy

When tragedy strikes, people instinctively try to impose order on events they can't control, searching for reasons even when none exist.

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Living Fully Without Explanations

Life can be meaningful even when tragedy offers no neat explanation; living fully often requires accepting uncertainty and mystery.

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