From the Foresight Institute’s Existential Hope Podcast:
In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, existential psychologist Clay Routledge explores how meaning and agency shape both individual well-being and societal progress.
While material conditions have improved, many people—especially younger generations—report growing pessimism and disconnection. Clay argues that a lack of meaning, not just external barriers, often holds us back. By understanding how humans derive purpose and motivation, we can unlock new paths to flourishing.
We discuss:
- Why agency—the belief that we can shape our future—is crucial for progress
- How nostalgia can fuel innovation rather than trap us in the past
- The difference between hope and optimism, and why hope drives action
- The psychology behind rising pessimism and how to counter it
- What a world that maximizes meaning and human potential could look like
If you’ve ever wondered how psychology can help us move from existential angst to existential hope, this episode is for you.
Listen to the episode or read the transcript.
Existential Hope Podcast
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