Andrew Taggart is a nomadic philosopher and contemplative currently writing about ‘Total Work’, where the paradigm of work is becoming the central mechanism of our identities.
Andrew wrote an essay for Aeon Magazine on the subject. In our conversation, we dig into the relationship between Total Work and postmodernism, the shortcomings of radical leftists in considering what constitutes ‘the good life’ beyond material subsistence, his experience with meditation, consciousness, and various methods - from education to psycho-technologies - for moving beyond nihilism.
Andrew’s found a way to build a life around a gift economy, so he offers a unique perspective on what it’s like to participate in alternative economic arrangements. Speaking with him was a delight, as the depth of both his contemplative practice and philosophical study swirl together into a really eloquent, generous, and fascinating human.