In the first half, author and advocate against assisted suicide and euthanasia, Wesley J. Smith, discussed the concept of human exceptionalism and its implications for ethics and medicine. He defines human exceptionalism as recognizing not only the sanctity of human life but also the unique moral obligations humans bear. "We have duties to each other. We have duties to ourselves. We have duties to our posterity," he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving human dignity and equality. Smith criticized contemporary movements that blur distinctions between humans and animals or grant rights to nature, warning these could harm human well-being.
He also addressed the challenges posed by medical ethics today, noting a shift away from the Hippocratic Oath's principle of "do no harm," and the dangers of "using medicine as a way of eliminating suffering by eliminating the sufferer." On the subject of transhumanism, he stated, "If you uploaded your mind into a computer, that wouldn't be you... that would just be a mimic, a human mimic." Speaking of the complex and contentious issues surrounding assisted suicide and euthanasia, he finds them both problematic despite legal distinctions.
Assisted suicide involves a patient self-administering prescribed lethal drugs, while euthanasia entails a doctor actively causing the patient's death. Smith warned that legalizing these practices transforms medicine's role, stating, "When doctors become killers, it changes the entire way the culture looks at medicine and also looks at weak and vulnerable people." Pointing to Canada's euthanasia laws as a cautionary example, he cited the expansion from terminal illness to include disabilities, frailty, and soon, mental illness. Rejecting any support for assisted suicide or euthanasia, he argued that no law can reliably limit these practices and advocated for enhanced care and palliative sedation instead.
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In the latter half, Seth Stewart, former Broadway performer known for roles in "In the Heights" and "Hamilton," shared his transformative journey from the stage to spiritual seeker. After 16 years in New York City theater, Stewart left the industry to pursue a deeper connection with nature and spirituality, spending years living off-grid and studying primitive survival skills. He described his awakening during sweat lodge ceremonies and solitary nights in the forest, where he encountered what he called spirits and learned to discern their presence. Stewart recalled connecting with the Earth Mother and recognizing "all paths lead to one" divine source, which he refers to as the "great mystery."
His spiritual philosophy embraces inclusivity and non-judgment, stating, "When you speak your truth, or you plant a seed of truth, there might be three stones cast at you, and you have to be prepared for that." On human consciousness, Stewart believes we are undergoing an evolutionary cycle with rising awareness and DNA awakening, enabling abilities like self-healing and telepathy. He also discussed "timeline shifts," akin to the Mandela Effect, as moments where individual or collective realities diverge, creating new life trajectories. "Not everyone will be on that spiral up," he commented, highlighting the complex nature of spiritual evolution.
Advocating for simplicity in spiritual practice, he said, "Come back to the simple truths, the universal truths," which he identifies as unity, love, and peace. He believes humanity is at a critical "choice point" where divisions threaten to derail evolutionary progress. On past lives, Stewart recounted memories of ancient Egypt and extraterrestrial interventions, viewing these recollections as opportunities for healing and empowerment. As a spiritual guide, he focuses on men's emotional and spiritual healing through his True Kings Academy, helping men overcome trauma and align with their higher purpose.
News segment guests: Howard Bloom, Mish Shedlock