Existential Hope podcast: Clay Routledge | Why Meaning and Agency Matter More Than Ever

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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.

Full transcript, list of resources, and art piece: https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts

Existential Hope was created to collect positive and possible scenarios for the future so that we can have more people commit to creating a brighter future, and to begin mapping out the main developments and challenges that need to be navigated to reach it. Existential Hope is a Foresight Institute project.

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