
Peter Kline: The Double Bind of Being Human
From On the Way Podcast by St John's Cathedral
January 6, 2026 · 56 min · Episode 128
About this episode
Dr. Peter Kline discusses the complexities of human desire and morality, exploring the tensions that define the human experience.
To be human is to find oneself bound to multiple things that are conflictual yet at the same time compelling. The interplay of desire and morality creates one such 'double bind'. It is possible to follow desire and disregard the claims of morality in such a way that you can ruin your life. Equally it is possible to devote oneself to morality and disregard the voice of desire and ruin your life. Desire is fundamentally central to being human, forming in unique ways in each of us, and we are also responsible fundamentally for others in the choices we make. Dr Peter Kline rejoins the podcast for a conversation that explores the unresolvable tensions of the human condition, why the idea of balance is so unhelpful and how freedom and joy can be found within the anxieties and complexities that attend every human life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Guest: Dr Peter Kline
Topics covered
- human condition
- desire
- morality
- balance
- freedom
- joy
- anxiety
Keywords
- double bind
- human experience
- desire vs morality
- tension
- freedom
- joy
- anxiety
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