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    The Lost Art of Intimacy: Steven Mintz on Modern Relationships

    28 min
    |
    |
    Apr 17, 2026
    RelationshipPsychologyPhilosophy

    Explore the evolution of human connection with Steven Mintz as he discusses the lost art of intimacy and the social history of modern relationships.

    The Lost Art of Intimacy: Steven Mintz on Modern Relationships

    Best quote from The Lost Art of Intimacy: Steven Mintz on Modern Relationships

    “

    We’ve taught people how to avoid doing harm, which is essential, but we haven't taught them how to create interest, trust, or intimacy. We’ve given them the 'dos and don'ts' of hookup culture, but we haven't given them the 'how' of human connection.

    ”

    This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

    Input question

    https://stevenmintz.substack.com/p/the-lost-art-of-intimacy

    Host voices
    Lenaplay
    Milesplay
    Learning style
    Deep
    Knowledge sources
    The Lost Art of Intimacy - Steven Mintz
    link
    https://stevenmintz.substack.com/p/the-lost-art-of-intimacy

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
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    1.5K Ratings4.7
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    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
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    Key Takeaways

    1

    The Paradox of Modern Connection

    0:00
    0:47
    1:27
    1:51
    2:16
    2:39
    2

    The Collapse of Seduction into Strategy

    3:07
    3:37
    4:06
    4:30
    5:00
    5:22
    5:46
    6:11
    6:35
    3

    The Paralysis of the Liberated

    6:53
    7:15
    7:38
    8:04
    8:30
    8:55
    9:17
    9:38
    4

    Recovering the Wisdom of the Past

    9:53
    10:20
    10:42
    11:12
    11:31
    12:03
    12:20
    12:49
    13:13
    5

    The Missing Capacities: Beyond Performance

    13:27
    13:48
    10:20
    14:22
    14:43
    15:01
    15:27
    15:41
    16:06
    16:22
    16:42
    6

    Why This Matters Beyond the Bedroom

    16:57
    17:15
    17:32
    17:56
    18:13
    18:31
    18:43
    19:02
    19:15
    7

    The Case for Erotic Education

    19:32
    19:52
    20:06
    20:27
    20:45
    21:05
    21:23
    21:39
    21:53
    8

    Practice: Recovering the Art of Connection

    22:03
    22:21
    22:39
    22:54
    23:11
    23:29
    23:45
    23:56
    24:12
    9

    The Future of the Soul in a Transactional World

    24:24
    24:42
    24:59
    25:18
    25:33
    25:51
    26:07
    26:22
    10

    Closing Reflections

    26:37
    26:56
    27:08
    27:24
    27:36
    27:44
    27:49
    27:59
    28:04
    28:14

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