The Power of Poetry: Meaning Beyond Religion

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This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between poetry and the human quest for meaning, especially for those outside traditional religious frameworks. It examines how poetry enriches rituals and offers insights into complex emotions, using works like Muriel Rukeyser's 'Islands' and Mary Oliver's 'Wild Geese' to illustrate themes of connection and existence. The discussion highlights poetry's transformative power, serving as a bridge between the absurdity of life and the beauty of shared human experiences.

Do you ever feel like there’s something missing in your life? You don’t know exactly what it is. And there’s never enough time to really think about it. You might get a glimpse of it if you slow down, or look deeply at something (or someone), or remember some childhood joy. What if that thing you’re missing is a sense of wonder?

Original Air Date: March 18, 2023

Interviews In This Hour:

A sense of wonder through the eyes — and ears — of a child — What goosebumps, tears and grief can teach us about being awestruck — Finding sacred meaning through poetry

Guests:

Lulu Miller, Dacher Keltner, Jennifer Michael Hecht

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