Mark Meynell discusses the 'immanent frame' concept, highlighting how modern society often separates spiritual contemplation from daily life, limiting transcendence.
Mennell emphasizes the transformative power of art to provoke thought and stir emotions, challenging the boundaries imposed by contemporary secularism.
Deep dives
The Dragonlord Saga and Its Adventures
The graphic novel series, The Dragonlord Saga, created by Johnny Jimison, combines whimsical storytelling with fantastical elements, drawing inspiration from classics like The Princess Bride and Calvin and Hobbes. It follows the journey of Martin, a stable boy, and his brother Marco as they face thrilling encounters with bandits, dragons, and a sarcastic talking horse. The narrative blends humor, danger, and themes of brotherhood, creating an immersive adventure for readers of all ages. The third volume of the saga, titled Dragons and Desperados, showcases vibrant artwork and engaging storytelling that captivates its audience.
Conversations with Poets
The author Ben Palpin reflects on impactful discussions with a diverse group of poets, documenting profound insights about life and creativity in his new book, An Axe for the Frozen Sea. These conversations aim to awaken readers to deeper emotional and spiritual understandings, resonating with Kafka's notion that literature should challenge and provoke thought. By exploring essential themes such as existence and artistic expression, the book serves as a catalyst for reawakening a sense of wonder and enchantment in everyday life. Palpin's time spent with various poets emphasizes the interconnectedness of artistic expression and the human experience.
The Concept of the Imminent Frame
Mark Mennell discusses the idea of the 'imminent frame,' which describes modern society's tendency to separate spiritual contemplation from daily life, leaving little room for transcendence. This concept highlights how, in a secular age, individuals are often confined to a limited understanding of existence, detached from deeper realities. Mennell draws upon Charles Taylor's analysis of secularism, emphasizing that many people experience moments that hint at something greater, even while living within this confined worldview. Art can serve as a medium to breach this frame, offering glimpses of the transcendent and awakening a sense of longing for deeper connection.
Art's Role in Revealing Transcendence
Within the discussion on art, Mennell emphasizes the unique ability of artists to convey deeper truths that resonate with audiences, often without direct intention. He argues that while art can serve propagandistic purposes, its true power lies in its capacity to provoke thought and stir emotions, allowing for multiple interpretations. Successful art resonates with audiences by reflecting universal experiences, often bridging gaps between different eras and cultures. This engagement with beauty provides a pathway for individuals to encounter the transcendent, challenging the boundaries imposed by the imminent frame of modern society.
Mark Meynell is a freelance writer and speaker based in the UK. He’s the author of Life After Lifeand A Wilderness of Mirrors. He’s a co-host of the Tryptich podcast, and he’s an aficionado of Cold-War spy stories. In short, he’s a polymath and an excellent conversationalist. In this episode, Mark and Jonathan Rogers talk about the "immanent frame," instrumentalized art, and the power of beauty to challenge 'buffered selves' with the possibility of transcendence.
