Bureau of Lost Culture The Return of the Mystic
Nov 27, 2024
Simon Critchley, a Professor of Philosophy and author, delves into the often-dismissed realm of mysticism. He argues that mystical experiences can enhance our understanding of life amid a rational world. The discussion spans extraordinary historical mystics, the arts' connection to the mystical, and the influence of counterculture. Critchley playfully intertwines themes of love, drugs, and the sacred nature of music, revealing how these aspects resonate deeply with human experience. His insights challenge conventional views, inviting a fresh perspective on spirituality.
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Mysticism as Counter-Culture
- Mysticism, as a human experience and expression, has always been counter-cultural, defying mainstream thought.
- Mystics often aim to preserve essential truths within a culture, but are sometimes rejected by the mainstream.
Modern Mystical Relics
- Even today, relics like a saint's finger are toured, demonstrating a continued fascination with the mystical.
- The connection people feel with the object, not its empirical veracity, is what truly matters.
Philosophy vs. Mysticism
- Philosophy and science often treat mysticism with disdain, labeling it as anti-rational.
- Critchley challenges this view, arguing for a serious consideration of the mystical as fundamentally human and important.
