The Gray Area with Sean Illing Marilynne Robinson on writing, metaphysics, and the Donald Trump dilemma
Oct 15, 2020
In a captivating conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson dives deep into themes of loneliness, faith, and democracy. She explores predestination's complexities and how perception shapes our understanding of reality. Robinson reflects on the joys of solitude in the writing process, emphasizes the importance of awareness, and critiques the neoliberal neglect of the humanities in education. She also tackles the ethical dilemmas posed by wealth and examines the pressing challenges facing American democracy today, including the specific issues raised by Donald Trump.
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Episode notes
Predestination and Reality
- The issue of predestination is often misrepresented due to our limited understanding of causality and time.
- Robinson suggests that reality might hold possibilities beyond these apparent contradictions.
Moonlit Revelation
- A footnote in Jonathan Edwards' work, about the moon's illumination, significantly impacted Robinson's view of reality.
- This sparked the idea of constant renewal within reality, offering freedom and newness.
The Power of Writing and Memory
- Robinson's writing process involves seeking metaphors to reconnect with memories and past perceptions.
- She highlights the power of writing to uncover hidden depths of what we know and retain.
