The Habit

Joy Clarkson Thinks You Are a Tree

Jan 29, 2024

Joy Clarkson, author of Aggressively Happy, discusses the power of metaphors in shaping our worldview, emphasizing the balance between linguistic accuracy and human understanding. They explore metaphors like 'You're a Tree' from Scripture and discuss the impact of metaphors on human behavior, emotions, and epistemological humility. The conversation also reflects on the need for nurturing and resilience in human growth cycles, drawing inspiration from influential writers like G.K. Chesterton and Elena Ferrante.

46:03

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Episode guests

Joy Clarkson

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Quick takeaways

Metaphors shape worldview and urge humility in understanding, highlighting the distinction between simile and metaphor.

Tech-driven world adopts machine metaphor for humans, influencing perceptions of functioning, productivity, and self-worth.

Metaphorical language fosters epistemological humility, amplifying nuanced understanding of human experiences and conveying profound layers of meaning.

Deep dives

Metaphors: Shaping Language and Humility

Metaphors play a crucial role in shaping our thinking by drawing comparisons between varied concepts. They reflect the fragility of language and human knowledge, urging us towards humility in our interactions. By exploring how figurative language impacts our worldview, the podcast dives into the distinction between simile and metaphor, emphasizing the existential depth that metaphors hold.

Introduction

3min

Exploring the Power of Metaphors

22min

Exploring the Metaphor of a Potted Plant and the Yearning for Belonging

3min

Exploring the Depths of Metaphor and Epistemological Humility

9min

Humans as Trees: Nurturing Flourishing

6min

Exploring Influential Writers and Literary Works

4min

Joy Clarkson is the author of Aggressively Happy and host of the podcast, Speaking with Joy. She is the books editor for Plough Quarterly and a research associate in theology and literature at King's College London. Joy completed her PhD in theology at the University of St Andrews, where she researched how art can be a resource of hope and consolation. Her new book is You Are a Tree: And Other Metaphors to Nourish Life, Thought, And Prayer. In this episode, Joy and I talk about the ways that figurative language shapes the way we think about the world and ourselves, and Joy tries to convince Jonathan that the distinction between simile and metaphor is meaningful.

This episode is sponsored by Writing with Puddleglum, a six-week creative writing course by Jonathan Rogers. Find out more and register at TheHabit.co/Puddleglum. Class starts Tuesday, January 30.

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The Habit

Joy Clarkson Thinks You Are a Tree

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Metaphors: Shaping Language and Humility

Computer Metaphor: Dominant Imagery

Epistemological Humility through Metaphors

Tree Metaphor: Flourishing and Seasons of Life

Literary Influences: Chesterton and Ferrante

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts