Hermitix Cycles of History and Consciousness with John Michael Greer
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Dec 25, 2023 Writer and occultist John Michael Greer joins the host to discuss collapse, history, consciousness, and cyclical theories of history. They delve into the works of Spengler and Toynbee, explore the concept of secular religion, debunk misconceptions about the impact of modern medicine, express skepticism towards AI as a savior, explore the relevance of cynicism in today's world, and discuss embracing life amidst decline.
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Why Cyclical History Is Ignored
- Spengler and Toynbee's cyclical theories of history are avoided because they challenge the popular "myth of progress".
- Their accurate predictions about Western civilization's decline threaten the cherished belief in a utopian future.
Civilizational Seasons
- Civilizational cycles mirror seasons: spring (faith, rural), summer (rationalism, cities), autumn (bureaucracy, decline), winter (collapse).
- Western civilization, currently on the edge of winter, faces societal breakdown as foundations crumble.
Abstract Thinking and Decline
- Modern Western consciousness is characterized by abstract thinking detached from reality.
- This reliance on abstractions hinders our ability to address real-world problems, accelerating societal decline.