Dr. Justin Sledge, a philosophy and religion professor focused on Western Esotericism and founder of the Esoterica YouTube channel, shares insights from his working-class upbringing in Mississippi. He discusses the barriers within academia, critiques elitism, and advocates for accessible education, especially through platforms like YouTube. Dr. Sledge emphasizes the significance of language learning in understanding ancient texts and presents a refreshing perspective on enlightenment, suggesting that simplicity may lead to a more fulfilling life.
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Accidental Academic Journey
Dr. Justin Sledge discovered a passion for philosophy early by reading Aristotle in middle school despite initial bewilderment.
He accidentally started college after a professor noticed him reading Hegel and invited him to study formally.
insights INSIGHT
US vs Europe Academic Systems
The American academic system is highly competitive, toxic, and exploitative with few jobs for PhDs.
European systems like in the Netherlands offer more funding and space for students to focus on learning.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Retool Education as Knowledge Factory
Treat the university system like a factory that produces knowledge and retool it for intellectual workers.
Cut administrative bloat and democratize education with fair wages and emphasis on quality education.
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Aristotle's Metaphysics is a collection of fourteen books exploring fundamental questions about reality, substance, change, and causality. It delves into the nature of being, exploring concepts like potentiality and actuality, substance and accident, and the relationship between form and matter. This work significantly influenced Western philosophy, shaping metaphysical discussions for centuries. Its complex arguments and profound insights continue to be studied and debated by scholars today, offering a rich understanding of Aristotle's philosophical system.
Beowulf
Anonymous
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf. The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats. After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness[1][3][5].
Bible
Bible
The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that include historical accounts, prophetic messages, wisdom literature, gospel accounts, letters, and apocalyptic writings. The Old Testament, which includes the Torah (Pentateuch), Neviʾim (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings), narrates the history and faith of the Israelites. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. It includes the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and the Book of Revelation[4][5][3].
In this episode I am joined by Dr James Justin Sledge, a professor of philosophy and religion specialising in the Western Esoteric tradition and founder of the popular Esoterica Youtube channel.
Dr Sledge recounts how his working class upbringing profoundly influenced both his view of academia and his work ethic within it. He recounts his early fascination with philosophers and mystics, and recalls his studies in religion, philosophy, and the occult.
Dr Sledge discusses the importance of language learning in academic study of religion and shares his own practical strategies for achieving competency in several ancient and modern languages including Latin, Hebrew, German, French, Akkadian, and more.
Dr Sledge also shares his views on education, diagnoses its problems and offers solutions, gives advice to the self-learner, and reveals his surprising view on whether attaining enlightenment is worth the effort.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep248-esoterica-academia-dr-justin-sledge
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Working class upbringing in Misissipi
03:03 - Limited access to education
04:13 - Exploitation in academia
05:20 - Fascination with Aristotle
08:55 - Accidentally entering college
11:28 - Dr Sledge’s experience in college
12:58 - Double majoring in religious studies and philosophy while working full time
1408 - Studying Western Esotericism in Amsterdam, Holland
15:44 - Bad reputation of Western Esotericism in academia
18:07 - Lessons learned studying in Amsterdam
20:37 - Distaste of punching down
21:44 - Surprising difference between USA and European education
24:47 - Toxicity in American academia
25:57 - How should we educate ourselves?
28:42 - Intellectual aristocracy or a cartel?
29:50 - Educating through Youtube
31:47 - How would Dr Sledge fix the American education system?
34:42 - The importance for scholars to read French and German
37:28 - Learning Latin and Hebrew, reading the Bible in the original language
39:50 - How to learn ancient languages
41:56 - Philology and the dirty secret of The Key of Solomon
43:56 - Copying out texts and scrolls
46:46 - Dr Sledge shows scrolls he has copied by hand
49:59 - Dr Sledge’s highly structured work and study life
58:24 - Common mistakes when learning Latin and other languages
01:01:21 - Pedagogical data and living Latin
01:05:48 - Dr Sledge’s advice for young students who wish to go to University
01:06:56 - Advice for the autodidacts
01:09:54 - The importance of education
01:13:30 - Why Dr Sledge doesn’t want to become enlightened
01:15:10 - The horror of heaven
01:16:15 - How Dr Sledge wants to die
01:16:47 - Enlightenment isn’t worth it
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To find out more about Dr Justin Sledge, visit:
- https://www.justinsledge.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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