London Review Bookshop Podcast Simon Critchley & James Butler: On Mysticism
Jul 2, 2025
Simon Critchley, a leading philosopher and author of 'On Mysticism,' engages in a captivating dialogue with James Butler. They explore the intertwining of mysticism with political and religious disillusionment, advocating for a reevaluation of its value. Highlighting figures like Julian of Norwich and T.S. Eliot, they delve into the complexities of self-transcendence and the challenges of expressing mystical experiences. The conversation also bridges the gap between individual suffering, collective journeys, and non-theistic spirituality, offering rich insights into the mystical tradition.
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Philosophy's Secular Limitations
- Philosophy often dismisses religious experience as irrational and keeps itself sober and critical.
- Critchley challenges this narrow view, considering mysticism as a paratradition questioning dominant rationalism.
Defining Mysticism and Its Origins
- Mysticism is best defined as "experience in its most intense form" after Evelyn Underhill.
- The term mysticism is a 17th-century invention and often doesn't reflect how historical mystics saw themselves.
Mystics' Paradox of Selfhood
- Mystics are deeply personal yet pursue a paradoxical lack of selfhood in their experiences.
- They strive to hollow out the personality to make way for transcendent love or God.
