William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" is a short but powerful work that explores the contrasting forces of good and evil, reason and energy. It presents a complex and paradoxical vision of the human condition, challenging traditional notions of morality and spirituality. The work's aphoristic style and vivid imagery create a dynamic and engaging reading experience. Blake's critique of organized religion and his celebration of individual experience are central themes. Its enduring significance lies in its exploration of the complexities of human nature and its enduring relevance to contemporary discussions about morality and spirituality.
William Blake's "Jerusalem" is a complex and ambitious epic poem that explores themes of redemption, revolution, and the spiritual awakening of England. It is a highly symbolic work that draws on biblical imagery, mythology, and Blake's own visionary experiences. The poem's narrative unfolds through a series of dramatic encounters and allegorical representations, reflecting Blake's critique of societal structures and religious institutions. Its enduring significance lies in its exploration of spiritual and political themes, its powerful imagery, and its enduring relevance to contemporary discussions about social justice and spiritual liberation. It is considered one of Blake's most important and challenging works.
The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice[2][4][5].
Published in 1759, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' is Adam Smith's first major published work, based on his lectures at Glasgow University. The book argues that morality is driven by humanity's natural sociability and the need for approval from peers, rather than by rational calculation or innate moral sense. Smith introduces key concepts such as sympathy, the impartial spectator, and the invisible hand, which explain how individuals judge the conduct and character of themselves and others. The work delves into the emotional and social aspects of human behavior, highlighting the role of emotions like pity and compassion in shaping moral sentiments and behaviors[1][3][4].
Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.
Ludwig Feuerbach's "The Essence of Christianity," published in 1841, is a significant work in the philosophy of religion. Feuerbach argues that religious beliefs are projections of human nature and desires onto a supernatural being. He critiques traditional theology, suggesting that God is a human creation rather than a transcendent entity. Feuerbach's work influenced Karl Marx and other thinkers, contributing to the development of secular humanist thought. His critique of religion as an alienation of human essence has had a lasting impact on philosophical and theological discussions. The book remains a key text in understanding the relationship between religion, philosophy, and human experience.
A conversation from History with Chris Harding.
In Mark Vernon's new book "Awake!", he argues that we’re missing something from our view of the great visionary artist William Blake.
It’s that word - ‘visionary.’
Mark argues that Blake’s extraordinary art reveals an expanded experience of the world that Blake lived with every day: angels, fairies, realms beyond our own. Blake wasn’t, in other words, making it all up…
Mark says that we shouldn’t be afraid of the ‘supernatural Blake.’ We should embrace him - and even aspire to live a little as he did.
00:00 Introduction to William Blake
02:45 Blake's Life and Context
04:32 Blake and India
08:45 The Nature of Perception
13:06 Childhood Experiences and Spirituality
19:50 Blake's Relationship with Institutional Christianity
24:43 The Role of Forgiveness in Jesus' Teachings
26:05 Blake's Vision of the Human Form Divine
28:00 The Sacrificial Nature of Spiritual Awakening
29:28 Blake as a Social Critic
31:30 Blake and Science
35:21 The Dangers of Abstraction
36:19 Blake and consumerism
43:06 What does Blake offer us now?
Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts 
