Ordinary Unhappiness 82: Effing the Ineffable feat. Simon Critchley
Dec 14, 2024
Joining Abby and Patrick is Simon Critchley, the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research, acclaimed for his explorations of mysticism and existentialism. In a captivating conversation, they delve into Critchley’s new book on mysticism, specifically discussing how mystical experiences transcend the self. Topics range from the eroticism in the Song of Songs to the unique narratives of mystics like Margery Kempe and Meister Eckhart. They also examine the rich interplay between mysticism, gender, and modern psychoanalytic insights.
01:26:57
Read the Song of Songs
- Read the Song of Songs without applying obvious interpretations about repressed sexuality.
- Consider its indirect eroticism and how female mystics used it.
Mysticism as Palimpsest
- Mystical texts are palimpsests, overwritten and reinterpreted over time, creating rich layers of meaning.
- This oversaturation is key to understanding mysticism, not just as a set of beliefs, but also as a tradition of interpretation.
Mystical Texts in the Classroom
- Simon Critchley's students engaged deeply with mystical texts, finding them intensely personal and transformative.
- This personal engagement combined with scholarly rigor made for a unique teaching experience.
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Intro
00:00 • 6min
Exploring Luxuriation in Mystical Texts
05:38 • 4min
Exploring Mysticism and Ecstasy with a Philosopher
09:47 • 2min
Exploring Mysticism: A Departure from Tradition
11:36 • 31min
Exploring the Mystics: A Tapestry of Faith and Spirituality
42:51 • 12min
Exploring the Self: Mysticism and Psychoanalysis
54:57 • 29min
Exploring Modernity and Self-Narratives
01:23:49 • 3min
#23408
Life of the Servant
James M. Clark
Henry Suso
#24209
Your Life is Not a (Fucking) Story
None
Simon Critchley
#42432
Prayer Journal
W. A. Sessions
Flannery O'Connor
#33355
Interpretations of the Song of Songs
null
Marie of the Incarnation
#50947
Sermons on the Song of Songs
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Bernard of Clairvaux
Bernard of Clairvaux's 'Sermons on the Song of Songs' offer a profound and influential interpretation of this biblical text.
Written in the 12th century, these sermons explore the allegorical meaning of the Song of Songs, linking the lovers' relationship to the spiritual union between Christ and the Church or between the soul and God. Bernard's interpretations are characterized by their poetic beauty and their emphasis on the mystical dimensions of faith.
His work has had a lasting impact on Christian mysticism and spirituality, shaping the understanding and interpretation of the Song of Songs for centuries.
The sermons' enduring appeal lies in their ability to connect the sensual language of the Song of Songs with the spiritual aspirations of the believer.
#41896
The Book of Angela of Foligno
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Angela of Foligno
#40891
Does 'Consciousness' Exist?
William James
#59385
The Book of Christine of St. Denys
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Christine of St. Denys
#45028
Meister Eckhart: Sermons and Treatises
Sermons and Treatises
Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart's sermons and treatises represent a pivotal moment in the history of Christian mysticism.
His work, characterized by its intellectual rigor and profound spiritual insights, explores the nature of God, the soul, and the path to union with the divine.
Eckhart's teachings emphasize the importance of detachment from worldly concerns and the cultivation of a deep, intuitive understanding of God. He challenged traditional theological interpretations, advocating for a more direct and experiential approach to faith.
His influence on subsequent generations of mystics and theologians has been immense, solidifying his place as a major figure in the history of Western spirituality.
#14254
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The mirror of simple souls
Marguerite Porete
Marguerite Porete's "The Mirror of Simple Souls" is a significant text in medieval mysticism.
It explores the concept of the soul's union with God, a view that clashed with church doctrine.
The book's condemnation and the author's execution highlight the risks faced by women expressing independent spiritual views.
Its rediscovery in the 20th century underscores its enduring importance.
The book's survival despite attempts at suppression speaks to its power and influence.
#1041
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
The Red Book
A Reader's Edition (Philemon)
Jung, C. G.
#1413
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
Civilization and its discontents
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud's "Civilization and Its Discontents" delves into the inherent conflict between individual desires and societal demands.
Freud explores the tension between the pleasure principle and the reality principle, arguing that civilization's restrictions on instinctual gratification lead to widespread unhappiness.
He examines the role of aggression and the development of the superego in shaping human behavior.
The book also touches upon the influence of religion and the search for meaning in human life.
Ultimately, Freud suggests that a degree of discontent is inevitable in a civilized society.
#1574
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
Song of Songs
Also known as Song of Solomon
King Solomon
The Song of Songs is a unique book in the Bible, consisting of eight chapters of love poetry.
It describes the courtship, marriage, and the ongoing relationship between a man and a woman, often interpreted as a symbol of divine love.
The book is divided into sections that address courtship, the wedding, and various aspects of married life.
It is known for its vivid and passionate language, emphasizing the beauty and goodness of marriage.
Historically, it has been interpreted in several ways, including allegorical views representing God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the Church, as well as a straightforward celebration of human love within marriage.
#14995
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The book of Margery Kempe
Margery Kempe
The Book of Margery Kempe is a medieval text that chronicles the life of Margery Kempe, an English Christian mystic.
The book, written in the third person and dictated to scribes, describes her spiritual torments, visions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, and her numerous pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela.
It also details her struggles with societal acceptance, her public displays of emotional devotion, and her eventual return to care for her ailing husband.
The text is significant for its insight into the life of a middle-class woman in the Middle Ages and its unique blend of spiritual and social commentary.
#7728
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy
Simon Critchley
In this book, Simon Critchley delves into the concept of mysticism, focusing on existential ecstasy and the experience of heightened senses and self-awareness.
He examines the historical and practical aspects of mysticism, tracing its roots in Eastern and Western religions, its association with esoteric and occult knowledge, and its influence on modern thinkers like T.S.
Eliot.
Critchley discusses the lives of famous mystics such as Julian of Norwich and Jesus Christ, highlighting how embracing mystical experiences can enrich our lives and broaden our understanding of the divine.
#45
• Mentioned in 157 episodes
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Sir Michael Howard
#2199
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Revelations of Divine Love
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Julian of Norwich
Revelations of Divine Love is a classic work of Christian mysticism written by Julian of Norwich.
It recounts her personal experiences of divine revelation and offers profound insights into God's love and compassion.
The book explores themes of God's motherhood, the nature of sin and salvation, and the ultimate triumph of love.
Julian's writing is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and profound emotional depth.
It continues to inspire and challenge readers centuries after its creation.
Abby and Patrick are joined by philosopher Simon Critchley to discuss his new book, On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy. They discuss how, for Critchley, mysticism represents "a way of thinking about existential ecstasy that is outside and more than the conscious self.” Exploring the book’s survey of key figures and texts in the Western Christian tradition, the three unpack how accounts of mystical experiences can challenge our assumptions about the past, defy traditional philosophical ideas of subjectivity, and suggest new ways of thinking about the conditions of everyday life in the present, all with rich psychoanalytic implications. Their conversation ranges from the cognitive and affective dimensions of mystical experience to mystical accounts of embodiment, gender, and erotic jouissance to the biographies and autobiographies of mystics, and more. Plus: what it might have been like to travel with the constantly weeping Margery Kempe, Meister Eckhart’s inspired defense against charges of heresy, the ecstatic pleasures of your favorite playlist, and why absolutely everyone should read the Song of Songs.
On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy is available here: https://www.nyrb.com/products/mysticism
A pre-order link for Simon’s forthcoming Your Life is Not a (Fucking) Story is available here: https://everyday-analysis.sellfy.store/p/your-life-is-not-a-story-by-simon-critchley/
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