Mythophilosophy as Transformative Thaumaturgy with Mads Højmark
Jan 8, 2025
auto_awesome
Mads Højmark, Chief Advisor at Djøf and a Board Member at The Danish Society for Philosophical Practice, dives into the transformative power of mythophilosophy. He discusses how the interplay of myth and philosophy shapes our understanding of existence. The conversation explores the role of wonder in times of crisis, particularly during the pandemic, as well as the cyclical nature of chaos and renewal in mythology. Højmark also critiques modern humanity's view of the extraordinary, emphasizing the importance of deeper contemplation in our lives.
Mythophilosophy intertwines myth and philosophical thought, emphasizing their shared foundation in human wonder and meaning-making.
The concept of 'Geist' highlights the importance of acknowledging human will beyond rationalization to avoid self-destructive reasoning tendencies.
Engaging with wonder can lead to personal transformation and deeper existential insights, bridging the ordinary and the extraordinary experiences of life.
Deep dives
Exploration of Mythophilosophy
Mythophilosophy is defined as an intertwining of myth and philosophical thought, suggesting that both forms of understanding share a common ground rooted in wonder. The speaker expresses that they have a deep enthusiasm for myths, noting how their philosophical journey has been influenced by these narratives. This engagement with myth is not merely academic but reflects a genuine desire to understand the falling together of myth and reality in human experience. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of myths, asserting that they are vital narratives that offer insights into existence rather than mere explanations.
The Concept of Geist and Human Will
The podcast delves into the concept of 'Geist,' as introduced by Ludwig Klages, positioning it not simply as intellect but as a manifestation of human will. This concept carries significant implications for understanding both personal and collective reasoning, with the speaker suggesting that when reason becomes overly rationalized, it can lead to self-destructive tendencies. There is an exploration of how this spirit is tied to a deeper existential understanding that transcends mere logical deduction. The emphasis is placed on acknowledging these underlying wills as a way to experience and participate in life more fully.
The Role of Wonder in Existence
Wonder is portrayed as a vital aspect of existence that serves as a bridge between everyday life and deeper philosophical insights. The discussion emphasizes that wonder can manifest as both small instances of beauty in everyday life and as profound existential experiences, illuminating the extraordinary within the ordinary. The act of wondering is framed as significant, suggesting that it opens avenues for deeper understanding and connection to the divine. This engagement with wonder is linked to personal transformation, indicating that recognizing and nurturing wonder can lead to a more meaningful life.
Comparative Mythology and Modern Interpretations
The speaker draws parallels between ancient myths and contemporary existential struggles, examining how modern myths, such as disenchantment, coexist with enduring spiritual narratives. Their reflection suggests that despite the concept of a disenchanted age, many people maintain a spiritual connection, indicating that modern society's acceptance of disenchantment may distract from ongoing mythical experiences. By contrasting the ancient and modern perspectives, the conversation reveals the complexity of human belief systems, highlighting myths as essential to understanding our existence amid modernity's challenges. The notion of myth as a living narrative is reaffirmed, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary discourse.
The Journey of Sacrifice and Transformation
The discussion includes an exploration of myths that embody themes of sacrifice and transformation, using the myth of Odin as a central example. Odin's hanging on the tree is depicted as a symbolic journey of self-sacrifice that leads to profound transformation, representing the process of dying to the self before rebirth into a deeper understanding of existence. This narrative illustrates that genuine transformation often involves experiences that are both challenging and enlightening, as they guide individuals through existential challenges. The speaker suggests that through the experience of wonder, one can achieve a revival of spirit that fuses life with deeper meaning, illustrating the transformative power of myth.
Mads Højmark is Chief Advisor at Djøf and a Board Member at The Danish Society for Philosophical Practice (DSFP).
Mads' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoejmark/
ERA: https://enrichedrealities.com/the-enriched-realities-assembly/
Mythophil site: https://www.thaumas.dk/
--- Become part of the Hermitix community: Hermitix Twitter - / hermitixpodcast Support Hermitix: Patreon - www.patreon.com/hermitix Donations: - https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpod Hermitix Merchandise - http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2 Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLK Ethereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
