The podcast features Andrew McLuhan, grandson of Marshall McLuhan. They discuss exploring Marshall McLuhan's library, the relationship between his grandfather and father, pattern recognition, identity, global village concept, and the iconic statement 'the medium is the message'. Topics include mimesis in media studies, cultural shifts, technology's impact on identity, challenges in navigating technology, stress management in modern life, global village concept, and newsletter subscription details.
Understanding the relationship between Marshall McLuhan and his son Eric as akin to Plato and Aristotle.
Exploring the impact of technology on human identity and sensory perception.
Deep dives
The Influence of Rene Girard and Marshall McLuhan on Understanding Mimesis
Mimesis, or the concept of imitation and transformation in human behavior, is explored through the lens of thinkers like Rene Girard and Marshall McLuhan. Girard's idea of mimetic desire and Marshall's breakdown of mimesis into matching and making are discussed, highlighting how societal influences shape individual desires and behaviors.
Technological Impact on Identity and Sensory Ratios
The episode delves into the impact of technology on human identity and sensory perception. It discusses how technological advancements alter individuals' senses and sensory ratios, ultimately affecting personal identities and societal values. The importance of understanding these changes in shaping future discussions on ethics and technology is emphasized.
Strategies for Coping with Technological Changes
Proposing 'survive, escape, avoid' as strategies in navigating the rapid technological changes, the episode advocates for slowing down mental processes to alleviate anxiety. Suggestions like handwritten activities to slow down the mind's pace and reading on paper to enhance focus are recommended as practical coping mechanisms.
Exploring 'The Medium is the Message' and McLuhan's Legacy
Andrew McLuhan's upcoming book titled 'The Medium is the Message' is discussed, focusing on Marshall McLuhan's famous phrase and its ecological implications post-Sputnik era. The book aims to explore the evolution of McLuhan's use of this phrase and its relevance in understanding the shaping forces of technology on society.
This episode of 'The New Abnormal' podcast features 'poet for hire' Andrew McLuhan, who also just happens to be the grandson of media-theorist Marshall McLuhan and son of Dr Eric McLuhan. He writes, teaches, coaches and consults about culture and technology from a McLuhan perspective. We therefore discuss his work regarding his exploration, documenting and inventorying the library of Marshall McLuhan (which UNESCO named as part of its 'Memory of the World' registry) and why he views the relationship between his grandfather and father as akin to that of Plato and Aristotle. Along the way, James Joyce and the French symbolists get a mention, as does Trump. (You don't often see those in the same sentence.) Naturally, we talk about all things pattern-recognition, identity and global-village related, during this 'dynamic refresher' on the thinking of Marshall McLuhan. Which gives me the perfect opportunity to repeat that epic statement "in a culture like ours, long accustomed to splitting and dividing all things as a means of control, it is sometimes a bit of a shock to be reminded that, in operational and practical fact, the medium in the message".
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode