The Symbolic World

298 - Mary Harrington - Conspiracies and the Return of Myth

Jul 13, 2023
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INSIGHT

Mythic Truth in Conspiracies

  • Conspiracy theories often have inaccurate facts but reveal deep metaphorical truths about distrust in leadership.
  • These myths adapt ancient tropes to express contemporary emotions about elite detachment.
INSIGHT

Digital Age Revives Mythic Tropes

  • Digital culture revives mythic tropes because rapid internet attention favors simple, vivid narratives.
  • Complex nuanced views lose attention while dramatic myths like "Trump is Satan" capture minds fast.
INSIGHT

Writing's Livelihood Declines Digitally

  • The digital era radically diminishes the economic viability of writing as a livelihood.
  • The culture shifts back toward oral forms where spoken communication gains value over written text.
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