Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) Esoteric Orientalism Part I: Ancient Barbarian Sages
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Oct 11, 2017 AI Snips
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Greek View of Foreigners
- The Greeks viewed their Eastern neighbors with a complex mix of respect and condescension.
- This is evident in their use of the word "barbarian," which meant non-Greek but also implied inferiority.
Importance of Ancient Greece
- Understanding ancient Greece is crucial for comprehending Western esotericism.
- The focus is on Classical Greece (750 BCE onwards), which significantly influenced later esoteric thought.
Greek Perception of Persians
- The Greeks admired and mocked Persians simultaneously.
- They criticized Persian clothing, warfare, and politics, yet acknowledged their magical prowess.