Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)

Elementary: Empedocles and the Secret History of the Elements

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Jan 23, 2018
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INSIGHT

Philosophy As A Way Of Life

  • Empedocles blends philosophy, natural science, and religion into a single unified practice.
  • Brad Inwood emphasizes you cannot separate his scientific and religious thought cleanly.
ANECDOTE

Legendary Tales About Empedocles

  • Diogenes Laertius preserves colourful stories about Empedocles' life and dramatic death.
  • Tales include controlling winds, trance-healing women, and plunging into Mount Etna then returning alive.
ANECDOTE

Self-Presentation As A Living God

  • Empedocles presents himself in the poem as a deathless god revered by crowds who seek healing and divination.
  • He claims to deliver healing oracles and people follow him in their ten thousands.
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