Paul Kingsnorth

In this engaging talk, Paul Kingsnorth, a distinguished novelist and essayist, shares profound insights from his 2024 Erasmus Lecture. He reflects on cultural loss and personal trauma, drawing from a visit to Little Bighorn. Kingsnorth discusses the displacement of Native Americans and the struggle to retain identity amidst cultural erasure. He critiques the decline of Christianity in Western society, contrasting true Christian values with today's materialism. Ultimately, he advocates for transformation through repentance and a return to love as the heart of Christian civilization.

Paul Kingsnorth, an author and speaker known for his critical take on Western civilization, dives deep into the tensions between Christianity and culture. He challenges the notion of using faith as a mere tool for cultural preservation, questioning if Western civilization is still salvageable. Kingsnorth also explores the contradictions of living Christian values in a materialistic society, while advocating for a return to foundational storytelling to rekindle civilizational identity. He critically examines the implications of Western culture on a global scale, urging a reevaluation of modern values.

Renowned poet and author Paul Kingsnorth and mythologist Martin Shaw discuss their unexpected conversions to Christianity. They explore their journey from mythology and storytelling to their newfound faith. The speakers also discuss their connection to nature, disillusionment with the mainstream environmental movement, and desire for a deeper connection with the natural world. Martin Shaw shares his love for storytelling and the power of words. They reflect on their childhood engagement with storytelling, the unique aspects of the Sermon on the Mount, and the influence of C.S. Lewis on their thinking. Finally, they delve into the significance of personal encounters with a higher power and the shift from individualistic Christianity to understanding oneself as part of a larger story.

Paul Kingsnorth, an author known for 'Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist' and contributions to The Abbey of Misrule, shares his transformative journey from radical environmentalism to Orthodox Christianity. He discusses the contradictions in modern ideologies and the spiritual crisis that underpins political and environmental challenges. The conversation dives into modernity's limits, the relationship between declining birth rates and wealth, and the impact of technology on society. Kingsnorth critiques how environmentalism can inadvertently exacerbate class divisions.

Paul Kingsnorth, a writer and former leading environmentalist, shares his transformative journey from radical activism to a simpler, faith-driven lifestyle in rural Ireland. He critiques the modern Green Movement's shift toward commercial interests, emphasizing the spiritual loss embedded in technological progress. Kingsnorth discusses the challenge of navigating contemporary life, advocating for a return to community and nature. He explores the implications of secular ideologies on identity, while seeking hope and meaning in a rapidly changing world.

In a captivating conversation, Paul Kingsnorth, a seasoned writer and former editor of The Ecologist, delves into the themes of his new book, Against the Machine. He critiques the dehumanizing grip of modernity and likens AI to the 'Antichrist.' Kingsnorth advocates for a radical rethink of cultural values, suggesting we let the contemporary West collapse to foster human-centric societies. He champions a thoughtful resistance to technology, emphasizes the need to protect childhood from screens, and explores the spiritual dimensions of our digital lives.

Writer and environmentalist Paul Kingsnorth discusses technology, AI, civilization, creation, and environmentalism. Topics include the desire to be God, AI dependence, the god of economy, creation myths, influences of art like Tolkien, and changing perceptions on storytelling and AI in writing.

In this engaging conversation, Paul Kingsnorth, a novelist and former environmental activist, discusses his spiritual journey from activism to Orthodox Christianity. He critiques our mechanized worldview and the rise of AI as a false God that may lead us to cultural decline. Kingsnorth reflects on the apocalyptic nature of our times, highlighting how traditional pillars of culture have been replaced. He offers practical responses for rebuilding local culture and setting tech boundaries to help reclaim our humanity.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Jordan Peterson shares insights on the psychological significance of religion while Richard Dawkins critiques those beliefs from an evolutionary standpoint. Alex O'Connor advocates for the dialogue between faith and reason. Meanwhile, Tom Holland and Louise Perry examine how Christianity shapes modern culture. Douglas Murray and Dave Rubin engage in lively debates on free speech and contemporary issues. Scholars like Alister McGrath and NT Wright offer theological perspectives, questioning whether faith might see a revival in today's world.

This is my second conversation with Paul Kingsnorth where we talk about his brilliant substack, called The Abbey of Misrule, civilization and control, the power of the state and our technological systems, the matrix, politics, what it takes for communities to survive, our relationship to technology and how we should orient ourselves in the coming trials. Our previous conversation: Environmentalism, the Tower of Babel and the Disintegration of Culture | with Paul Kingsnorth: https://youtu.be/uqDWGdJJx1Y St. Basil’s School of Writing: https://www.stbasilwriting.com Paul Kingsnorth’s work: - Website: https://www.paulkingsnorth.net/ - Substack: The Abbey of Misrule: https://paulkingsnorth.substack.com/ - Novel: Alexandria by Paul Kingsnorth: https://www.amazon.com/Alexandria-Novel-Paul-Kingsnorth/dp/1644450356 ============================ Thank you to Nicolás Hernández Moreno for creating this version of the intro music. ============================ Original video: https://youtu.be/QetAHfg7w8s - The Symbolic World website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com - Merch: http://www.thesymbolicworld.store - Language of Creation, by Matthieu Pageau: https://www.amazon.com/Language-Creation-Cosmic-Symbolism-Genesis-ebook/dp/B07D738HD8 Support this podcast: - Website: https://thesymbolicworld.com/support/ - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/pageauvideos - Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/jonathan-pageau - Paypal: http://www.paypal.me/JonathanPageau Join the conversation: - Unofficial Facebook discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1989208418065298/ - The Symbolic World Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TheSymbolicWorld/ Social media links: - Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSymbolicWorld - Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pageaujonathan - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.pageau