The Meaning Code

Allyn is an ad copywriter by day, and uses his creative side in comedy and sketch writing. Here, we discuss the aspects of creativity that supersede boundaries among artistic endeavors.

Jesse shared his creative journey, discussing his struggles with dyslexia and his love for music and film. Karen and Jesse delved into the complex topic of symbolism in art and music, discussing how it can create a narrative and resonate with audiences. They explored the balance between technical skill and symbolism, and the dangers of losing the symbolic message in pursuit of technical perfection and also touched on the idea that beauty can be hard to define and appreciate, and the importance of authenticity in art. Additionally, they discussed the Pre-Raphaelite movement and its deeply romantic and symbolic paintings, contrasting them with the formulaic plots of modern rom-coms. Jesse is concerned that people have become addicted to the certainty and predictability in music and stories, and how this has led to a trap of authenticity where people want to feel like they are having an authentic experience rather than embracing uncertainty. He suggested that artists and creators should try to find new ways to bring back ambiguity and develop new paths, rather than continually subverting expectations, delving into the personal and societal implications of coping with uncertainty and novelty. They explored how it affects engagement with art and entertainment, and how intentional desensitization can impact audiences. Going deeper, they talked about the concept of carrying burdens and the importance of recognizing one's limitations. They referenced the movie "The Mission" and Jesse's track "The Place of No Return" as examples of this idea. They also touched on the idea of meeting the transcendent at the limits of one's knowledge and the importance of acknowledging one's need. They talked about the idea that it is possible to idolize the call to adventure or the leap of faith and the danger of reducing the size of God by bringing the transcendent down to a level that can be grasped.

Karen and Scott explored the concepts of context, anomaly, synthesis, dichotomies, and deep triads, delving into the complexities of each. They also discussed the principles of art and the impact of algorithms and social media on learning and life.

Matthew talks about his personal experience with adoption and how it has impacted his life, including the practical and spiritual aspects of adoption. They also discussed the concept of the spirit of adoption and touched on the topic of harmony and its relation to biology and the universe, all while exploring the deeper connections between art, science, and spirituality. Matthew shared his inspiring story of adopting four children in four years and how it has helped him embody high ideas and become a better person. He talked about his transformation from a Protestant, charismatic worldview to an Orthodox and symbolic worldview and how Jordan Peterson and Jonathan Pageau have been instrumental in his journey. He also discussed the challenges of adopting children who have experienced trauma and the importance of foster families in providing love and support. Matthew and Karen discussed the importance of commitment in pursuing the good and finding rest in God. They explored how committing to self-emptying can lead to creating a better reality, particularly in parenting.

Magnus shared his life story and explained the inspiration behind his vision for restoring beauty to our world. He believes that the Protestant evangelical tradition has neglected the potential of beauty and overemphasized reason. Magnus and Karen delved into the topic of beauty and creativity in art and spirituality, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. They discussed the struggle of artists to create beautiful art in a world that values edginess and darkness, and the negative impact of modern art galleries. They also touched on the need for a revival of classical values and the importance of balancing contrast and conflict in art. Finally, they emphasized the importance of learning from each other and using elements that create a sense of timelessness and above-the-world thinking in both art and spirituality. Magnus Gautestad discussed his personality trait of being a pilgrim and how it has influenced his life choices, including becoming an entrepreneur. He also talked about his tendency to dive wholeheartedly into new things and leave difficult situations, which has been a trait in his family. Gautestad shared his spiritual journey and how he found true peace of mind in a small International Baptist church in the south of Spain, which grounded him and took his spirituality to a new level. Magnus also discussed the importance of having a vision as an entrepreneur, and how he is trying to paint a couple of visions for people so they can move in that direction. Magnus is proposing a strategy to turn ugly, modernistic areas into beautiful places, starting with small art centers and eventually building bigger urban developments. He suggests that faith-driven entrepreneurs can come together to develop a synergy of businesses and the profit from that will help to pay for the real estate of the church, making it sustainable and easily paying for itself. This will allow the church to be planted in urban areas where it is needed the most. Gautestad believes that the project will work and can easily pay for itself, but in order to reduce risk, the plan is to start with small art centers. In the meantime, he hopes to explore the impact of beauty on environmental stewardship, moral character, and spiritual life through his show, Beauty and the Faith.https://www.youtube.com/@beautyandthefaith

Michael Sartori discusses his vision for encouraging careers in the trades, working with one's hands, building beauty and community.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Background08:31 Discussion on Carpentry and Aesthetics13:04. The Value of Repurposing and Connection to Objects20:39 Integrating Faith and Work in the Trades28:35 Applying Practical Knowledge to Bible Study32:10 The Importance of Essential Trades and Building Quality People43:46 Addressing the Trade Shortage and Lack of Male Involvement in Churches49:45 Creating a Ministry for Skillful Men in the Church1:01:34 Job Corps and its Training Program1:04:15 Importance of Practical People in Building New Institutions1:09:23 Discussion on Tectonic School and Michael Sartori's Youtube Channels

The relationship between nature and creativity, the cosmic consequences of not using your voice, and vision always outruns skill. Timestamps 00:00 Discussion on Art Quotes and Mistakes as Portals of Discovery 11:50 Art and Fear and the Importance of Imperfections in Art 19:00 The Significance of the Mustard Seed 28:30 Care only about The Small Fraction That Soars 36;00 The Importance of Artistic Expression 42:55 Overcoming Fear and Starting Small 50:00 Coping with Pressure and Finding Purpose (Perelandra) 55:10 The seed of my next work lies in the imperfections of my current work Books mentioned: Art and Fear by Orland and Bayles The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Lucas and Karen carry on with their discussion of Wolfgang Smith's work and its implications. Links for things we discussed follow the timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00 Intro to Part Three of the Wolfgang Smith Series 04:17 Science and Myth: The Limitations of Scientific Truth 32:00. Why we need a stable myth. The Relationship Between Science and Truth 40:00 Myth starts to work when you start to believe it The Subjectivity of Physics and the Humility of Scientists 42:00 Two thoughts: one on envy and one on free will 45:00 What is driving the contagion of mimetic? 49:30 Wolfgang does not make any accommodation to scientistic view The Power of Myth and Language Discussion on the intersection of religion and materialism 50:00 Discussion on Speed Listening and Progressive Overload 53:30 Critique of Carl Jung and his Influence Discussion on Speed Listening and Progressive Overload The Intersection of Science and Philosophy 1:01:40 Jung as the creator of his own false religion 1:14:50 The distrust young people have in institutions. Reflections on Leadership and Truth Discussion on Quantum Physics and Wolfgang Smith Previous episodes with Lucas regarding Wolfgang Smith: Episode 1: https://youtu.be/D9zkVqhrjM4 Episode 2: https://youtu.be/TU0PjZbavB4 Nima Arkani Hamed lecture, The Morality of Fundamental Physics: https://youtu.be/5aAMJNVmdoY Q-bism, Christopher Fuchs video on determinism and free will (@30:58) https://youtu.be/nSqDMtHoaT0 Gavin Ashenden discussion of Jung https://youtu.be/nSqDMtHoaT0 Four Views on Evolution, etc. (I have not read this) https://a.co/d/3noHB9h “Envy is the passion which causes evil… the first entrance of sin… envy banished us from Paradise, having become a serpent to oppose Eve. For envy, it is not its own misfortune, but another’s good fortune that is unfortunate.” St. Gregory of Nyssa

Matthew Segall, expert in music, memory, and the fundamental nature of life, discusses the communal nature of cellular life and its relation to human development. They cover topics such as intelligent sensitivity in decision-making, the challenge of teleology in a materialistic understanding of the universe, the unity of the whole and its parts, and the unique biological characteristics of humans. They also explore the intersection of art and biology, the value of pain and suffering in evolution, and the role of dominance in creating unity and harmony.

In Episode 1 linked after the timestamps, Lucas Van Os gave an overview of Wolfgang Smith's life and his ideas. In episodes 2 and 3, we will explore several of Wolfgang's books. In this episode specifically, we are looking at The Quantum Enigma and Vertical Ascent (the idea of vertical causation). Links follow timestamps. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:00 Between Being and Non-Being 06:00 We are not separated from nature, Barfield, etc. What is the binding problem for visual perception? Key Question Why does our perception pick up wholeness when what we're looking at is made up of a bunch of parts? 8:16 The Binding Problem 9:07 Perception and memory 14:52 Vertical causation and its importance in understanding the quantum realm 31:22 How do cells know when to stop forming biological parts, such as fingers on a hand? 24:00 The concept of a higher existence and forms (archetypal blueprints) in biological organisms, using trees as an example. How do trees receive nutrients and water all the way up to the top of their branches? 34:09 How can the world be intelligible to us if it's all just particles? Knowledge 50:00 Michael Polanyi 51:00 Esther Meek 55:03 The role of the intermediary plane in visual perception and its connection to the corporeal and spiritual planes 1:02:08 What are the implications and consequences of science as a myth on society? Episode 1 of Lucas Van Os on Wolfgang Smith: The Solution to the Quantum Enigma https://youtu.be/D9zkVqhrjM4 Links from Lucas: My channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Lucasvoz Talk with my father (theologian): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xk4PwhL_tg&t=44s Talk with my brother (philosopher): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN6_ho6ocDY&t=3s Gitanjali (free pdf): https://www.spiritualbee.com/media/gitanjali-by-tagore.pdf Gitanjali (physical book): https://www.amazon.com/Gitanjali-Thrift-Editions-Rabindranath-Tagore/dp/0486414175 Links with Wolfgang Smith Wolfgang Smith and John Vervaeke Number I https://youtu.be/5G9gk49VhKM Wolfgang Smith and John Vervaeke Number 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lm3y_4a--0&t=4870s Wolfgang Smith and Jonathan Pageau https://youtu.be/WMZLHhjIsHk Part I w Curt Jaimungal https://youtu.be/9M_uFQNDlvI Part II w Curt Jaimungal https://youtu.be/vp18_L_y_30