The Symbolic World

With Matthieu Pageau we discuss symbolism in the creation story told in Genesis and how it relates to consciousness, the problem of self-reference and how true symbolism usually appears in a fractal structure of microcosms and macrocosm. The problem of science and rationality is that by emphasizing materiality and reason it often struggles with the paradox of self-reference and self-causality, just as it struggles with the problem of the justification for hierarchical structures of value. These two issues are related through the fact of consciousness and self-awareness. Though science struggles to include the consciousness of the viewer in its general calculation, this is something that is done very well in traditional cosmologies through a series of self-replicating patterns which are embedded into each other somewhat like a fractal pattern. Matthieu's book is now out: The Language of Creation Original video: https://youtu.be/Q1-vG-bLDwE Support this channel: patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pageauvideos paypal: paypal.me/JonathanPageau website: http://www.pageaucarvings.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathanpageau twitter: https://twitter.com/PageauCarvings

The podcast discusses the tactics of dehumanization on both ends of the political spectrum, explores the concept of primordial chaos and its role in the creation of the world, delves into dehumanization in ancient societies and the impact of colonialism, examines the shift in identity and creation of ethnic nation states, and explores the structure of dehumanization and the Christian response.

This is a discussion I had with Jordan Peterson on Nov. 14, 2017 in which he called me in the morning and we began looking at several ideas together. ------------------------------- Original video on Jordan Peterson's channel: https://youtu.be/E5F4oOlAK8w Original description: I woke up at about five thirty this morning to a flood of ideas dealing with the emergence of what has been called "intersectionality" in the postmodern/identity politics world. Intersectionality is a movement based on the observation that the standard identity groups (race and gender, for example) don't sufficiently capture the variability in oppression that characterizes those who fit into both categories simultaneously (say, black woman). I realized that the intersection of six or more categories of variation (depending on the degree of differentiation) would produce "groups" of only one individual. In that manner, the idea of the individual is necessarily making its comeback in the ideologies of collectivism that characterize so much modern thinking. It's an inversion, an indication of our upside down world. Many more ideas came along with that one, some associated with the idea of categorization and the ideal (in a religious and symbolic sense). I decided to contact Jonathan Pageau, who is the embodied intersection of French Canadian, artist, orthodox icon carver, male, expert on postmodernism, and bearded, as I couldn't easily think of anyone else to talk to about such things. I didn't edit it at all.... ------------------------------- My links: patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pageauvideos paypal: https://www.paypal.me/JonathanPageau website: http://www.pageaucarvings.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathanpageau twitter: https://twitter.com/pageaujonathan

Matthieu Pageau, author of 'The Language of Creation: Cosmic Symbolism in Genesis', explores the importance of symbolism, the problem of understanding it in the modern world, interpreting ancient texts, the meaning behind biblical stories, exploring symbolism through compressed categories, the dichotomy of materialism vs symbolism, and delving into the world of Freemasonry and its traditional symbolism.

The podcast explores the symbolism and significance of zombies in contemporary society, the breakdown of culture and growing polarization in society, the representation of monsters as something beyond our comprehension, the symbolic representation of Pentecost as a church ablaze, and the concept of fragmentation in a chaotic world.

This podcast explores the connection between science, mysticism, religion, and symbolism, highlighting how they contribute to our understanding of the world. It discusses the concept of hierarchy in religious imagery and its relationship with our understanding of God. The podcast also delves into the use of symbolic language in science and religion, and contrasts the sublime nature of scientific answers with the hierarchy of value in religion and mysticism. It examines the presence of elevation and hierarchy in religious texts and scientific discourse, and reflects on the contrasting perspectives of atheism and religious understanding.

This podcast explores the profound patterns and meanings in the life of Moses, including the symbolism of garments, the divine tabernacle, angels and demons, chaos, and Moses' ascent up the mountain. It delves into the interconnected nature of these elements and their relevance to our own lives and experiences.

Medievalist Rachel Fulton Brown discusses her friendship with Milo Yiannopoulos, her interest in Jordan Peterson, and the role of trickster figures in a time of chaos. They explore the symbolism of the feminine, the significance of humor, and strategies for responding to insults. They also touch on the power of truth-telling, the role of medievalists in academia, and delve into the practices and symbolism of devotion to Mary in medieval Christian life.

An analysis of the symbolism in Shrek and the play The Bacchae, exploring the concept of the margin and its subversive effect on the center. The podcast discusses the significance of peripheral elements, the control of the marginal, and the theme of identity and control in the final scene of Shrek. It also explores the consequences of pride through the parallels between Pentheus and Farquaad.

A discussion on the false opposition between symbolic and literal interpretations of Bible stories, exploring questions about Christianity, the role of memory and symbolism in perceiving and organizing information, and meaningful events and the symbolic nature of memory.