Hermitix

A review of a satirical novel where a contagious laughter epidemic upends British bureaucracy. The conversation explores themes of meaning, purpose and the critique of progress. The narrator details a mysterious potion, a lonely tycoon at the story's center, and how spontaneous joy fractures official order. The tone praised is breezy, comic and delightfully subversive.

Bryan Counter, literary commentator known for close readings, digs into Thomas Bernhard's Gathering Evidence. He traces non-chronological structure, origin moments like the bicycle scene, and Bernhard's institutional upbringing. Conversations touch on repetition, dark humor, form, and how writing retroactively creates origins.

A fiery review of Antonin Artaud's visionary take on Elagabalus. Short bursts cover theater of cruelty, sacred violence, and sexualized ritual. The discussion parses delirious, non-linear prose and the book's theatrical logic. Themes of a solar phallic cosmology, crown-as-horror, and ritualized bodily excess are highlighted.

Mark Vernon, a British psychotherapist and writer, dives deep into the philosophy of Owen Barfield, who influenced literary giants like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Vernon highlights Barfield's idea of 'original participation' versus modern objectivity, explaining how the evolution of consciousness has shifted our understanding of meaning. He also explores how Barfield's insights relate to modernity's decline in coherent meaning and the importance of imagination. The discussion includes practical implications of Barfield's thoughts on spirituality and transformation.

Dive into the life and ideas of Renzo Novatore, a poetic response to Stirner's egoism. Explore Novatore’s turbulent journey through poverty and trauma, influenced by figures like Nietzsche and Baudelaire. Discover his radical anarchist activism and rejection of social collectivism. Engage with his unique blend of affirmative nihilism and outlaw aesthetics, celebrating individuality and creative destruction. Uncover how he transforms egoism into a dynamic artistic vision—what he calls 'the creative nothing'.

Sean McGrath, a philosopher and former Carmelite hermit, dives deep into the search for meaning in a consumer-driven world. He shares how personal tragedy led to profound existential questions and his exploration of Buddhism, which he found lacking. McGrath emphasizes the need for a return to Christian mysticism and the relational soul concept, arguing against consumerism's spiritual emptiness. He critiques utopian ideals and advocates for simplicity and cultural transformation as pathways to genuine hope and renewal.

Dive into the enchanting world of Moominland as the host explores its unique appeal and how it respects children's intelligence. The discussion contrasts the themes of freedom versus domestication in children's literature, using Tove Jansson's works as the centerpiece. The narrative unfolds with existential stakes and a non-central world where characters thrive without the typical protagonist focus. Delve into the poignant journey of Snufkin and the exploration of loss, ultimately celebrating the joy and freedom found in these beloved stories.

Joseph Turner, a PhD student specializing in continental and Japanese philosophy, delves into the intricate ideas of Jean-Luc Nancy. He discusses Nancy's ontology of 'being-with', highlighting how existence is fundamentally communal. Turner critiques monotheism’s role in shaping identity and negates traditional teleology, arguing existence is an ongoing event. He connects Nancy's empty creation with overcoming nihilism and emphasizes shared finitude and Buddhist impermanence. Finally, he proposes a new political framework grounded in ethical interdependence.

Dr. Valentin Gerlier, a scholar and musician from Dartington Arts School, shares his transformative encounter with Jiddu Krishnamurti's educational philosophy. He contrasts traditional exam-focused schooling with the inquiry-driven approach at Brockwood Park. Valentin emphasizes the importance of non-dogmatic learning, choiceless awareness, and the idea that true understanding stems from within. Their discussion delves into how awareness shapes thought and relationships, urging listeners to embrace presence as a path to deeper insight.

James Harpur, a British-born Irish poet and author, delves into the life of Jiddu Krishnamurti, igniting discussions about spirituality and ego. He shares his personal encounter with Krishnamurti's magnetic presence and explores the impact of the theosophical movement on his upbringing. Conversations unfold around the paradox of the self and Krishnamurti's urging to dissolve it, while Harpur critiques the inherent flaws of hierarchy in teachings. The dialogue culminates in how Krishnamurti's insights challenge creative expression and the pursuit of awareness.