Hermitix

Bob Dobbs, a renegade scholar and archivist for Marshall McLuhan, dives deep into the intricate connections between James Joyce's *Finnegans Wake* and McLuhan's media theories. He discusses the cultural legacy of the trivium on literature and education, the impact of modern media on our understanding of nature, and how Joyce's narrative style reflects historical changes in communication. Dobbs also highlights the transition from passive media consumers to active creators, examining how technology reshapes storytelling and identity.

Fr. Ryan Duns, a Jesuit priest and author, delves into the intersection of horror and theology, revealing how horror films reflect deep metaphysical beliefs and provoke questions about existence and faith. He discusses the portrayal of evil and the transformative potential of forgiveness in narratives like Stephen King's 'It.' The conversation also examines individual struggles in spiritual practices and how horror films showcase themes of morality and divine intervention. Duns critiques traditional views on the soul, promoting a holistic approach that enhances our understanding of both film and faith.

Dive into the complex themes of Hermann Burger's engaging work, focusing on suicide and its ties to pessimism. Personal stories illuminate the tragic duality of mental suffering, blending external achievements with deep internal struggles. Explore the concept of 'mortology' and its critiques of pessimism, revealing the tension between reality and artificial escapes. The dangers of pessimistic philosophy are dissected, shedding light on its allure and how it can cloud one’s appreciation for life's inherent beauty and joy.

In this discussion, John Michael Greer, an esteemed writer and occultist with a rich background in Freemasonry, sheds light on this often-misunderstood organization. He unpacks the myths surrounding Freemasonry, revealing its genuine contributions to society. Greer dives into the importance of Masonic symbols, emphasizing their deeper moral teachings and connections to ethics. He also explores the fascinating interplay between politics and the occult, illustrating Freemasonry's vital role in bridging divides and its historical significance in shaping modern ideologies.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Knepper, an Associate Professor specializing in philosophy and literature, dives into Byung-Chul Han's 'The Spirit of Hope'. They explore how profound boredom can paradoxically lead to hope and critique our culture's obsession with achievement. The conversation touches on the intrinsic nature of hope and its vital role in human connections, even amidst despair. Knepper also examines how suffering can deepen our understanding of hope, while navigating the complexities of anxiety and consumerism's impact on our perceptions of joy.

Review of In Watermelon Sugar by Richard Brautigan.---Become part of the Hermitix community: Hermitix Twitter - ⁠⁠ / hermitixpodcast⁠⁠ Support Hermitix: Patreon - ⁠⁠ patreon.com/hermitix⁠⁠ Donations: - ⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpod⁠⁠ Hermitix Merchandise - ⁠⁠http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2⁠⁠ Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLK Ethereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74

Carlos Alberto Sánchez is Professor of Philosophy at San José State University, USA.Book link: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/blooming-in-the-ruins-9780197691007---Become part of the Hermitix community:Hermitix Twitter - / hermitixpodcast Support Hermitix:Patreon - / hermitix Donations: - https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpodHermitix Merchandise - http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLKEthereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74

Dr Hannah Lucas is a literary scholar specialising in contemplative writing, the philosophy of religion, and wellbeing in medieval English literature.Book link: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/impossible-recovery/9780231218689---Become part of the Hermitix community: Hermitix Twitter - ⁠⁠ / hermitixpodcast⁠⁠ Support Hermitix:Patreon - ⁠⁠ patreon.com/hermitix⁠⁠ Donations: - ⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpod⁠⁠ Hermitix Merchandise - ⁠⁠http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2⁠⁠ Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLK Ethereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74

Review of Self & Unself by Darren AllenBook link: https://expressiveegg.org/portfolio/self-unself/---Become part of the Hermitix community:Hermitix Twitter - ⁠⁠⁠⁠ twitter.com/hermitixpodcast⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Support Hermitix:Patreon - ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.patreon.com/hermitix⁠⁠Donations: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpod⁠⁠⁠⁠Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLKEthereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74

Dive into the vibrant world of Hermann Burger's 'Diabelli,' where music and humor meet in a circus of ideas. Explore the intriguing themes of identity and illusion, as artists grapple with their multiple personas. Delve into a childhood fascination with illusions that blends joy and confusion, vividly capturing surreal experiences. Unpack the philosophical depth of 'Diabelli,' contrasting beauty and destruction while revealing the grotesque nature of reality. Finally, confront dark psychological themes like repression and sexual anxiety that challenge our understanding of the human condition.