Episode #215 ... How Mysticism is missing in our modern lives. (Critchley, Heidegger)

Key takeaways

Heidegger's philosophy challenges us to consider not just freedom of the will but also freedom from the will, inviting deeper self-exploration.
Mysticism, often misunderstood, is not at odds with rational thought but can provide significant personal insights and experiences.
Modern life can obstruct our ability to connect with profound experiences. Embracing art, music, and philosophy may help counteract this disconnection.
Engaging with poetry and philosophical texts can facilitate mystical experiences and open pathways to deeper existential insights.

Summary

Exploring Freedom from the Will

In this section, Stephen West delves into the philosophical question posed by Heidegger: Is it possible to achieve not just freedom of the will, but also freedom from the will? He discusses how modern technology and societal pressures often frame our existence in terms of manipulation and efficiency, raising questions about deeper meanings in life beyond just rational utilitarianism. The discussion illustrates a contrast between the frequent obsession with fixing the world and the potential for personal growth in understanding one's own being.

Mysticism and Its Misconceptions

West addresses the common misconceptions surrounding mysticism, discussing how it is often dismissed as irrational or delusional. He references Simon Critchley's new book to argue that mysticism should not be seen as the antithesis to philosophy but rather as a valid area of human thought that offers profound experiences of connection and existence. This section emphasizes that historical figures labeled as mystics didn't always see themselves as such and often engaged in deep rational practices, showcasing the intersection of mysticism and rationality.

Accessing Mystical Experiences in Modern Life

This segment discusses how contemporary life makes it difficult to achieve a connection with deeper experiences often associated with mysticism. West emphasizes the idea that while modern adults frequently prioritize productivity and efficiency, this hinders the ability to experience ecstasy and connection with the world. He suggests various methods for starting to access these experiences, such as through art, poetry, and music, highlighting the potential democratization of mystical experiences, especially since the Protestant Reformation.

The Role of Philosophy and Poetry in Mysticism

In this concluding section, West reflects on how philosophy and poetry can serve as gateways to mystical experience. He notes that engaging deeply with philosophical texts or experiencing art can open individuals up to profound feelings and insights, similar to what traditional mystics experienced. The essence here is that entering a state of being requires vulnerability and willingness to surrender the self, frameworks that are often neglected in modern life.

Show notes

Today we talk about whether it's possible to achieve not just freedom of the will, but freedom from the will. The technological enframing of reality from the perspective of Heidegger. Misconceptions about Mysticism. The ways that modern life prevents us from having more of a connection with Being. Some ways to start practicing mystical types of experiences using the resources that we have available to us. We do all of this via some points made by Simon Critchley in his new book On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy.

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