Hermitix

Writer and occultist John Michael Greer joins the host to discuss collapse, history, consciousness, and cyclical theories of history. They delve into the works of Spengler and Toynbee, explore the concept of secular religion, debunk misconceptions about the impact of modern medicine, express skepticism towards AI as a savior, explore the relevance of cynicism in today's world, and discuss embracing life amidst decline.

Kevin Hart discusses his new book Lands of Likeness and explores themes of Christian thought and secular philosophy. The podcast also delves into the speaker's religious background and transformative experiences, the role of contemplation in Christianity, and the significance of poetry as a form of contemplation.

Bryan Counter discusses Cormac McCarthy's novel Outer Dark, exploring themes of light and darkness, Schopenhauer's aesthetic experience, agency and determinism, the blind man, active and passive nihilism, character progression, and the beauty of prose.

Associate Professor of Philosophy Sebastjan Vörös discusses the work of Francisco Varela, delving into topics such as embodied cognition, neuro phenomenology, and the concept of Unevelt. They also explore Varela's personal experiences with liver transplant and recommend starting points for understanding his work.

Occultist and writer John Michael Greer discusses 'The Tree of Spirit' book by John Gilbert, exploring tarot card origins, debunking myths, and discussing the symbolic meanings of cards like Death and the Devil. They also discuss the concept of new thought, the power of will, exploring restriction, comfort zones, and seeking a third option in life's choices.

This podcast explores Philip K Dick's novel 'VALIS' and its examination of insanity, reason, and the blurring of fiction and reality. It also delves into the connections between Gnosticism and Dick's writings, discussing concepts like the demi-urge, the division between good and evil, and transcendence through Christ. The podcast challenges the notion of reality and spirituality and examines the transformative experience 'VALIS' provides for readers.

Adrian Nathan West, translator of more than twenty books, discusses the work of Hermann Burger. They explore Burger's use of synesthesia and hypotaxis, his unconventional life and association with a cult, strange and unhinged ideas in his work, his perspective on depression, and his concept of existence and fetishes. They also discuss the challenges of understanding Burger's writing.

Join host and German literature professor Stephen Dowden as they delve into the dark world of Thomas Bernhard. They discuss Bernhard's enigmatic writings, his criticism of Austrian culture, the writer's purpose and influence, existential questions and anger in his work, the theme of failure and loss of confidence, and Bernhard's unique perspective on stability and respite.

Steven Moore, an American author and literary critic, discusses the work of novelist William Gaddis. Topics include the connection between Gaddis and James Joyce, their first meeting, the unfinished book Agape, Gaddis' view on success and audience, the absent father theme, recommended starting points for new readers, and Gaddis' association with postmodernism.

Eric Adler, Professor of Classics at the University of Maryland, discusses the friendship and intellectual relationship between Irving Babbitt and Paul Elmer More. They explore their differing views on religion, the concept of new humanism, and the evolution of their relationship over time. They also delve into the absence of virtue in contemporary society and the legacy of these two important intellectual figures.