I like Richard’s way of talking!! It’s so much more interesting than being overly straightforward and flat. Hope he doesn’t ever change ❤

God bless 🙏🏻❤️

I would suggest the influence of Jung in this space. Carl Jung's exploration of the symbolic world is a central theme in his work, particularly in his theories of the collective unconscious and archetypes. Here are some key points he made about the symbolic world: 1. **Symbols as the Language of the Unconscious**: Jung believed that symbols are the natural language of the unconscious mind. They arise spontaneously in dreams, fantasies, and cultural myths, representing deeper, often unrecognized parts of the psyche. 2. **Archetypes**: Jung introduced the concept of archetypes, which are innate, universal symbols and themes that recur across different cultures and epochs. Examples include the Hero, the Mother, the Wise Old Man, and the Shadow. These archetypes are fundamental structures of the human psyche and are expressed through symbolic imagery. 3. **Collective Unconscious**: According to Jung, the collective unconscious is a part of the unconscious mind shared by all human beings, housing the archetypes. The symbolic world is a way for individuals to access this collective heritage and connect with the deeper layers of their psyche. 4. **Individuation Process**: Jung described individuation as the process of becoming whole by integrating different parts of the psyche, including those revealed through symbols. By understanding and assimilating symbolic content, individuals can achieve personal growth and self-realization. 5. **Cultural and Personal Symbols**: Jung emphasized that while some symbols have universal meanings (archetypes), others are personal and specific to an individual's life experiences. Both types of symbols are important for understanding the self and the world. 6. **Transformation and Healing**: Jung believed that engaging with the symbolic world could lead to transformation and healing. Symbols carry a transformative power that can guide individuals through psychological crises and towards a more balanced and integrated state of being. In summary, Carl Jung viewed the symbolic world as a vital means of understanding and navigating the depths of the human psyche, bridging the personal and collective dimensions of the unconscious. Chat GPT3.5 ** Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, had profound insights into the symbolic world. Let's explore some of his perspectives: 1. **Symbolism as Bridges**: - Jung viewed symbols as more than mere signs or representations. To him, a symbol was a dynamic entity that encapsulated both the known (conscious) and the unknown (unconscious) aspects of our psyche. - These symbols act as bridges, connecting two realities that would otherwise remain isolated¹. 2. **The Unconscious and Symbols**: - Jung believed that the unconscious communicates through symbols and images. - Dreams, active imagination, and creative expression allow us to explore these symbolic messages. - The process of **individuation** involves engaging with and interpreting these symbols to gain insight into our unconscious motivations and conflicts². 3. **Collective Unconscious and Archetypes**: - According to Jung, the **collective unconscious** is a universal dimension of the psyche shared by all human beings. - It contains **archetypes**, symbols, and patterns that shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, often without our conscious awareness⁴. In summary, Jung's perspective on symbolism emphasizes its transformative power and its role in connecting our conscious and unconscious realms. Symbols serve as gateways to deeper understanding and self-discovery¹²⁴. Source: Conversation with Copilot, 2024-07-03 (1) Thoughts On The Jungian Perspective On Symbolism - The Symbolic World. thesymbolicworld.com/content/thoughts-on-the-jungian-perspective-on-symbolism. (2) Jungian Psychology: Unraveling the Unconscious Mind. positivepsychology.com/jungian-psychology/. (3) Emanuel Swedenborg's Mystical Visions and Their Influence on Carl Jung .... gettherapybirmingham.com/emanuel-swedenborgs-mystical-visions-and-their-influence-on-carl-jungs-psychology/. (4) Jung: Symbolism and Meaning - Elisa Nebolsine. elisanebolsine.com/blog/jung-symbolism-and-meaning.

So on the off chance you read this, Richard, what music have you taught your daughter to listen to? I’m not a Swiftie (as a 42 year old man) but her Tiny Desk concert was surprisingly decent

This is great. Can't wait for the full version of this convo.

With regard to Dostoyevsky's "beauty will save the world," my understanding is that this is a view expressed by the "chief demon" Stepan in the novel, "Demons." It's not a position that is fully articulated, but comes up in his first public lecture where he is derided by the socialist intellectuals for his claim that "boots are lower than Pushkin" and where he also started declaring the rights of art. In his final lecture, which he was prevented from completing, he goes off on how nothing can stand--not even science--without beauty.

My tattooist thinks my body suit will protect my soul when I die.

Beautiful answer- it took a while, but it was beautiful

"That was really something." That was something _else._ Wow.

Nice.

❤

Ohhhh shiiittttt

Rohlin aspires that through the dissemination of Johnathan Pageau's fictional stories, individuals will be immersed in redemptive beauty, while a Christian's aspiration lies in propagating the historical gospel of Jesus Christ, thereby ushering in God's salvific spirit. The contrast between the two is truly captivating, to the point where you have to ask: is this merely an innovative way to reinvigorate culture or an unintentional replacement for the gospel? I think in the case of the latter, contrary to Rohlin's sentiment, we must ensure we are not unintentionally replacing the truth with fiction. If that does become the case, then Johnathan's reluctance to ascend to guruship is unavoidable, as the pattern is greater than the individual will. So whether it's salvation through the tale of a fairy or Estuary, be careful that you don't find yourself in competition with the King of Glory.