Wonderful thoughts and ideas Susan. Well done. I totally agree with you. I am re reading the Iliad and blogging on it as I go, using the wonderful translation by Emily Wilson. We lost the sense of myth long ago, but we need to rediscover it and the sense of mystery it can engender.
It’s all still within us, sleeping in the archetypes of our subconscious. We just need to awaken those sleeping gods and goddesses and accept the wisdom we already unknowingly possess.
I minored in English in college and the most memorable class I took was "American Literature 1940 to the Present" (which was 1974 at the time). We read Richard Wright, Joseph Heller, Phillip Roth, George Orwell, and others. These books shaped my mind and soul.
"The deepest purpose of poetry and art is to show us what transcendence – the ecstatic apprehension of the world beyond the self -- feels like." Thanks Susan for this post - much gratitude for this! and love the ancient sound art by paul klee. just went on a 5 min random detour looking up paul klee's teachings and work at Baahaus. Fascinating!
If “Sacred Humanism” will lead us toward redefining our ‘ Humanity ‘ we ( who with an open heart and mind) we who still care about All Humans; we will be led to ‘ care for ALL children ‘
Children are the world’s next humanity. Right and wrong; love and hate; will be lived forward with the humanity the CHILDREN are experiencing today.
This humanity KNOWS no borders; no “ dogma “! It does know LOVE, it does know how to BE LOVED!
This post, so important, and interests me so much, and I feel that we are at a critical moment, though I don‘t know what to do about it. I want to think more about this (though I do think about it), but at the moment my grandson needs attention, but I hope you return to this. Thank you for your heart and mind.
*Does the phrase/idea of “Sacred Humanism” resonate with you?
Oh yes Susan, thank you, this describes how I think of and try to live my life. All is sacred.
*Can you think of a work of art, poetry, literature, mythology, that inspires awe in you?
There is a Russian icon in a museum in Moscow called "Angel with golden hair" from the 12th century, that I just love, the angel's facial expression makes me feel cared for, protected, and loved.
*If we lose the Humanities altogether, what do you think we lose? If we succeed in restoring them to their former glory, what do you think we gain?
We would lose our very souls, or what feeds them. If we restore them, even in just one heart, we can work towards building a heaven on earth, and enjoy great happiness.
Ann! Did you tell us about Angel with Golden Hair a few years ago? I think I remember how much you loved it. And I'm so so happy this spoke to you so deeply.
Thanks Susan for the reminder about the value of the humanities. I see a reemergence of philosophy among people of all ages. Currently reading Ryan Hoiday's book, "The Obstacle is the Way," which focuses on the value of stoicism. While some people might thnk of it as burying our emotions, stoic philosophers show us the way all life is connected. But where is the sacred in stoicism? I hope to find out as I continue reading.
Honestly, I can’t think of a place where humanities have a place in human society anymore, other than a place permanently subjugated to and serving STEM and business interests, not the other way around.
This is because there has never been a place for me within the humanities, in its current or past forms. This is why a subordinate and secondary role for the humanities is, in my view, the one and only correct place for them in modern society.
It’s a really long story. Part of it might have to do wiith my having been at best a mediocre student in the humanitites in my school days. STEM subjects were by far my greatest strength. The humanities were at times a nightmarish experience for me. Maybe my views on the humanities refect a desire on my part to finally slay the dragon once and for all, forever, but I know that’ll never happen.
I don't think any of us ever fully slay the dragon (and btw - you are using a very humanities-ish metaphor to depict your state of mind :)) I'm sorry that they were at times nightmarish for you - I hope that one day you can reclaim them as yours, without the baggage of your school experiences.
I'm not so much one for labels. However, feeling adrift sometimes can be exhausting. While I'm far away from my traditional religious moorings, I find I gravitate toward things that may not seem to go together. Like "practical" and "poetic". That's why I've been offering Living Room Liturgies in my home. "Where poetry is prayer, beauty is sacred, color is celebrated, and wonder is welcome." Seeing "sacred" sitting next to "humanism" rang my bells.
Would love to have you! Live Music. Poetry. Food. Reflective Responsive Readings. Edifying Conversations. Sometimes even magic. ✨️ (Nashville area). Thank you again for all you bring to our journeys.
Wonderful thoughts and ideas Susan. Well done. I totally agree with you. I am re reading the Iliad and blogging on it as I go, using the wonderful translation by Emily Wilson. We lost the sense of myth long ago, but we need to rediscover it and the sense of mystery it can engender.
It’s all still within us, sleeping in the archetypes of our subconscious. We just need to awaken those sleeping gods and goddesses and accept the wisdom we already unknowingly possess.
Thank you, David. Can't tell you how much I view the world the same way you do...in fact, you will soon see how much (hint!)
I minored in English in college and the most memorable class I took was "American Literature 1940 to the Present" (which was 1974 at the time). We read Richard Wright, Joseph Heller, Phillip Roth, George Orwell, and others. These books shaped my mind and soul.
I think that was the heyday of that kind of study. You were lucky to be part of it!
"The deepest purpose of poetry and art is to show us what transcendence – the ecstatic apprehension of the world beyond the self -- feels like." Thanks Susan for this post - much gratitude for this! and love the ancient sound art by paul klee. just went on a 5 min random detour looking up paul klee's teachings and work at Baahaus. Fascinating!
If “Sacred Humanism” will lead us toward redefining our ‘ Humanity ‘ we ( who with an open heart and mind) we who still care about All Humans; we will be led to ‘ care for ALL children ‘
Children are the world’s next humanity. Right and wrong; love and hate; will be lived forward with the humanity the CHILDREN are experiencing today.
This humanity KNOWS no borders; no “ dogma “! It does know LOVE, it does know how to BE LOVED!
To be continued, thanks for the prompt-
Edward E
This post, so important, and interests me so much, and I feel that we are at a critical moment, though I don‘t know what to do about it. I want to think more about this (though I do think about it), but at the moment my grandson needs attention, but I hope you return to this. Thank you for your heart and mind.
*Does the phrase/idea of “Sacred Humanism” resonate with you?
Oh yes Susan, thank you, this describes how I think of and try to live my life. All is sacred.
*Can you think of a work of art, poetry, literature, mythology, that inspires awe in you?
There is a Russian icon in a museum in Moscow called "Angel with golden hair" from the 12th century, that I just love, the angel's facial expression makes me feel cared for, protected, and loved.
*If we lose the Humanities altogether, what do you think we lose? If we succeed in restoring them to their former glory, what do you think we gain?
We would lose our very souls, or what feeds them. If we restore them, even in just one heart, we can work towards building a heaven on earth, and enjoy great happiness.
God bless you for encouraging us to do this.
Ann! Did you tell us about Angel with Golden Hair a few years ago? I think I remember how much you loved it. And I'm so so happy this spoke to you so deeply.
Thanks Susan for the reminder about the value of the humanities. I see a reemergence of philosophy among people of all ages. Currently reading Ryan Hoiday's book, "The Obstacle is the Way," which focuses on the value of stoicism. While some people might thnk of it as burying our emotions, stoic philosophers show us the way all life is connected. But where is the sacred in stoicism? I hope to find out as I continue reading.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this, if you're inclined to share!
Honestly, I can’t think of a place where humanities have a place in human society anymore, other than a place permanently subjugated to and serving STEM and business interests, not the other way around.
This is because there has never been a place for me within the humanities, in its current or past forms. This is why a subordinate and secondary role for the humanities is, in my view, the one and only correct place for them in modern society.
I'm interested in your view.
why do you feel there's never been a place for you within the humanities, John?
It’s a really long story. Part of it might have to do wiith my having been at best a mediocre student in the humanitites in my school days. STEM subjects were by far my greatest strength. The humanities were at times a nightmarish experience for me. Maybe my views on the humanities refect a desire on my part to finally slay the dragon once and for all, forever, but I know that’ll never happen.
I don't think any of us ever fully slay the dragon (and btw - you are using a very humanities-ish metaphor to depict your state of mind :)) I'm sorry that they were at times nightmarish for you - I hope that one day you can reclaim them as yours, without the baggage of your school experiences.
You had me at Sacred Humanism. Now I have chills. Thank you Susan. I really needed this.
You're welcome, Karen. I'm curious what is it that made you say you "really needed this"?
I'm not so much one for labels. However, feeling adrift sometimes can be exhausting. While I'm far away from my traditional religious moorings, I find I gravitate toward things that may not seem to go together. Like "practical" and "poetic". That's why I've been offering Living Room Liturgies in my home. "Where poetry is prayer, beauty is sacred, color is celebrated, and wonder is welcome." Seeing "sacred" sitting next to "humanism" rang my bells.
Living Room Liturgies! If I lived near you, I would gladly attend.
Would love to have you! Live Music. Poetry. Food. Reflective Responsive Readings. Edifying Conversations. Sometimes even magic. ✨️ (Nashville area). Thank you again for all you bring to our journeys.
It sounds incredible! (and this, even tho I am - shockingly, ha - not really given to gatherings)