Life-changing books only (II)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares a list of life-changing books that have profoundly impacted their perspective on art, religion, and human development. They discuss how art is a universal and essential part of human experience, not just a commodity or luxury. The speaker also explores the deeper purpose of religion, particularly through René Girard’s secular understanding of Christianity, and how reading mystics like Simone Weil can bring one closer to a higher truth. Ultimately, the video encourages personal growth through reading and reflection, urging viewers to explore and engage with these transformative ideas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading is one of the greatest human explorations, offering access to the ideas and wisdom of people from different cultures and time periods.
• 📚 The speaker recommends life-changing books that have had a transformative impact on their worldview, particularly in art, religion, and philosophy.
• 🎨 Art is universal, playing a vital role in human ceremonies and rituals across cultures, as emphasized by Ellen Dissanayake’s work on the evolutionary function of art.
• 🖼️ Art should be viewed as a verb, an act of creation and participation, rather than as a finished product displayed in museums or galleries.
• 🎭 Dissanayake's *Art and Intimacy* shows that art has always been a part of human life, woven into the fabric of cultural and societal rituals like weddings, funerals, and rites of passage.
• ✝️ The speaker challenges the modern, dismissive attitude toward religion, urging viewers to reconsider its purpose and value for human development, even from a secular perspective.
• 📖 René Girard’s *Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World* offers a scholarly and secular interpretation of Christianity and other major religions, showing their role in resolving conflict and fostering unity.
• 🌍 Religion, according to Girard, is not an archaic or irrelevant pursuit, but a key part of human evolution, which continues to offer meaningful insights into human behavior and culture.
• 🙏 Simone Weil’s mystical writings, such as *Gravity and Grace* and *Waiting for God*, provide profound insights into faith, suffering, and grace, offering wisdom for both the religious and secular reader.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading as an ongoing, reflective process that helps us explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop a personal connection to life’s deeper questions.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to provide life-changing book recommendations, focusing on works that have had a significant impact on the speaker's life. The video aims to inspire the audience to engage with these books to expand their minds and explore human experience, culture, and ideas.

Why does the speaker consider reading to be one of the greatest explorations a human can undertake?

The speaker believes reading is a profound exploration because it allows individuals to engage with all of humanity's recorded thoughts and knowledge, preserved in books. This exploration enables the reader to connect with ideas, cultures, and experiences beyond their own, deepening their understanding of the world.

What is the significance of Ellen Dissanayake's work in the context of the video?

Ellen Dissanayake's work is central to the discussion of art in the video. She argues that art is universal and serves an evolutionary function that is essential to human life. The speaker recommends her book 'Art and Intimacy' as it presents the idea that art has been a crucial part of ceremonies and human expression throughout history, not merely a commodity or something for the elite.

How does Dissanayake challenge the modern view of art?

Dissanayake challenges the modern view of art by emphasizing that art is not just a product or a luxury for the wealthy. She suggests that art is a fundamental human activity, integral to ceremonies and rituals that shape societies. She introduces the concept of 'artification'—art as a verb—highlighting that art is an ongoing process, not just a finished object.

What is the 'artification hypothesis' presented by Dissanayake?

The 'artification hypothesis' proposes that art should be seen as a verb, not a noun. This means that art is not only about finished products displayed in museums but is an ongoing process involving participation and engagement. Dissanayake argues that art has been an integral part of human life, particularly in rituals and ceremonies, long before the concept of art markets and museums existed.

What role does religion play in the speaker's book recommendations?

Religion plays a significant role in the speaker's recommendations, as the speaker discusses how they initially dismissed religion but later found value in studying it through the works of Rene Girard. The speaker emphasizes that understanding the anthropological and societal role of religion, especially Christianity, can offer deep insights into human culture and progress.

What is Rene Girard's contribution to understanding religion?

Rene Girard's work, particularly his theory of mimetic desire, helps explain the true purpose of religion. The speaker recommends Girard's book 'Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World' for its exploration of how religion functions in society, and how it can be understood secularly. Girard's work demonstrates that religion, particularly Christianity, serves an important social and psychological function in human development.

Why does the speaker recommend the works of Simone Weil?

The speaker recommends Simone Weil's works because of her profound philosophical and spiritual insights. Despite being a secular person, the speaker found Weil's exploration of Christian mysticism to be deeply impactful. Her writings, such as 'Gravity and Grace' and 'Waiting for God', offer short yet powerful reflections that can help readers connect with the highest aspects of human existence and thought.

What does the speaker mean by a 'personal connection' to the books they recommend?

A 'personal connection' refers to the idea that reading and engaging with profound works should not merely be intellectual exercises but should spark deep, personal reflections. The speaker encourages the audience to internalize the ideas presented in these books and let them shape their own thoughts and understanding, rather than just accepting the information passively.

What additional resources does the speaker offer to further explore these ideas?

The speaker mentions a weekly mailing list where they share book recommendations, quotes, and writings that explore similar themes. These resources are intended to inspire deeper reflection and spark new thoughts, encouraging readers to engage with ideas in a personal way. The newsletter is free and offers ongoing content that complements the books and ideas discussed in the video.