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Episode
Navigating Meaning and Magic: A Spellbinding Discussion with Ben Holden
Views
4K
0.5× the show’s average
Episode4K
Show avg8K
Published
2y ago
Nov 10, 2023
Length
1h 07m
show avg 1h 18m
From the show
Chapters
Dr. John Vervaeke is joined by multi-talented Ben Holden for a dialogue that delves deep into the esoteric yet compelling domains of naming magic, perception, and the cosmos. From the intriguing nature of ancient myths and folklore to the complexities of modern fantasy literature, the conversation covers a broad spectrum. It explores the tension between the "moreness" and "suchness" of objects, the Buddhist notion of unique essence, and the mysterious realms of naming and representation. The duo also ventures into the practical world, contemplating the psychological underpinnings of our contemporary struggles with meaning, vision, and anxiety. All of this is punctuated by Holden's colorful anecdotes from his work and an earnest exploration of the implications of a sentient cosmos. Don't miss this intellectual feast that promises to stretch your mind and tug at your curiosity. Resources: John Vervaeke Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/ X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke Ben Holden Website: https://www.benpholden.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/benpatrickholden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenPatrickHolden/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasycreatesreality/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-kuMK0hUhq-8Y-U_bs7s-A The Vervaeke Foundation: https://vervaekefoundation.org/ Related YouTube Episodes Speculative fiction, post-tragic romanticism and awakening from the meaning crisis w/ Ben Holden - Voice with Vervaeke: https://youtu.be/Z9u2Yqc8O5k?si=B32OQoOAAyTl8BKK John Vervaeke - Tradition as a Living Force - Fantasy Creates Reality: https://youtu.be/TvuAn-lYYtc?si=XzYr_A8IFiu8unpJ Books Tokyo Yokai - Ben Holden: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Tokyo-Yokai/dp/B0BJL9G5GC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PFW4D1CL7IPB&keywords=Tokyo+Yokai&qid=1697577045&s=books&sprefix=tokyo+yokai%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-1 Tales from Earthsea - Ursula K. Le Guin: https://www.amazon.com/Tales-from-Earthsea-audiobook/dp/B01KOTNKL2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34MVMT9CKWPTG&keywords=ursula+le+guin+tales+of+earthsea&qid=1697577201&s=audible&sprefix=ursula+le+guin+tales+of+earth+sea%2Caudible%2C102&sr=1-1 The God of the Left Hemisphere: Blake, Bolte Taylor and the Myth of Creation - Roderick Tweedy: https://www.amazon.com/God-Left-Hemisphere-Taylor-Creation/dp/1780491018 Time Codes
- 0:00Dr. John Vervaeke welcomes Ben Holden for their third conversation on the show.
- 0:28Ben Holden discusses the balance between audience engagement and addiction.
- 1:29Holden introduces his voice-acted short story "Tokyo Yokai."
- 3:13Holden suggests exploring ideas for his longer piece of work.
- 6:06Explanation of the concept of naming magic.
- 8:19Vervaeke delves into the Buddhist notion of 'suchness.'
- 11:00A shift in the conversation toward the importance of naming.
- 17:49Ben discusses conflicting ideologies in magic.
- 20:20Aristotle's notion of form and matter is introduced.
- 24:51Holden introduces meteor shower-linked technology.
- 28:20Exploration of a dynamic, living cosmos.
- 31:10Vervaeke's take on enriching the fantasy genre with new visions