Mind At Large with William Irwin Thompson

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In this still-relevant 1995 Archive Edition, Thompson discusses the impact of CNN on global consciousness, the geopolitical implications of the 1991 Gulf War, and the shift from radio to television. He critiques the New Age movement, emphasizing the importance of integrating science, art, and religion. Thompson also explores the role of sound in shaping public behavior, the limitations of virtual reality, and the influence of Rudolf Steiner's ideas on his work. He concludes by outlining his current project on architecture and biology at St. John the Divine, aiming to create a bio-shelter for perceiving life at a microscopic level. (hosted by Michael Toms)

Bio

William Irwin Thompson , Ph.D. (1938-2020) was an American social philosopher, cultural historian, cultural critic, and poet best known as founder of the Lindisfarne Association, a community devoted to envisioning a new planetary culture.  Bringing together scientists, mystics, artists, and activists to explore cultural evolution and “planetary culture.

Thompson’s many books include:

• Islands Out Of Time: A Memoir of The Last Days of Atlantis: A Metafiction (Dial Press 1985)
• Imaginary Landscape: Making Worlds of Myth and Science (St Martin’s Griffin 1990)
• Coming Into Being: Artifacts and Texts in the Evolution of Consciousness (St. Martin’s Griffin 1998)
• Thinking Together At the Edge of History (Lorian Press 2016) 

To learn more about the work and legacy of William Irwin Thompson go to https://williamirwinthompsondotblog.wordpress.com/

Topics explored in this dialogue include:

• What is the impact of CNN and the “Desert Storm” 1991 Gulf war
• What is a critique of leadership and gender balance in global politics
• How Disney perverts public conversation to passive consumption
• What is the difference between radio and television
• What is the importance of story and myth in electronic culture
• Why is there a need for complexity and depth in storytelling and mythology
• What is Thompson’s view and skepticism about personal computers and virtual reality
• Why Thompson compares moder technology to historical practices of human sacrifice and the justification of progress
• Who is Rudolf Steiner and his influences of Buddhism
• Why Thompson acknowledges integrating art, science and religion in the context of global transformation

Host: Michael Toms    Interview Date: 10/31/1991   Program Number: 2293