Whew! This is an epic work and needs to be published in a Cork or Ireland-related publication. It is one of those identity-forming pieces that may serve as a David's stone against a Goliath.
You've woven these threads together into a beautiful tapestry that deserves more than two reads. Many themes intrigue me in all of this, but perhaps the most salient is the power of the non-human entity. What I believe you're identifying is that whatever we corporately worship (pay our attention to, hope in and consider "too big to fail") begins to carry a spiritual power of its own. It literally takes on a "life" of its own and destroys those who worship it. As you rightly point out, this is surely what the principalities and powers are. You've brought example after example here. It's fantastic food for thought!
Kemp's "Goliath's Curse" book sounds like a must-read. I suspect your hunch in response to it is correct:
"...perhaps this is a hint that those best placed to survive the doomed projects of human Empires are its poor and the outcasts." Perhaps this is why Jesus was found among them and points His followers to these groups.
Fantastic synthesis and lateral thought! Thank you.
Thank you so much Meg for this generous reading. I am so glad that the piece transcends its local context.
I have just discovered a documentary hosted by amongst others Yanis Farouskis called - Leviathan. The synchronicity is amazing. (I’ve posted it in my notes).
This covers this topic as well- I just found it so strange that they picked the same metaphor……
Just had a look in your Notes for the link to the Leviathan documentary -- fascinating that they chose the same metaphor, yes! I didn't find the link, but perhaps you could post it here?
I really enjoyed this. Thank you. There's a magical power to weaving disparate themes together. For me its money (or at least a commitment to its fecundity) that distinguishes our modern non-human entities from the ancient ones like The Hag of Beara or Melusine [ the name of CoB's Mermaid Money Goddess whose image those coffee shops use without paying any tribute! ]
I've not read that Yanis Varoufakis book, but I have been previously annoyed with Lagarde in my long essay 'What Happens when I burn money?'. In a 2020 speech she indulges in the most extraordinary nonsense about the nature of money to mould a narrative that suited the ECB's purpose. I guess you're right. Little point in being annoyed with her as a person. She's just who is in the position doing the thing and saying what needs to be said to serve the non-human entity of the ECB. But 'Adults in the Room!' Tut. Et Mon Dieu!
Thank you so much for this encouragement! On my return I will certainly do some serious editing, I usually find I need to let a piece breathe for while, and then return to it with some fresh thoughts. The ‘invisible' entities theme is one that really interests me,
Brilliant essay
Thank you, glad you like it.
Whew! This is an epic work and needs to be published in a Cork or Ireland-related publication. It is one of those identity-forming pieces that may serve as a David's stone against a Goliath.
You've woven these threads together into a beautiful tapestry that deserves more than two reads. Many themes intrigue me in all of this, but perhaps the most salient is the power of the non-human entity. What I believe you're identifying is that whatever we corporately worship (pay our attention to, hope in and consider "too big to fail") begins to carry a spiritual power of its own. It literally takes on a "life" of its own and destroys those who worship it. As you rightly point out, this is surely what the principalities and powers are. You've brought example after example here. It's fantastic food for thought!
Kemp's "Goliath's Curse" book sounds like a must-read. I suspect your hunch in response to it is correct:
"...perhaps this is a hint that those best placed to survive the doomed projects of human Empires are its poor and the outcasts." Perhaps this is why Jesus was found among them and points His followers to these groups.
Fantastic synthesis and lateral thought! Thank you.
Thank you so much Meg for this generous reading. I am so glad that the piece transcends its local context.
I have just discovered a documentary hosted by amongst others Yanis Farouskis called - Leviathan. The synchronicity is amazing. (I’ve posted it in my notes).
This covers this topic as well- I just found it so strange that they picked the same metaphor……
We really must schedule that Zoom call soon!
Just had a look in your Notes for the link to the Leviathan documentary -- fascinating that they chose the same metaphor, yes! I didn't find the link, but perhaps you could post it here?
Yes, I'll DM you.
https://beiner.substack.com/p/leviathan-full-documentary
I really enjoyed this. Thank you. There's a magical power to weaving disparate themes together. For me its money (or at least a commitment to its fecundity) that distinguishes our modern non-human entities from the ancient ones like The Hag of Beara or Melusine [ the name of CoB's Mermaid Money Goddess whose image those coffee shops use without paying any tribute! ]
I've not read that Yanis Varoufakis book, but I have been previously annoyed with Lagarde in my long essay 'What Happens when I burn money?'. In a 2020 speech she indulges in the most extraordinary nonsense about the nature of money to mould a narrative that suited the ECB's purpose. I guess you're right. Little point in being annoyed with her as a person. She's just who is in the position doing the thing and saying what needs to be said to serve the non-human entity of the ECB. But 'Adults in the Room!' Tut. Et Mon Dieu!
Thank you so much for this very generous feedback- really appreciated.
I put a lot of history in this one so it’s good to see that hasn’t put you off.
It’s a really interesting thought about the emergent properties of ‘non human entities’ - like money, could they be considered quantum phenomena?
Thank you for this.
Thank you so much for this encouragement! On my return I will certainly do some serious editing, I usually find I need to let a piece breathe for while, and then return to it with some fresh thoughts. The ‘invisible' entities theme is one that really interests me,