Homer’s Odyssey frequently references Dawn’s rosy cheeks. As an undergraduate, I found this both comical and charming. However, in my mid-30s, I now understand the importance of illumination. It shows the way forward and allows us to tread forward, almost haphazardly.
In the ancient world, everything seemed to come to a halt upon nightfall. The Achaeans were forced to sit at the hearth, congregate, and await daybreak. This reliance on the cycle of light and dark echoes in Nietzsche’s proclamation of God's death. The reverberations of Nietzsche’s madman bemoaning the death of God are settling in a multitude of ways. We are left in the shadow of what was once meaningful and implicit. The lack that God’s absence gives birth to is all-encompassing, "a great void," to quote Royal Abbot from Outer Range.
In a landscape filled with self-help steps, snake oil salesmen, hustle culture, and a rebirth of both masculinity and gender fluidity, there seems to be an answer for everything. Before the pitchforks come after me, I am not equating the latter with false prophets or placebos. That is up for debate and is answered by those who engage with these questions. All I know is I am unsatisfied with what is on the menu. The options are unappealing to me and leave a bad taste in my mouth.
I read Jordan Peterson’s "12 Rules," as well as works by Jocko Willink, Sam Keen, and David Goggins. I have listened to Joe Rogan, Gabor Maté, and Jack Donovan. Each has offered something valuable, yet each has also left me shaking my head. I have the utmost respect for the work Maté and Sam Keen have done and can understand what shaped David Goggins. Although Peterson has become somewhat of a cartoon character, I believe he means well. None of this is an attack on them. I am not trying to take cheap shots.
It is glaringly obvious that so far, all I have referenced are men. This is only because, from my perspective and the algorithmic platter I am served, that is what stands out to me.
I will be the first to admit that I am lacking a female perspective and their mystique. The fact that most of the biggest names in this crisis of meaning discourse are men is significant. Whether it is due to their dark night of the soul or merely a swing of the pendulum is secondary.
What we need are more voices from all walks of life—men and women who are suffering the same lack we all feel and are giving voice to it, advocating a way forward. Even if it forces us to double back, we need the path illuminated.
Torches that light the way also magnify the darkness, but that too is necessary. Creative perspectives and new avenues of approach are needed. Even if it ends up being a dead end, it keeps us moving. Momentum is key; otherwise, the dragon of dopamine wins out, seducing us with its trinkets and monstrosities.
Go to your library, check out new and old books. Do not be intimidated by the Western canon, nor limited by it. Maybe your reading of Plato will uncover something new. I applaud those who pause and grapple with who shook us out of our slumber and dragged us kicking and screaming out of the cave. Heidegger thought Nietzsche was the last philosopher and went back to the beginning.
What will you get out of these texts? And why shouldn’t your interpretation be as relevant as Heidegger’s?
This is why I also pick up current works. For example,
should be read just as much as Durkheim or Freud, as they offer fresh perspectives on both old and contemporary issues. I use them as an example because I see a passionate couple shaking things up.Much like Joseph Campbell, underlining books is how I follow my bliss. It unlocks new wavelengths that were previously untapped and sedated. Find what works for you, and stoke the flames of your own fire.
You may inspire someone, including yourself. I love reading because it allows me to dive into another person’s head at my own leisure. In today’s age, it is inexcusable not to read. With audiobooks, libraries, the internet, pirated books, and YouTube, we have more information than ever.
Reading also puts a stop to overstimulation. Sure, it may take some time to learn how to read again—to sit in silence, absent from the algorithm and Big Brother for a time.
That is what breaks up the kindling to ignite the philosophical life and is the best way to say “fuck you” to those who exploit you. It will allow you to stumble into others who are trying to pave the way forward.
Reading and sitting with your thoughts and gleaned wisdom is a slow and arduous process. It is also lonely; however, do not let that stop you. It will allow you to communicate with a deeper community of individuals who are as desperate for meaning and belonging as you are.
People are as lonely and isolated as ever, and I constantly grapple with those demons. What keeps me going is knowing that I am trying and doing my best (for the most part) at liberating myself.
It is up to each of us to decide if we want to sit in the dark, consuming the same tired old tropes and dopamine funnels as usual, or if we have the courage to re-enchant the world. It happens individually before it does collectively.
Blaze your own way forward, whether by starting a podcast, your own Substack, or writing a song. Take notes when you read and see what that reveals to you, not only about the text but about yourself. Let yourself be surprised and bored for a while. That is where the magic lies.
Wonderful piece Christopher, and thank you very much for your kind words. You've made our morning!