I’m firmly of the opinion that when it comes to writing or any other intellectual or artistic expression, a personal focus on what’s most subjectively meaningful is what makes for the most powerful impact on others. Yes, the opposite is also true; it’s possible for intensely personal expressions to become so personal and idiosyncratic that they’re not intelligible or significant to anybody else. But even then the result may be helplessly compelling. I think, for example, of Jung’s Red Book, which would seem on the surface to be a private psychic expression, but which is actually like a black hole of ultra-subjective symbolism, drawing everybody else into its center. Its person-ness and subjective-ness are so intense that it becomes universal.

I was really surprised when the editor at TDR thought one of my posts worthy of quoting on their site. I benefit tremendously from writers and thinkers who extrapolate out of the personal and provide new frames through which to view things – and that my skill (so far, anyway) is in a different realm sometimes makes me lose sight of any benefit I might be providing. So thank you for letting me know

neighbor

I’ve had a look at your blog and found it not just interesting but absorbing, and will be spending some more time there to get caught up. It looks like you’ve offered some very cogent, sensitive, relevant, and articulate thoughts.

I came across your site when it was featured at Talent Development Resources and must say it’s so far been an enjoyable and educational read. I don’t have anything particularly constructive to add but wanted to express my appreciation for your clear and thoughtful explorations here. Some months ago Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED talk made its way to me and I was struck by the possibility inherent in this old-but-relevant way of relating to creativity & psyche.

Thanks for this good work!

Ditto on the Vallee and Keel comparisons. It’s a rich trove, and they’re three of the people who have mined it the best, in my humble opinion.

And I say that even without having read The Philosopher’s Secret Fire. This very conversation probably signals that the time has come to buy it and dive in.

Tony

I’m sensing more and more that the sudden spate of excellent books exploring this territory over the past couple of decades indicates a significant trend, especially in light of the mainstream popularity some of these books have achieved. (I talk briefly about this in a newly published article at Talent Develop: “Perspiration Meets Inspiration or, The Return of the Muse.”)