Philosopher's Stone-Quest-Dark Forest

Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest

It sure seems like we’re in a dream these days. More importantly, if you create content about current events it gets more surreal by the day. Learn more in Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest, Bob Davis Podcast 806.

Dreams or A Nightmares?

First of all I was going to do this podcast about dreams. Then I thought more about what is really bothering me these days. It is the sense that nothing seems real anymore. Rumors. Labels. Innuendo. Scapegoats. Lies.

A Dreamlike Dark Forest

Furthermore it feels like we’re all stumbling through a dark forest. Hence there’s no sense of where we are or how to get out. Moreover there’s a dreamlike quality to what passes for current events.

Using The Metaphor of The Philosopher’s Stone

Why not talk about the practice of Alchemy and the search for the Philosopher’s Stone. Similarly why not use metaphor as a way forward. Consequently we’ll do it in Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest, Bob Davis Podcast 806.

Base Metals Turned Into Gold

Alchemy was considered a spiritual and scientific pursuit back in the day. Going back to ancient Egypt and China, making it’s way to Europe by way of the Arabs in the 700’s. Alchemists searched for a clarifying agent known as The Philosopher’s Stone in their quest to turn base metals into gold.

Purification Of The Soul

Most noteworthy the stone was also said to have had the powers of immortality and healing. In addition, it helped the alchemist achieve purification of the soul. Sure seems like we need something like that these days.

Frustration and Anger Reign

Especially relevant is the feeling I get from talking to my friends all over the political spectrum who seem lost. Consequently frustration and anger reign supreme. It’s clear we need something new. Something that clarifies. Encourages purity. Enables Action. Something that saves the day.

Finding The Stone Within Ourselves…The Way Out?

Finally fighting and manipulating is everywhere. We won’t find the stone on a social media feed or Fox News. We can only find it within.

Sponsored by Reliafund Payment Processors and Ryan Plumbing and Heating Of Saint Paul

Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest

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Podcast 436

Death and Tyranny. How’s that for click bait? Another protest, more glimpses of the French Revolution as an assistant professor throws ‘the media’ out of a protest on public property at a University in Missouri. Meanwhile a new study says white americans 30 to 64 are dying from alcoholism, drug addiction and suicide at alarmingly higher rates than in the past. Frustration. Anger. Despair. Name calling. Blaming. The first few years of the 21st century seem to be calling out for a new defense of ‘Freedom’. What is Freedom? Are we free? Are we free when we can’t express feelings without checking first to see if they will ‘offend’ some group with ‘special’ protections? Are we free when we have to make sure what we express is in line with paradigms determined by social acceptance? Not according to most definitions. So, are we free? What holds the United States together? A common enemy? An idea? A leader? A culture? A religion? A government? How can we hold together as a country if we aren’t allowed to express ourselves, to be ourselves? Over 60 percent of working age people are out of the work force. People are getting tired of being nudged, pushed, shoved, forced, shamed and cudgeled into behaviors the government wants, or behaviors deemed ‘acceptable’ by unelected culture czars, crowned by their exposure in media. We don’t trust our government. We don’t trust our leaders. We don’t trust the media. We don’t trust each other. If studies that show people descending into alcoholism and drugs and depression are true, one could conclude, we don’t trust ourselves either. When you travel the country, it doesn’t look like its falling apart, but any examination of the day’s news suggests something different. Political candidates slinging mud, name calling, finger pointing and the ever present blaming and subsequent atonement. Our entertainment is blood and gore, and sex. In short, our entertainment is coarse to say the least. What future is our art seeing? What kind of frontier are we pioneering today? Where is our toughness and virtue, and grit? Sponsored by X Government Trucks and Hydrus. 

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Podcast 402

America 2015 Pre Fascism? These days American politics seems to be nothing more than snark, shouts and screams, politicians doing and saying whatever they can to get as much media time as possible, served by a willing media looking for a three ring circus to increase ratings, clicks, favorites and views. Rather than working in politics, people seem to want to be their own movement (of one), or hang out only with those they agree with. Mostly no one does anything. These days a political argument is calling someone a name, or a personal attack. No one wants to hear the details. Frustration, fear and anger rule the day, and rhetoric is king. Need to solve a complex problem? Demand a solution, usually involving more government regulation, all tied up with a red white and blue ribbon with ‘Make America Great’, or ‘Hope and Change’ written on it. All of this is a movement waiting for a leader. A leader that promises to win the argument, fix the problems, make the bad things go away, and make everyone feel better again. The word fascism is so loaded, just saying it in a crowded room in relation to American politics provokes all sorts of angry responses. People almost always think of Germany in the 1930’s and 40’s. We’re taught fascism comes from the right, but the truth is that in Italy, and Germany it was a center right, or center left movement, to the right of socialism, marxism and anarchism but to the left of the established ‘conservative’ governments. When government becomes so powerful it is responsible for everything, it can’t do anything right. Sound familiar? Is America in a Pre Fascist political state? Are the conditions necessary for fascism on the horizon? If so, who or what is responsible and what can be done about it? Do we blame the elite? The government itself? Or people who have grown too dependent on a powerful state, and now they just want it to work. It’s time to talk about politics differently and name the real danger. Sponsored by X Government Cars.

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