The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – PEL Closereads: Emerson’s Oversoul (New Podcast Premiere)

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” Mark and Wes take a break from their usual discussions to introduce their new podcast, “Close Reads.” They delve into Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay on the Oversoul, exploring the concept of souls being part of God and God’s love through poetry. The discussion touches on topics such as faith, determinism, mysticism, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. Join Mark and Wes as they provide insightful analysis and thought-provoking ideas.

Main Takeaways

Emerson’s Essay on the Oversoul

• The discussion centers around Emerson’s essay on the Oversoul.
• Emerson explores the idea of souls being part of God and God’s love through poetry.
• Divine experiences are the ones that stick with us and seem important, according to Emerson.
• There is a tension between determinism and freedom, but hope is directed towards the future.
• The human essence is something that cannot be fully understood philosophically and may require mysticism.

The Nature of the Oversoul

• The oversoul is a unity that contains and makes every man’s particular being one with all others.
• It is the common heart of which all sincere conversation is the worship.
• The oversoul tends to pass into our thought and hand, becoming wisdom, virtue, power, and beauty.
• Nature is the supreme critic and has something to do with natural consequences.
• Our aspirations are often thwarted by overpowering reality, which constrains us to pass for what we are.

The Relationship Between Humanity and the Divine

• Within man is the soul of the whole, the eternal one, and this deep power in which we exist is accessible to us.
• The speaker seems to identify God with nature and the fundamental force that unites everything.
• Looking at the scale of the universe can induce a religious feeling, even in non-religious individuals.
• Human beings have the ability to reason and abstract, separating themselves from being solely determined, unlike non-human creatures.
• Language is key to consciousness-raising according to Emerson.

Close Reads Podcast and Study Sessions

• Mark and Wes have a new podcast called Close Reads.
• Close Reads is available on Patreon and has video and audio episodes.
• The Close Reads podcast provides links to the text for listeners to read along.
• There is a three-part series on Hegel’s history of philosophy lectures on Spinoza available in podcast and video form.
• Listeners are invited to study sessions with minimal editing and potential for Q&A episodes.

Summary

Exploring Emerson’s Essay on the Oversoul

In this episode, Mark and Wes delve into Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay on the Oversoul. They discuss the concept of souls being part of God and God’s love, which Emerson explores through poetry. The idea of divine experiences and their significance is examined, along with the tension between determinism and freedom. The human essence and its potential for understanding through mysticism are also explored.

The Nature of the Oversoul and Its Relationship to Humanity

The oversoul is described as a unity that connects all individuals, making their particular beings one with all others. It is seen as the common heart of sincere conversation and is believed to manifest as wisdom, virtue, power, and beauty. Nature is considered the supreme critic, and its influence on natural consequences is acknowledged. The relationship between humanity and the divine is discussed, with an emphasis on the accessibility of the eternal one within each individual. The scale of the universe and language’s role in consciousness-raising are also examined.

The Close Reads Podcast and Study Sessions

Mark and Wes introduce their new podcast, Close Reads, which is available on Patreon and features both video and audio episodes. The podcast provides links to the text for listeners to read along. Additionally, there is a three-part series on Hegel’s history of philosophy lectures on Spinoza. Listeners are invited to study sessions with minimal editing and the potential for Q&A episodes. Support on Patreon will determine the frequency and additional content of the study sessions.

Conclusion

Join Mark and Wes as they explore Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay on the Oversoul and its profound implications for understanding the relationship between humanity and the divine. Through poetry and philosophical analysis, they delve into the concept of souls being part of God and the significance of divine experiences. The Close Reads podcast offers a unique opportunity for in-depth study and discussion, providing listeners with valuable insights into various philosophical topics. Don’t miss out on the thought-provoking ideas and engaging conversations presented by Mark and Wes.