Episode 92: James Hollis - A Life of Meaning

James Hollis is a Jungian psychoanalyst and the author of many books, including his latest: "A Life of Meaning," which is the primary subject of our conversation. During our conversation, Jim talks about some of the major themes in his work and his book: the shadow, the numinous, psychopathology, lethargy, and fear.
Jim is one of my favorite writers and thinkers, and I reference him as much as anyone. This conversation is full of some of my favorite ideas and quotes, including this first one from his new book:
"Probably the wisest thing ever said about the shadow was uttered by the Roman African playwright Terence, who, a little over two thousand years ago, said, 'Nothing human is alien to me.'”
And the second from the writings of Carl Jung:
"The spirit of evil is negation of the life force by fear. Only boldness can deliver us from fear. If the risk is not taken, the meaning of life is violated."
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:05 Why Jim wrote "A Life of Meaning"
05:28 The shadow
08:38 Why confront one's shadow?
10:48 The numinous and finding your calling
25:20 Lethargy is a threat to living
29:55 A modern culture of distraction
32:28 Jim's decision to become a public educator
37:02 Jim's growth beyond his family of origin
44:30 Psychopathology
48:26 Sin: missing the mark
55:15 Fear - the spirit of evil is negation of the life force by fear
58:50 Jim is a "recovering nice person"
#hollis #jameshollis #jung #meaning #shadow #numinous #fear #lethargy #psychopathology #keeptalking #interview #podcast

[@Californiansurfer]

Authentic : Face your fear. James Hollis

[@leebailey1220]

Wow if I wasn't 6'3 250 pounds I could cry. I'm so grateful for conversation like this. Really added value to my day. I wish the world would stop and listen all at one time.

[@keeptalkingpod]

Thanks very much, Lee. Really appreciate you writing that.

[@Californiansurfer]

❤Thank you. James Hollis. 2020. I lost my father and had to grow up. I found James Hollis books and lectures and found intenet interview. Thank you James Hollis. I have taken that risk, i am 65 now. I had surf re-reunion which all my friends have died or suicide.. thank you James Hollis. I am still here.. 😅

[@keeptalkingpod]

Thanks so much for your comment.

[@msajjadali]

Thank you so so much Dan for bringing this Gem 💎 discussion up. Always we learn alot and very insightful thoughts from our dearest and most favorite teacher, Dr Hollis. May the Numinous, The God bless you and your family with health and peace.
Regards,
Muhammad.

[@keeptalkingpod]

Thanks for the comment, Muhammad. I loved this conversation, and Dr. Hollis is a treasure.

[@jojodaisy4]

Brilliant!!! Learned so much, from this thought, provoking conversation appreciate the inspiration !!😊💯

[@keeptalkingpod]

Thanks so much for the comment, and glad to hear it! Means a lot - and Jim is the best...

[@redruby8529]

Thank you to both!

[@keeptalkingpod]

Thank you!

[@eliaelish13]

absolutely amazing! thank you so much!

[@keeptalkingpod]

Thank you for the comment!

[@joshuabhujun3835]

Very good questions, very humble, good attitude and also very respectful of Mr. Hollis, unlike others.
You got yourself a subscriber bud

[@keeptalkingpod]

Hey man, thanks very much - it means a lot. It was an honor to interview Jim, he's a treasure.

[@Zinc_Oxide]

Unbelievable insight

[@keeptalkingpod]

@@Zinc_Oxide Thanks very much!