Episode 2: Myth is Dead; Long Live Myth

This episode argues that the commonly held belief that myth is dead - a relic of the past replaced by modern science and reason - is itself a framing myth of modernity. Instead, myth is alive and well, but often hidden within mediums that lack the traditional aura of the sacred. 

The Sacred and the Profane:

The tension between the sacred and propaganda, arguing that the sacred cannot be manufactured or controlled.

The transformative power of the sacred.

The relationship between myths and meaning. We argue that meaning is not inherent in myths but is rather a by-product of our engagement with them, and caution against attempts to codify the meaning of myths, arguing that such attempts are often driven by a desire to appropriate the power of myth for personal gain.

Myth is not primarily about conveying meaning in a literal sense.

Building on Episode 1's discussion of strange attractors, Episode 2 highlights how myths, like strange attractors, can drive cultural evolution toward specific values and structures.

Myth is not something separate from our construction of reality but is rather an integral part of it.

The episode begins to examine how myths can be used for political purposes, both for good and for ill, paving the way for further analysis in subsequent episodes. We will explore this much more closely in subsequent episodes. 

It cautions that authoritarianism, fascism, totalitarianism, etc can exploit the power of myth for their own ends.

For more, visit Jamescurcio.com/narrative-machines or ModernMythology.net for more affiliated podcasts.