In this era of deep divisions, plumbing those depths can help us better comprehend the underlying dynamics at work. This allows us to respond creatively and effectively, thus empowering inclusive “we visions” that will help birth a more just and sustainable society.
In November, Amy asked “Who Do You Think You Are?” in a service on self-deception. That delved into the problem; today we look at some of the antidotes. How can we know ourselves and live consonant with who we really are, not who we imagine ourselves to be? Special music: Four Shillings Short, Celtic & Indian music
“Know thyself,” said one of the inscriptions of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, and Socrates considered it a foundation of all wisdom. But it’s not easy to know ourselves honestly. One person who can help is the writer Kazuo Ishiguro, whose intimate explorations of self-deception have garnered him this year’s Nobel Prize. Perhaps the Nobel Committee recognizes that knowing ourselves is one of the great challenges of our time. Feeling brave with me? Let’s peel away some layers of self-deception and see what we find. Music: The Season of Us, jazz duo
