My Three Pillars of Sense-Making

In this video, I explain why I use philosophy, politics, and mysticism to make sense of the world.

What are they and how do they differ?
Why do we need all three?
What's the connection?

What do you think?
Is this a good approach?
What's yours?

Like, share, comment, subscribe!

[AlexanderofMiletus]

It demonstrates the quality of this video that it inspired me to come up with my own personal pillars of "wisdom seeking":
1: Philosophy--the rational inquiry into the basic questions of life. What is Beauty? Do we have free will? What immaterial forces, if any, determine our world?
2: Ethics/politics--taking the answers to those questions and applying them to my own life and the institutions of humanity, so that power dynamics align with those answers.
3: Religion: acquiring direct experience and contact with the divine and supernatural, and letting it guide me.
4: Self-analysis: working through how all of the above, and my own circumstances, are holding me back, and finding ways to resolve those problems.

[dorknate]

I've been all over the place in the right wing world the past 12 years now, really starting back in 2012 with the Ron Paul libertarian "revolution" among young people, then later with the rise of Jordan Peterson, and even later with Curt Doolittle. Since the 2020 election I'd put politics aside for a bit to work on myself more out of necessity, and because I had to accept the ongoing decline of the West and focus more on my own life.

At some point - I think because of Peterson being on Steve Paikan's show back in the day - I came across your appearance on Paikan and I found your analysis of Dugin and his views absolutely fascinating. Been following you on and off for a couple years, and your recent content has been extremely impressive, Dr. Millerman.

Keep up the great work. Can't get enough of these. Learning a lot, and I sense I'm becoming much more well rounded than I've been in the past.

You seem like a genuinely good dude! God bless you and your family.

[kyurensikodex]

I have the same approach, but I developed it by stages, not simultaneously. It now permits me to bounce back and forth between pillars to navigate the seas of subconscious liquidity. It began with 1) Mysticism through trashy meta-horror about the demon of money, a bit based on the tarot. Then it inspired 2) Philosophy of the subconscious factory, which inspired 3) Politics while framing economics as a religion and a line of flight towards apostasy. You know, something simple.

[dom]

Even as a leftist I find Michael’s insight extremely interesting and helpful.

[Havre_Chithra]

I experienced this with a lot of philosophers steeped in the mystical tradition... it was like I was transported into a different realm of reality by the end of it, a realm which would only be shattered by the next philosopher I was thrown into the next semester.

[davidgordon]

Wholly whole is wholly holy. This was wholly whole. Thank you

[ronzack]

It's a reflection on the quality of this video, and the clarity of your thought, that I've come back to visit it for a second time.

It makes me think of my own three pillars, and how they have shaped me. They are slightly different from yours, so I though I would share them.

1. MYSTICISM - This one we very much have in common. It has done far, far more for my own sense making than the other two combined, and has given me the greatest benefit, by far. This is a topic I could talk about for days one end, and we really need more quality videos on YT on this subject.

2. PHILOSOPHY-THEOLOGY - While it's common to separate out these two, I cannot, as they have far too much in common, especially in pre-modern times. While one can easily argue that theology should be grouped with mysticism, I would disagree, as theology is more propositional, like philosophy, where as mysticism is far more experiential. And yet, there are profound spiritual truths that have come from the mystics.

3. HISTORY - Especially the history of Western Civilization. The wonderful thing about history, in opposition to the other two pillars, is that it's so very concrete. There are truly hard lessons in history, that can do more to give you wisdom than the entire school of philosophy. This is where you learn the crucial importance of tradition and politics.

Thanks again for an outstanding video.

[thomassimmons]

"Stop making sense."
Either Eckhart or The Talking Heads...I forget.

PS Currently reading Sergius Bulgakov: Unfading Light and The Tragedy of Philosophy, a great bridge between mystic and philosophical knowing.

Great work Doc.

[billschwandt]

This video is so good. Probably the best thing I've ever seen from you and I've been around since Jack Murphy.

[stephenoverdorf]

Well rounded men are rare. In today's ideologically polarized world there is very little room for education system finds no use in thinking men.

[meganekkoi]

I have found these 4 phrases to be able to guide me quite well...

Mental selfdecryption package:

We perceive sensations!

Each thing is itself.

Why question?

[ronzack]

I've been watching your videos from time to time, but this one made me a subscriber. I mostly agree with your three pillars of sense-making, as when I look over my life, those are very similar to my pillars as well. Excellent video.

[kh.]

Thxs Michael! I concur and share this approach aswell

[godparticle]

Great analysis, i like your way of clarifying difficult concepts.

[derekirving]

Hi, good sence making. Rudolf Steiner ha quite inteteresting books:riddles of philosophy, philosophy of freedom, riddles of man, rhe world view of Goethe worth checking. Very Underated.

[optimistprime]

Recently came across your talks and I appreciate how you think and how well you communicate your thoughts. Would love to hear your opinion on Jung

[javidkagzi]

Please read Idries Shah's monumental work called "The Sufis" to understand more historical perspectives of Islamic mysticism and how it connects various cultures and traditions around the world

[PaulThronson]

"to make sense of things" 1. Affective neuroscience explains the machinery of our how mind works 2. Culture defines the inputs and experiences

[danskiver]

I think linguistics should become a focus of investigative inquiry. We must embrace the plot of the movie Arrival to prevent the great reset and eventually the result of the movie The Matrix. Linear language alone is an inadequate way to organize and disseminate information in a multidimensional world with multidimensional issues. I believe the flower of life is a better nonlinear tool used by ancients to organize information.

[Markharlan]

Interacting with your video bc I like it