This is where I post my YouTube videos and audio versions thereof. You can find the podcast directly on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts.
We finish up the discussion of Jerzy Kosinski’s novel Being There with “Chauncey Gardiner” being launched into the stratosphere of American power while being an acknowledged complete unknown on both sides of the Cold War. What does this satirical novel have to say about our lack of common sense? … More The Usefulness of Common Sense in the Age of Digital Deception (Being There 6)
On the Maurin Academy’s Political Philosophy podcast, Laurie is covering Jerzy Kosinski’s Being There, a satirical novel about an image and wealth-obsessed American society bent on the mass narcissism of literally loving a politician. This is part 5 in the series. … More The Vulnerabilities of Democracy in the Age of Image
We continue with our discussion of Jerzy Kosinski’s novel, Being There, at the point where “Chauncey Gardiner,” mistaken for a wealthy and handsome businessman, meets the President of the United States and the American press–and a desperate heiress. … More Romantic Democracy: The Blind Following the Blind. (Kosinski’s Being There, 4)
Recently Stephen Paff interviewed me for his podcast on the topic “Finding Connection in a Disconnected World.”
I’m working on a time for Stephen to visit the Maurin Academy for a conversation with me and our audience on the impact of AI on our future. … More Interview: Democracy Demythologized with Stephen Paff
This Tuesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. US Central Time, Dave McKerracher, founder of YouTube’s Theory Underground and author of Timenergy will join us for a talk inspired by his years of learning as well as his current project. He and Ann have moved to his family’s farm to start a new stage of their lives, grounded in place. I’ve interacted with Dave and Ann on their platforms and they have on ours–we are on a similar journey. … More Unlocking Timenergy: A Live Talk with Dave McKerracher
We continue with our discussion of Jerzy Kosinski’s novel, Being There, at the point where “Chauncey Gardiner” meets EE by accident and gets mistaken for a wealthy and handsome businessman. … More An Empty Signifier Makes an Ideal Lover (Being There, Part 3)
Jerzy Kosinski’s “Being There” satirizes American democracy and the influence of electronic media on society. The video reviews the novel’s initial chapters, which inspired a film featuring Peter Sellers and Shirley MacLaine. Additional resources include the Maurin Academy’s podcasts and social media for updates on classes and events. … More Victim or Boss? Depends on Your Perspective (Being There, Part 2)
We begin a new series inspired by Jerzy Kosinski’s classic novel, Being There (1971). Being There is a satirical and allegorical tale about the adventures of Chance, a simple gardener who has previously lived a sheltered life saturated with television as his main source of human contact. Chance is thrown into the media spotlight by accident, propelling him to the top echelons of American politics, as people read wisdom into everything he says. … More From Gardener to Politician: The Impact of Media in ‘Being There’ (1)
This Thursday, July 24, Dr. Jeremy Cowan, Horticulturalist and homesteader will be our guest, live on Zoom, for his talk “The Implications of Sustainable Agriculture at Home.” There are two ways to get in on the session and get the recording. Start here: https://pmaurin.org/the-implications-of-sustainable-agriculture-at-home-with-dr-jeremy-cowan/ … More The Implications of Sustainable Agriculture at Home — Join us for the Discussion!
Political Philosophy 