Promethean and Orphic

The French philosopher Pierre Hadot died on April 24, 2010. I think he is important in the context of the Project many are involved in - the Re-sacralization of Nature. As evidenced in the film Avatar. Hadot presents a struggle between the Promethean and the Orphic . . . which reflects the classical Apollo [Rational] - Dionysian [Intuitive] polarity.

In the words of Pierre Hadot:

“If man feels nature to be an enemy, hostile and jealous, which resists him by hiding its secrets, there will be opposition between nature and human art, based on human reason and will. Man will seek, through technology, to affirm his power, domination, and rights over nature.”

Here we have the Promethean operating. And here, the Orphic:

“If, on the contrary, people consider themselves a part of nature because art is already present in it, there will no longer be opposition between nature and art; instead, human art, especially in its aesthetic aspect, will be in a sense the prolongation of nature, and then there will no longer be any relation of dominance between nature and mankind. That occultation of nature will be perceived not as a resistance that must be conquered but as a mystery into which human beings can be gradually initiated.”

Conceptual artists and others may take note.

Peace - Samten de Wet