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The Sacred and The Profane
256 pages, 1987
In The Sacred and the Profane, historian Mircea Eliade explores how human beings have been able to make sacred everything from space and time to nature and the cosmos. He explains that while contemporary people believe their world is entirely secular, they still occasionally feel connected unconsciously to memories of something sacred.
It is this premise that both drives Eliade's exhaustive exploration of the sacred—as it has manifested in space, time, nature, and the cosmos, and life itself—and buttresses his expansive view of the human experience.
In The Sacred and The Profane, Mircea Eliade explores the concept of the sacred as something that gives meaning and structure to the world, while the profane represents the chaotic, meaningless aspects of life. This dichotomy is a key theme throughout the book.
Eliade emphasizes the importance of religious symbols in human life. He suggests that these symbols help us connect with the sacred, providing a bridge between the divine and the mundane. So, if you're interested in symbolism, you'll find a lot to dig into here.
One of the fascinating concepts Eliade introduces is 'hierophany', the manifestation of the sacred in the everyday world. He argues that through hierophanies, people can experience the sacred directly, which can be a transformative experience.
Eliade also takes a look at how the sacred manifests in modern society. He suggests that even in our secular world, the sacred still plays a crucial role, often in unexpected ways. This perspective can change the way you see the world around you.
Finally, Eliade explores the power of myth in human life. He sees myths as a way for people to connect with the sacred, providing a narrative framework that gives meaning to our experiences. If you're interested in mythology, you'll find Eliade's insights particularly enlightening.
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Eliade's work is a profound exploration of the sacred and its role in human life. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human condition.
Joseph Campbell - Mythology, Comparative ReligionEliade's exploration of the sacred and the profane offers a unique perspective on the human psyche.
Carl Jung - Analytical PsychologyEliade's work is a deep dive into the human experience of the sacred, offering a fresh perspective on spirituality.
Alan Watts - Philosophy, SpiritualityEliade's work is a profound exploration of the human experience of the sacred, offering a unique perspective on religion and spirituality.
Huston Smith - Comparative ReligionEliade's work offers a unique perspective on the human experience of the sacred, providing a fresh understanding of religion and spirituality.
Karen Armstrong - Religious History