He seemed to be very conflicted - admiring it deeply while never fully embracing orthodoxy. Not an expert, but I think he embraced a form of pantheism, and believed religion was effective symbolism that pointed to that idea
Wonderful analysis, I loved your description of the “pathetic”-ness surrounding his first deeds as a facilitator of underworld doings. The subtle critique of demonic command is so beautifully seen in the soft mockery of such earthly pleasures and indulgent love affairs. Excellent work 👏
Thanks Charlotte! As a reader I’ve never been able to get past his hedonism and carnal desires of part 1. I suppose it’s very “modern,” of him though haha
Great article! Very keen to read the play now, though your article makes me ask: how do you think individuals can 'rediscover the Logos' when the underlying scepticism of religion in our modern world/the constant desire to discover new meanings to life always pushes people away from it?
Thank you for this superlative analysis. I’m curious if in today’s materialist Germany he’s still widely read and in its schools, integrated into the curriculum.
This was a very interesting article! Not having read the play myself, I’m wondering if it gives us clues as to WHY Goethe rejects religion?
He seemed to be very conflicted - admiring it deeply while never fully embracing orthodoxy. Not an expert, but I think he embraced a form of pantheism, and believed religion was effective symbolism that pointed to that idea
Ah the “Faustian Bargain” still exists in this world. Good essay here.
And very well may continue so long as man exists!
Excellent article! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading Randall!
Wonderful analysis, I loved your description of the “pathetic”-ness surrounding his first deeds as a facilitator of underworld doings. The subtle critique of demonic command is so beautifully seen in the soft mockery of such earthly pleasures and indulgent love affairs. Excellent work 👏
Thanks Charlotte! As a reader I’ve never been able to get past his hedonism and carnal desires of part 1. I suppose it’s very “modern,” of him though haha
Yes he was prophetic! And his work outside literary achievement was so fascinating, I don’t know how he found the time 😂 https://substack.com/@charlotteballadine/note/c-154766928?r=5yjdf5&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
I missed that subtle critique - thanks for pointing out. re-reading the essay now :)
Excellent message and analysis. I always look forward to your posts!
Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoy them 🙏
Your last several paragraphs are the code, so deep and so true! Well done!
Thank you Michael! Glad this resonated with you 🙏
Great article! Very keen to read the play now, though your article makes me ask: how do you think individuals can 'rediscover the Logos' when the underlying scepticism of religion in our modern world/the constant desire to discover new meanings to life always pushes people away from it?
Perhaps it’s the great question of our times haha!
There’s no one size fits all solution, but I’m very partial to the transcendentals - Truth, Beauty, and Goodness - which are the “forms” of the logos.
In other words, when you love goodness, and are good to others, they gravitate towards you and become receptive to your ideas.
When you love truth, and can speak eloquently about truth (with humility), people tend to become curious of your intellect. Etc
If you embody the logos yourself, via the transcendentals, others will gravitate in due time
Something I wrote several years ago: Faustian Ambition
https://chicagoboyz.net/archives/69560.html
Outstanding
Thank you 🙏
Great article, still working my way through Faust part 2. This is very helpful in understanding this classic.
Glad you found it helpful! I love part 2 - I think it's harder to read than part 1, but more intellectually rewarding.
Humility’s one of my favorite virtues too — it’s such a quiet kind of strength.
Thank you for this superlative analysis. I’m curious if in today’s materialist Germany he’s still widely read and in its schools, integrated into the curriculum.
I have many thoughts, but I think I can sum them up with: ❤️
I liked the bit on 'beginning of deed'. Creating something tangible, "doing" can bring satisfaction. Striving alone is not for all.
this only motivates me to see to what point is it possible to live with this unlimited freedom (beyond Good and Evil) and not be a miserable doomer.
Loved reading this!!