Storytelling and Collective Psychology
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life and the Work of Derren Brown
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Beschreibung
This book examines the work of psychological illusionist Derren Brown to understand the significance of storytelling and ancient philosophy in our society. Reflecting on the social disconnection and political polarisation of recent times, Darren Kelsey considers how we can rebuild a sense of collective cohesion and common good, weaving together contemporary psychology with ancient Stoicism to cut through the noise of modern life. Kelsey shows that Brown is more than a stage performer: he’s an enlightened magician who offers us guidance for navigating the challenges life throws at us, using his skills and wisdom to help us better understand ourselves and enable human flourishing. In this rigorous examination of Brown’s work, Kelsey makes a compelling case for paying closer attention to our personal, cultural and political stories and beliefs to help create a better future – for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.
"Darren Kelsey takes us on a powerful and erudite exploration of the role of narrative, myth and collective psychology in helping us to make sense of the world, our place in it and above all our own sense of who we are. As Kelsey sets out, the work of the illusionist Derren Brown is a fascinating example of how popular culture has taken on some of the important roles traditionally played by storytellers, orators and performers."
—Alex Evans, Founder of Larger Us and best-selling author of The Myth Gap
“Storytelling and Collective Psychology seeks to build bridges across disciplines. Via a range of fascinating and stimulating examples and case studies – most prominently, the psychological illusionist Derren Brown – Kelsey connects Stoic philosophy and modern psychology, revealing astonishing connections between Stoicism and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).”
—Paul Bowman, Professor of Cultural Studies, Cardiff University
"Storytelling and Collective Psychology is an original and timely book which combines popular and academic elements. Using examples from Brown’s shows and books, the book merges his philosophy with Jungian Analytical Psychology and delves into the nature of what it means to be human in today’s world."
—Helena Bassil-Morozow, Lecturer in Media and Journalism, Glasgow School for Business and Society
This book examines the work of psychological illusionist Derren Brown to understand the significance of storytelling and ancient philosophy in our society. Reflecting on the social disconnection and political polarisation of recent times, Darren Kelsey considers how we can rebuild a sense of collective cohesion and common good, weaving together contemporary psychology with ancient Stoicism to cut through the noise of modern life. Kelsey shows that Brown is more than a stage performer: he’s an enlightened magician who offers us guidance for navigating the challenges life throws at us, using his skills and wisdom to help us better understand ourselves and enable human flourishing. In this rigorous examination of Brown’s work, Kelsey makes a compelling case for paying closer attention to our personal, cultural and political stories and beliefs to help create a better future – for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.
Unpacks the human qualities we all have that can help us build a better society Offers a much-needed way for people to connect to each other amidst current political polarization Explores collective psychology through ancient philosophy, modern research and popular culture
Autor*in
Darren Kelsey
Themen in »Storytelling and Collective Psychology«
Collective psychology Stoic philosophy Magician archetype Derren Brown Carl Jung collective storytelling popular psychology popular philosophy CBT street philosophy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy self-help literature tribalism politics of fear discursive psychology
Stimmen zu »Storytelling and Collective Psychology«
“I loved it - it taught me helpful things about being a magician, and is a wonderful introduction to the therapeutic benefits of Stoicism. I never imagined they would come together so elegantly.” (Derren Brown, British mentalist and illusionist)
“Darren Kelsey takes us on a powerful and erudite exploration of the role of narrative, myth and collective psychology in helping us to make sense of the world, our place in it and above all our own sense of who we are. As Kelsey sets out, the work of the illusionist Derren Brown is a fascinating example of how popular culture has taken on some of the important roles traditionally played by storytellers, orators and performers.” (Alex Evans, Founder of Larger Us and best-selling author of The Myth Gap)
This is a book about the psychological importance of the philosophical tradition of Stoicism, and its place and value within wider discourses of popular culture. It has two key figures from which it draws its examples and case studies: the author’s own story (as a kind of ‘everyman’), and the work of Derren Brown (as a kind of ‘overman’). It argues for a reconfiguration of the understanding of the meaning of ‘self-help’ according to a version of Stoicism whose contours can be traced in such places as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the medical/therapeutic world, and magician-turned-psychological illusionist and creative conjurer, Derren Brown.
Storytelling and Collective Psychology seeks to build bridges across disciplines. Via a range of fascinating and stimulating examples and case studies – most prominently, the psychological illusionist Derren Brown – Kelsey connects Stoic philosophy and modern psychology, revealing astonishing connections between Stoicism and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The book argues that Stoicism offers valuable ways to live life ‘more philosophically’.” (Paul Bowman, Professor of Cultural Studies, Cardiff University)
“Storytelling and Collective Psychology is an original and timely book which combines popular and academic elements. Using examples from Brown’s shows and books, the book merges his philosophy with Jungian Analytical Psychology and delves into the nature of what it means to be human in today’s world.” (Helena Bassil-Morozow, Lecturer in Media and Journalism, Glasgow School for Business and Society)
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