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Elpidic Echoes: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Приєднався 12 чер 2023
Welcome to my channel where I discuss sci-fi & fantasy as expressions of creativity that almost always relate to reality. I tend to end up talking about the overlap between fiction and my other interests, such as psychology, philosophy, and spirituality; but I also never get tired of rambling on about how the elements of storytelling work together in more compelling fictional experiences.
My day job is professional counseling, so a little bit of that vibe might come through now and again, but my primary goal in my videos is to make it easier to see the layers of meaning that are there in good movies or other works of fiction--to be more able to enjoy the depth and thought that goes into a good story, and maybe even sometimes notice echoes of truth lodged within it.
My day job is professional counseling, so a little bit of that vibe might come through now and again, but my primary goal in my videos is to make it easier to see the layers of meaning that are there in good movies or other works of fiction--to be more able to enjoy the depth and thought that goes into a good story, and maybe even sometimes notice echoes of truth lodged within it.
The Key Ingredient for (Trekkish) Star Trek
My opinion about what makes good Star Trek distinctively Trekkish
Переглядів: 45
Відео
A Thematic & Psychological Analysis of "The Cage" (ST:TOS S1E0)
Переглядів 7412 годин тому
In this video I discuss some of my thoughts on "The Cage," including thematic and psychological elements, some of the "firsts" of this prototypical Star Trek episode, and what this piece of storytelling has to tell to us today. 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Structure/content of this video 01:26 Remastered vs. Un-Remastered 03:28 Opening scene of the episode 05:10 First sign of Pike's burnout 06:30 T...
Overcoming Anxiety like Alice
Переглядів 319 годин тому
How psychological principles such as anxiety avoidance play out in the 1999 Alice in Wonderland film, in its story about stage fright.
Why Sci-Fi Is Better Than Fantasy (spoof)
Переглядів 34День тому
A talk on why sci-fi is better than fantasy. This video was really me doing an experiment to see how hard it would be to add a heckler to a video. But since I liked how it was turning out I decided to have some more fun and finish it and share it. In case it isn't clear, the final section is an 'outtake reel' that is separate.
Some Thoughts on Harry's Occlumency Lessons
Переглядів 15014 днів тому
Some Thoughts on Harry's Occlumency Lessons
Gray Q, General Picard, and Genocide: Thoughts on "Penance" (ST:Pic S2E02)
Переглядів 3321 день тому
Some thoughts on the second episode of Picard Season 2.
Grief and Loss in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows": A Thematic & Psychological Analysis
Переглядів 136Місяць тому
In this video I overview the themes of grief and loss in Harry Potter book 7 (with references to book 5), and then apply the Kubler-Ross "Stages of Grief" and Worden's "Tasks of Mourning" to Harry's situation.
"Inside Out," Dreams Interpretation, and Epiphanies
Переглядів 245 місяців тому
In this video I discuss some of the diverse thoughts that came to me on my most recent rewatch of "Inside Out" (2015). I discuss the relationship between dreams and the train of thought, the various important roles that sleep plays for us humans, some thoughts about dream interpretation and the nature of dreams, and a little bit about creativity and epiphanies. 00:00 Introduction 03:33 Dreams a...
The Meaning of "Off With Your Head": Dream Interpretation and Alice in Wonderland
Переглядів 205 місяців тому
In this video I discuss the dreamlike effectiveness of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (1865) and explore what happens when you interpret the story the way one might interpret an actual dream. 00:00 Introduction 00:53 The absurd & the profound 01:26 Why Alice in Wonderland works 02:52 The train of thought 04:10 Why does the Duchess behead? 08:28 Conclusion: why the Duchess beheads 09:36 Why ...
Thoughts on Picard's Advice to Elnor in ST:Picard S2E1 ("The Star Gazer")
Переглядів 376 місяців тому
In this video I share some thoughts about the advice that Picard gives to Elnor about maintaining academic success through the excitement of a new life stage, from Star Trek Picard Season 2 Episode 1, "The Star Gazer."
Is "Alice" a Satire Against Finding Meaning in Fiction?
Переглядів 1946 місяців тому
In this video I explore the idea that the "Alice" story mocks those who search for meaning in fiction. I explore four scenes that could be argued to do this, and then talk about my view on what these scenes may more likely suggest. 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Does "Alice" mock the search for meaning? 01:06 The 1999 film and its moral 02:22 Four satirical scenes 02:51 Scene 1: The Duchess finds mor...
Some Grumpy Reflections on Picard Season 2 Episode 1(a)
Переглядів 106 місяців тому
In this video I share some of my grumpy grumblings about the first fifteen minutes of Picard Season 2. 00:00 Intro 02:10 Grumpy Summary of Scene 1 09:11 Grumpy Summary of Scene 2 11:27 My old opinions from 2023 26:13 Changing perspectives
Monsters University: Failure, Friendship, & Career Crisis
Переглядів 106 місяців тому
In this video I discuss some memorable moments and interesting themes that I noticed this last time I watched Monsters University. 0:00 Introduction 2:07 Memorable moments 3:23 Mike's four "steps over the line" 10:22 The riverside conversation 11:58 Hardscrabble's change of heart 14:31 Themes & Concepts 15:18 Talent vs Achievement/Knowledge 28:03 Friendship-related themes 29:23 Honoring the unh...
The Devil Is In Me: Some Thoughts on "The Order of the Phoenix" (Harry Potter)
Переглядів 1727 місяців тому
In this video I share some of my thoughts from my latest rewatch of "The Order of the Phoenix," the fifth Harry Potter movie. I compare it to the (audio)book experience and then discuss some of the themes that stood out to me the most on this last rewatch. 0:00 Intro 2:00 Movie vs (Audio)book 8:46 Themes, ideas, and memorable scenes 9:00 Central theme 9:50 Memorable scene: Harry & Sirius 18:15 ...
Reaction & Thematic Analysis: "Alien" (1979)
Переглядів 397 місяців тому
In this video I discuss my experience watching "Alien" for the first time, discuss some standout scenes, and analyze some of the thematic elements and aspects of the film. 00:00 Intro 00:43 My background 02:20 Impressions/reactions 11:04 Standout scenes & PTSD 15:31 Main themes (disillusionment & abuse) 18:17 Pure perfection/power 26:00 Environment & universe 26:48 Retro computers 33:08 Chest-b...
Picard & Data, Suicide, and the Afterlife: "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2"(b)
Переглядів 2217 місяців тому
Picard & Data, Suicide, and the Afterlife: "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2"(b)
Suicide, Meaning in Life, & Silly Purple Gadgets in "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2"
Переглядів 187 місяців тому
Suicide, Meaning in Life, & Silly Purple Gadgets in "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2"
Revisiting Monsters, Inc.: Themes, Plot Structure, Etc.
Переглядів 1048 місяців тому
Revisiting Monsters, Inc.: Themes, Plot Structure, Etc.
Personality & Ethical Themes in "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 1" (ST:Picard S1E9)
Переглядів 268 місяців тому
Personality & Ethical Themes in "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 1" (ST:Picard S1E9)
Why Narnia is NOT a Christian Allegory
Переглядів 1538 місяців тому
Why Narnia is NOT a Christian Allegory
Soji as Data’s Improved “Emotion Chip,” and Why We Fear our Emotions
Переглядів 349 місяців тому
Soji as Data’s Improved “Emotion Chip,” and Why We Fear our Emotions
Why Picard's Personality Changed in ST:Picard (Overview & Psychological Discussion & Overview)
Переглядів 999 місяців тому
Why Picard's Personality Changed in ST:Picard (Overview & Psychological Discussion & Overview)
Princess Ozma in “Return to Oz” (1985): An Analysis
Переглядів 1549 місяців тому
Princess Ozma in “Return to Oz” (1985): An Analysis
Tuvok vs Passion: Psychology of Infatuation in "Gravity" & "Bliss (ST:Voyager S5 Rewatch)
Переглядів 1689 місяців тому
Tuvok vs Passion: Psychology of Infatuation in "Gravity" & "Bliss (ST:Voyager S5 Rewatch)
Voyager Rewatch: "Equinox" & "Nightingale" (ST:Voyager S5-7)
Переглядів 229 місяців тому
Voyager Rewatch: "Equinox" & "Nightingale" (ST:Voyager S5-7)
Some Thoughts on "Broken Pieces" (ST:Picard S1E8)
Переглядів 1910 місяців тому
Some Thoughts on "Broken Pieces" (ST:Picard S1E8)
Alice 1951 vs. Alice 1865 (First-Time Reaction)
Переглядів 2510 місяців тому
Alice 1951 vs. Alice 1865 (First-Time Reaction)
Self-Efficacy, Pedagogy, & "Learning Curve" (ST:Voyager S1E16)
Переглядів 3510 місяців тому
Self-Efficacy, Pedagogy, & "Learning Curve" (ST:Voyager S1E16)
Reaction & Analysis: "Nepenthe" (ST:Picard S1E7)
Переглядів 6110 місяців тому
Reaction & Analysis: "Nepenthe" (ST:Picard S1E7)
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living... or get busy dying."
The problem with the occlumency lessons were several fold. First, Harry, finally faced with an adult who was privy to some of the things he was starving to know, was consumed with finding things how to which he felt he had a right. This was also the reason he looked into the pensieve. He thought that information about the Department of Mysteries was openly being denied to him. Harry wasn't goading Snape; he just wanted to know things and Snape was too busy falling back on his titles. "This may not be an ordinary class, Potter,' said Snape, his eyes narrowed malevolently, 'but I am still your teacher and you will therefore call me "sir" or "Professor" at all times.'" What was more important here, learning or the power balance? Adults think it's okay simply to demand things of children without putting them in context; it is not. Children are not robots; they are small humans who rely on these people to nurture and teach, not demand and manipulate. How can you ever hope to increase children's understanding of a world without context? Secondly, their mutual dislike was calculated to ruin any progress they might make. Snape does not care for Harry and he makes this plain over and over again; he only does all this in the name of his love/obsession with Harry's dead mother. Consider, would he even have switched sides if Voldemort had decided to target the longbottom family instead of the Potters? Did you not understand the significance of the doe patronus? Snape hates Harry on sight, for things over which Harry has no control and could not change if he wished to. Have you any idea what it is like when an authority figure takes against you for no reason that you can control? I do. I grew up with such people. Authority abuse is very different from playground bullying because the abuser is able to cloak their behaviour in their authorty while protecting themself from possible censure. Thirdly, Snape failed to explain things adequately to Harry. He could have explained that his scar might hurt worse in the short term, why this would be and he could have shown Harry some meditation techniques to help him empty his mind. He did none of that. Harry said repeatedly that he did not know how to do what Snape wanted of him but Snape did not listen. He was asking for guidance which he did not receive. This is a teacher who suffers from the curse of knowledge: the idea that he can't adequately pass on his knowledge because it has always been obvious to him and he cannot conceptualise that it isn't to everyone else. I have suffered teachers in this mould. Each time you have to be alone in their presence there is a sense of dread which only engenders fear, and which encourages neither motivation, learning, respect or any wish to practice. I met these people more than five decades ago and I am only now discovering the extent of the damage caused by that long-term interaction. Adults do not always know better than children, particularly when they are emotionally immature adults. Respect must be earned. If you have to rely on a title in order to demand respect you aren't doing enough to earn it in my view. 'Because I said so' has never been a legitimate reason to ask anyone to do anything because that statement is about power, not humanity.
Good points, thanks for sharing!
I think there may have been a brief but intense depression just after he learns his wand has broken. He doesn't want to be near Hermione at all. He hastens to borrow Hermione's wand, even though he's barely recovered from Godric's Holow, so he can get away from her and go on watch. His desolation is laid out very starkly at the beginning of Chapter 18. Also, it's worth remembering that the Kubler-Ross stages were originally meant for those accepting their own death. I think they fit far more easily into that specific scenario. I hadn't heard of the 'Tasks of Mourning'. Makes sense to me. I like your style of conversation and discussion without bombarding us with either words or some kind of distracting and anonymous music bed. Do you read Terry Pratchett's Discworld? You may find many interesting themes in there.
You make a lot of good points, thanks for your comment! I'm not familiar with Discworld, but it looks like an intriguing series, and I'll definitely be putting it on my list.
Thank you. Relevant and beautiful!❤❤❤💚
You nailed it. It is such a wonderfully weird film. And it is ultimately about love and how that renders us as humans....even if u are are a chicken or a severed moose head
Yes.😌💚💚💚
Depends what you mean by meaning.
I really relate to this idea. Been thinking a lot about the importance of fiction in our lives, and this is a pretty validating take on it. This should have more views.
One other thing to remember is that Harry and Voldemort are very, very similar to each other in terms of their lives. Neither knew their real parents. Neither of them had a loving home or a caring upbringing. Both of them had magic their whole lives, but didn't know how to control it completely, or even what they were. Both of them were exceptionally skilled students. They shared a wand core. Both are orphans. Both had tumultuous relationships with their peers- in Harry's case, he was bullied, but in Voldemort's case he was the bully. In an interesting way, I would say that they represent something of an avatar of the dark and the light, respectively. Voldemort is, in many ways, born not of love but of hate and violence. Harry was born of true love. They are mirrors. Harry could easily have become Voldemort, and Voldemort could have become Harry. The difference is both in their choices AND in how much care and support was offered to them by those around them.
The algorithm has been recommending your vids. Good luck and God bless you and your endeavors.
Thanks!
You bring up that Aslan mentions he has another name, but then say that is not allegorical cause because it shows its meant to be it's own world. But let's break down how Lewis described that to a girl who wrote to him: As to Aslan’s other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never been anyone in this world who (1.) Arrived at the same time as Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the great Emperor. (3.) gave himself up for someone else’s fault to be jeered at and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.) Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb…. Don’t you really know His name in this world. Think it over and let me know your answer! I think there's a problem here that it's an all or nothing approach. Every element has to be allegorical for it to be an allegory? I don't think so... Nor do I think most stories are equally allegorical. Stories do tend to have meanings and draw inspiration from the real world. But Aslan states the purpose of the series being to allow the children to get to know him (Jesus) in their world. Tolkien's works are by his own admission though he tried to steer away from Allegory very Catholic, but aside from the original war with Melkor very little is directly allegorical. The Final Battle has an anti-Christ and a desecration of the Holy of Hollies, and a final judgement... and when the books aren't directly doing allegory they are still filled with Christian lessons. Yes they are also fantasy adventures that just have fun at times... but the bones are allegory, and the meat is fantasy.
I would also say it is Final Battle that is the most explcitly Christian, with the Dawn Treader "different name," moment coming next Certainly non-Christians can and do enjoy it. I know Jews who like it as literature. There's nothing wrong with enjoying it on a literary level... but denying it's allegory is just wrong.
C.S. lewis said it was an allegory for christianism. Doesn't mean he succeeded in making it a good allegory, or not being a fantasy autor of his time. That's one of the reasons why tolkien disliked to write allegories. The story gets in the way of the allegory, the allegory gets in the way of the story.
al·le·go·ry noun a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Are the Chronicles of narnia a pure allegory? A 1:1 allegory? No... but they are by very definition, allegory.
C. S. Lewis was a theologian, and he HIMSELF said that Narnia was a Christian allegory. He said the same thing about the Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strength.) When an author tells you something about their characters, world, plot, or meta, it is canon end of story, which is why such proclamations are called (pun intended) Word of God.
He called it a supposition, not an allegory. Suppose there was a fantasy world of talking animals, how would they experience Christ?
But does ot mean he achieved what he wanted?
@@lizd2943that's literally an alegory. "Suppose animals could talk, how would they experience marxism" then you have animal farm.
When he said, he was gonna be completley human. That means he suppose to take the idenity of the doctor.
I think that Ro Laren, events from the movies as well as the experience from Q with him being taken down what could have happened had a long term chronic affect on his personality.
i was literally thinking about this, the other day
how can trees be real if our eyes aren’t real
Voyager was so good
I agree, I think Voyager is one of the more underrated Trek series. Unfortunate that many fans think of it as just one more TNG spinoff
The whole alice in wonderland , we all read aloud , we had our maths teacher who discussed the mathematics, equations ,, i like how different school plays ennoucite words .,, like ,, antipethese, & invited to crotchey ~ crow ~ kay... to copy the classic british accent
I agree, I love the pacing of these episodes
This was a great episode that showed us the past and present with the characters setting everything up for the rest of the show to give it some purpose and direction ... rather then just giving us some small throw away dialog on whats happening and pushing the narrative forward too fast leaving potentially lots of plot holes that could be problematic the future , like we saw happen in Season 1 of STD ...
Excellent review of the the Pilot ...I thought it did a great job of showing Picard's current situation and events that will shape the rest of the season ...I am friends with people in there 70s and many struggle with depression and or issues it reminded me of how Picard was in this season , these people were also managers and top of there trade at one time as well...Also in the TNG finally it did show Picard in the future on a vineyard living a more simple life ..This episode sets up things that give him a new purpose that may also be related to Data who is someone he cared for a lot in his past .. Yet becasue of his age and how things have change Starfleet doesn't take him serious ..Its too bad this season got bashed by Youtubbers because i think its great and a lot of people would like it if they gave it a chance ..Season 3 is good but i think its much better if you watch this season first as it gives more of pathway on getting there ... I find season 1 more re-watchable as it is more character driven and reminds me of DS9 in the writing ...Season 3 is awesome but hard to re watch as its based more on reveals and and once you have watched it once all the reveals have less meaning ..
So were there 3 'Soji's' . The Soji, the evil one that had Data skin and eyes, and wasn't there a third? Edit: I forgot, they turned Jean-Luc Picard into a robot😑
Wasn't the biggest VOY fan but Future's End was great and fun , probably one of the best attempts of time travel story since Star Trek 4 , other series have done them since but they felt more janky and not as well executed ..
Season 3 is the best Trek in decades and gives TNG a proper send off ...but i did really enjoy season 1 of Picard and think it gets a lot of undeserved hate ..TNG got me into Trek but DS9 is my fav as well ...Tried getting into Disco but lost me after season 2 ..
Welcome to my world.
Man get over yourself sorry the rain on your parade but what makes you think anyone cares what you think...🎉