History Extra Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: Agony and Ecstasy: The Lives of Mystics
Host: Charlotte Hodgman
Guest: Simon Critchley, Philosopher and Author of The Experience of Ecstasy
Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction

In this illuminating episode of the History Extra Podcast, host Charlotte Hodgman engages in a profound conversation with philosopher and author Simon Critchley about his latest work, The Experience of Ecstasy. The discussion delves into the enigmatic world of mysticism, exploring its definitions, historical manifestations, the interplay between ecstasy and suffering, and its enduring presence across various cultures and religions.

Defining Mysticism and Its Origins

[01:23] Simon Critchley: "Perhaps just first of all, just to set the scene for listeners, how would you actually explain what mysticism is?"

Simon Critchley begins by referencing Evelyn Underhill's 1911 definition of mysticism as "experience in its most intense form," characterized by an "experiential intensity of being lifted up and outside yourself into an experience of ecstasy." He emphasizes that mysticism is not confined to religious experiences alone but is a "tendency within religion" present across all major religious traditions throughout history.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [01:29]: "Mysticism is a tendency within religion. And every religion that I'm aware of, that I can think of has a mystical tendency."

Historical Mystics: From Antiquity to the Medieval Period

Critchley traces the roots of mysticism back to early human history, suggesting that as long as there have been religious practices, there have been mystical experiences. He cites examples such as the funerary practices of hominids and the cave paintings of Lascaux as potential early indicators of mystical dimensions in human societies.

Focusing primarily on medieval Christian mysticism, Critchley highlights figures like Julian of Norwich and Hildegard of Bingen. He notes that many mystics were women who, despite limited access to formal education, contributed significantly to religious thought through their profound experiences and writings.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [02:00]: "But it's handling something really deep about human experience."

Experiences of Mystics: Ecstasy and Suffering

Contrary to the common perception of mysticism as purely ecstatic and joyous, Critchley elucidates that mystical experiences often involve significant suffering and pain. Using Marguerite Perrette as an example, he outlines a multi-step journey where initial union with the divine is followed by a "hangover" of doubt and suffering, leading to a conscious effort to eradicate the self to make space for divine love.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [14:51]: "So it's often something that befools the people involved. And there's another wonderful story which is of Christina the Astonishing."

Critchley further shares Flannery O'Connor's heartfelt prayer, illustrating the mystical pursuit of pushing oneself aside to allow divine love to enter.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [18:20]: "I must hack and hew away at myself. In order to make a space that's large enough for love to enter in."

Mysticism and Societal Reception

The episode explores how mystics were perceived within their societies, particularly in patriarchal contexts. While some mystics like Marguerite Perrette faced persecution—e.g., being burned at the stake for her writings—others like Julian of Norwich were revered, attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual counsel.

Critchley underscores the Church's ambivalence towards mysticism, oscillating between incorporating mystical energies or condemning them as heretical. This dynamic continues in modern times, where mystical claims are often met with skepticism or medical intervention rather than reverence.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [11:07]: "It's always been an issue for political authority, ecclesiastical authority, what to do with mysticism, whether to incorporate it or to expel it."

Mysticism Amidst Catastrophe: The Plague and Beyond

Linking mysticism to periods of societal catastrophe, Critchley discusses the correlation between plagues and the rise of mystical experiences. He posits that crises like the plague create an environment of suffering and existential fragility, which in turn fosters a yearning for transcendental experiences and divine connection.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [19:56]: "Mysticism doesn't require a happy, cheerful world. It actually works better in a plague-ridden and miserable world."

Comparative Mysticism: Beyond Christianity

Moving beyond the Christian tradition, Critchley touches upon mystical traditions in Islam and Judaism. He notes the rich mystical heritage in Islam and the absence of prominent female mystics in Judaism, likely due to linguistic and educational barriers. Additionally, he acknowledges the ubiquity of mysticism in religions worldwide, including Mahayana Buddhism, and its modern manifestations in New Age spirituality and practices like yoga.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [21:54]: "There are a lot of it about, and there's a lot of it about today."

Altered States and Mystical Experiences

The discussion delves into the role of altered states of consciousness in mysticism, including the use of psychedelics. Critchley references the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece, which involved rituals, fasting, and possibly psychoactive substances to induce mystical states. He acknowledges the deep historical connection between substances and mystical experiences, highlighting both their transformative potential and inherent dangers.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [24:04]: "There is something to be said for the extremity of mystical states, the kind of violence of mystical states. There is something dangerous about them."

Personal Reflections and Modern Implications

In contemplating which mystic he'd invite to the present day, Critchley expresses a desire to converse with Julian of Norwich. He is intrigued by her references to everyday elements like fish and rain and is curious about her life before her mystical revelations. Critchley reflects on the backgrounds of mystics, often marked by personal upheaval and a profound transformation of identity.

Notable Quote:
Simon Critchley [25:12]: "They have been really broken by life and have been through significant ordeals, and then they decide to do something else."

Conclusion

Simon Critchley's The Experience of Ecstasy offers a nuanced exploration of mysticism, bridging historical accounts with contemporary reflections. The podcast episode underscores mysticism's enduring relevance, its complex relationship with societal and religious structures, and its capacity to articulate the deepest facets of human experience.

Final Thought from Critchley:
Simon Critchley [27:51]: "These are people for whom life really hasn't worked out. They've been, as it were, broken on the wheel of life. And then they find something else."

Produced by: Daniel Kramer Arden

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