In this episode of Philosophy and Sanity, we dive into the strange, underexplored figure of Jakob Böhme—a 17th-century mystic whose ideas may have quietly shaped the trajectory of modern philosophy, theology, and even postmodern ideology. Though often forgotten or ignored in standard philosophical education, Böhme’s influence can be felt in thinkers like Hegel and movements like liberal Christianity, radical gender theory, and the broader postmodern turn.

We explore how Böhme’s bizarre doctrines—like the androgynous Adam or the idea that the Fall is necessary to know God—foreshadow deeply troubling trends in contemporary thought. From imagination as epistemology to a subtle sanctification of evil, Böhme’s legacy seems to haunt many of the ideas dominating today’s cultural and intellectual climate.

This episode is more exploratory than conclusive, aiming to raise awareness of Böhme as a figure worth knowing and wrestling with—especially for anyone trying to understand how we got to where we are today.

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