The news is filled with stories of wars, pandemics, mass shootings, rights getting overturned, and so much continuous devastation, it could seem that we are living in End Times.  Our guest today, scholar, philosopher, and researcher Jean Houston, Ph.D., delves into the idea of finding possibility, even during these times of great grief. We have been conditioned to respond to the terrible, but it does not have to be this way. As an icon in the Human Potential movement, Jean shares ideas about how the Renaissance, with its advancements in music, art, poetry, and cosmology,  came after great plagues and times of war, much like the world situation today. Could we be in a new Renaissance period now? We are once again in a similar time of radical growth, and we have the power within us to see new possibilities and reach mythical potential in our human evolution.  

Jean shares stories of her travels and talks about her friendship with scholar Joseph Campbell and how they would have “beautiful fights” which were friendly arguments and deep discussions about mythology and the fate of humanity. Campbell wrote extensively about the “Hero’s Journey,” while Jean considered the “Heroine’s Journey.” Part of the problem is that 50% of the human race is not being recognized for women’s immense creativity and power. Women’s ways are missing. With an emphasis on compassion, cooperation, community, and process rather than product and competition, humane creativity must be celebrated by acknowledging the achievements of women. 

She also talks about her fateful meeting of evolutionary philosopher and Jesuit priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin who became one of her mentors when she was much younger. At an early age, they would have profound discussions of time, history, and transformation, as she gained an alternate education of possibilities through their talks.  This is Part 1 of a two-part interview. Info: JeanHouston.com