Iain McGilchrist on The Divided Brain and Perceiving the Sacred

Iain McGilchrist is a globally acclaimed psychiatrist and writer author of groundbreaking books ‘The Master And His Emissary’ and ‘The Matter With Things’.
Iain (‪@DrIainMcGilchrist‬) spoke with Elizabeth about the varying exposures he had to religion in his childhood, how he went from being an English academic to psychiatry, and the effect left-hemispheric dominant thinking has had on our society.
Find out more about Iain's work here: channelmcgilchrist.com/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
03:16 What Is sacred to you? Iain McGilchrist’s response
06:17 Growing up at Winchester College: Iain McGilchrist
15:13 Iain McGilchrist’s first impressions of Christianity, and difficulty around the word “God”
19:23 The problem with academic critique: Iain’s stint as an English Fellow at All Souls
27:59 The Origins of Iain McGilChrist’s of the Two Hemisphere Hypothesis
36:39 Unpacking Iain McGilchrist’s two hemispheres hypothesis
41:39 The consequences of living in a left hemisphere society
56:57 How we can use right hemispheric thinking to cure tribalism
01:07:09 Elizabeth’s Reflection
*****
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Пікірлер: 75

  • @user-qv2vk7cv3y
    @user-qv2vk7cv3y7 ай бұрын

    I have listened to many Iain McGilchrist interviews over the years and have to say this one revealed more about Iain the man (as opposed to Iain the philosopher/thinker) than pretty much all of the others put together! And Iain seemed very happy to answer questions about his early life and influences, which was wonderful. Thank you for a fascinating interview, Elizabeth.

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your comment, and glad you enjoyed!

  • @elizabetholdfield2124

    @elizabetholdfield2124

    7 ай бұрын

    So glad you enjoyed it

  • @AugustNightingale

    @AugustNightingale

    7 ай бұрын

    @@elizabetholdfield2124 Fully agree! Thanks so much for doing this the way you did, Elizabeth.

  • @jessiemacintosh6627

    @jessiemacintosh6627

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your valuable podcast, I understood more than I expected.

  • @CarrieB22

    @CarrieB22

    11 күн бұрын

    Hi Elizabeth Just wanted to comment as I am currently listening to your book "Fully Alive" and also halfway through "The Matter with Things" that I think you were spot on in your comment about the contradiction between exploring or advancing understanding of insights provided by the right hemisphere via applying the left hemisphere. Perhaps it is this that has led to Iain McGilchrist, who has produced largely insightful work, to nevertheless fall into the trap of proclaiming certainty when certainly is out of place. He talks about the value of the experiential while claiming that the science he has depended on is unchallengeable, despite, in the realm of autism research, ignoring research that is experiential i.e. done by autistic researchers into their own condition. Yet he feels able to use (somewhat dated) research done by non-autistic researchers as not only a contributory factor to his overall narrative, but to also make the claim that an autistic person would typically not understand (whatever we are to understand of) the Divine. He does not know this, so why be so certain? It seems he is using his understanding and perception of a category of people to make an assumption.

  • @margueritespringer3687
    @margueritespringer36877 ай бұрын

    Iain is such a kind man

  • @VOCATUS123
    @VOCATUS1236 ай бұрын

    My graduate thesis was on the Sacred (using Jung's psychology), and finding this video is such a breath of fresh air. Thank you

  • @alexandresavardo
    @alexandresavardo6 ай бұрын

    As a young adult I feel like the experience that got me closest to what you and Ian were discussing (something that makes us see that there is a "world beyond") was listening to a Brahms recording (Radu Lupu at the piano). A piano teacher had prompted me beforehand (months before actually) to listen for the coloring of the touch of the pianist in the recordings. It was a simple yet extremely potent indication, a proper way to help me balance out a goal- oriented left hemisphere and an imagination-driven right hemisphere. The experience itself, lazily going about it while laying on my bed in a dark room, really is what made me discover this feeling of being in front of an inexhaustible fountain of discovery and deep enjoyment. I later discussed this with another piano teacher, whom had had a lifetime of teaching piano (he was 77 I think back then) and asked him: how do we put more people in contact with something like this ? I'll always remember his answer, which came from a very humble place it seemed: "I think that plunging them in a bath of beauty would help". Yes, beautiful things have the power to grip us and make us see a world beyond. At a more practical level, I think that fostering the collaborations between schools and art institutions is definitely one way we can favor this kind of experience. I think the simple open prompts about what to look out for can be a great helper, on the teachers' side.

  • @unaagnew6623
    @unaagnew66232 ай бұрын

    I learned from this wonderful interview the following insight . When you stay with something that speaks deeply to you, cherish it in your heart for a while and mark the spot with a stone or a little altar , then you have been on a holiday with your right hemisphere and come back to this left-brain dominated world with a treasure to which you can return again and again and draw life from it. Thank you.

  • @wehsee912

    @wehsee912

    Ай бұрын

    🌚☄️❤️💫

  • @user-qv2vk7cv3y

    @user-qv2vk7cv3y

    21 күн бұрын

    Wonderful suggestion. Thank you.

  • @healthdoc
    @healthdoc6 ай бұрын

    What we think is the result of how we think. Knowing is not understanding, looking is not seeing.. Life must be lived.

  • @cheri238
    @cheri2387 ай бұрын

    An open-hearted discussion, Elizabeth with Dr. Iain McGilchrist. An endearing man he is. What an interesting journey of life he has with his education. The time he was able to have to become the man he is with learning. I place him at genious level, and look what he has given our world with his books that will be handed down for generations. With the deepest appreciation and reverence to hear words so relevant for an awarness understanding and observation of life. Attention is so important. 🙏❤️🌍🕊🎵🎶📚

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing, and glad you enjoyed it!

  • @cheri238

    @cheri238

    7 ай бұрын

    @thesacredpodcast I truly did. Thank you, Elizabeth .

  • @matthewsheek8306
    @matthewsheek83064 ай бұрын

    Your interview with Paul VanderKlay brought me here. I saw this ‘cast with Iain McGilchrist and new it had to be the first thing to listen to. As a right brain dominant person I found your questions intuitive. You are a wonderful host

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you! That is so wonderful to hear, and welcome!

  • @PaulVanderKlay
    @PaulVanderKlay7 ай бұрын

    Another outstanding interview. Oh my, what amazing work you're doing!

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you Paul!

  • @elizabetholdfield2124

    @elizabetholdfield2124

    7 ай бұрын

    Really appreciate that Paul, thank you

  • @dalibofurnell

    @dalibofurnell

    7 ай бұрын

    Totally agree!

  • @dalibofurnell

    @dalibofurnell

    7 ай бұрын

    Ps Paul, have you listened to the one with John ? That was so beautiful ❤ I felt compassion and I realized where I relate to Him and understand him the most. I thought it was so lovely how he honored his mom ❤

  • @mikerichter1694
    @mikerichter169416 күн бұрын

    Elizabeth.. You have a wonderful presence! Ian comes across as a very kind, generous and intelligent man. This broadcast makes we want to check out his books. Thank you!

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    15 күн бұрын

    Really glad you enjoyed it, and definitely recommend his books!

  • @shiracohenyoga3492
    @shiracohenyoga34927 ай бұрын

    Wonderful conversation ! Thank you both so much for your passion and work to embody the Divine and heal the divide

  • @tommorris8066
    @tommorris80667 ай бұрын

    Great conversation. Love hearing from Iain McGilchrist, and I loved the way that you drew out different things from him through his story. I have a dream podcast idea which takes great people and tracks the story of their vocation - how did they find their calling? What was the journey? You did a great job of that here and it was so revealing and refreshing :)

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    7 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for sharing!

  • @tomgreene1843
    @tomgreene18437 ай бұрын

    Great to see these conversations on utube.

  • @JimKanaris
    @JimKanaris6 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this interview. Like all things McGilchrist, I found it, fortuitously, both informative (LBH) and inspiring (RBH). Your commentary toward the end was also unique in that I don't find podcast hosts doing that sort of thing. Again, much appreciated.

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    6 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @mckennasweda3614
    @mckennasweda3614Ай бұрын

    This video was lovely. Im going to rewatch it probably several times. As someone who supposedly has schizophrenic symptoms and whose view of reality has shifted this was a great explanation of how the hemispheres could affect viewpoints and pattern recognition. I believe everything is predetermined and our thoughts, imagination and perceptions are not immune. Which oddly feels very spiritual to me.

  • @jml2683
    @jml268323 күн бұрын

    Beautiful conversation. Thank you.

  • @ChrisOgunlowo
    @ChrisOgunlowo6 ай бұрын

    Brilliant and beautiful. I've watched a lot of Iain's conversations. This allows us a glimpse into his private life. With such encounters with brilliant minds and the early conditions that prepared him for a life devoted to the brain - and the divine, no wonder he turned into one of the most cultured, humble and clear-headed humans alive. Thanks for bringing that out. New fan here 😊

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed the episode ☺️

  • @jericosha2842
    @jericosha28427 ай бұрын

    Wow this is the best interview with him I've seen. Great questions and you are equally interesting to listen to. Appreciate you sharing.

  • @kamiltrzebiatowski9331
    @kamiltrzebiatowski93317 ай бұрын

    I have come to your channel here through Dr McGilchrist's work. He's been the most influential (on me) person I've come across. Although not religious, I'm very spiritual, particularly when it comes to nature and my very long distance solitary hikes. If there is God or any kind of deity, it must live in the trees, burns and in the moorlands, I think, as these are all sacred. I will look at more of your content. Most who seriously speak of the sacred, and don’t reject it for materialism, has my attention.

  • @jeaninerumble6503
    @jeaninerumble65037 ай бұрын

    I enjoyed this interview very much. Refreshing depth in exploring the views of such a sincere guest. As an American that had an opportunity to tour the Winchester School, I felt that Dr. McGilchrist is a good example of the rich depth of learning that the school represented.

  • @Strictlyinblackandwhite
    @Strictlyinblackandwhite6 ай бұрын

    What an interesting conversation. Very enlightening. Thank you.

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    6 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it! Lots of people who enjoyed this episode also found our episode with John Vervaeke to be of interest. Do go check it out if of interest!

  • @cyrusready-campbell1874
    @cyrusready-campbell18747 ай бұрын

    Really excellent interview, @thesacredpodcast. Thank you so much for your efforts.

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @jml2683
    @jml26836 ай бұрын

    Beautiful interview.

  • @pennyfrance8312
    @pennyfrance83127 ай бұрын

    Great discussion, thank you.

  • @macoeur1122
    @macoeur11227 ай бұрын

    Regarding the statement at 16:43... Some of us admire those who DON'T have that certainty.... and I would be one of those people.

  • @margueritespringer3687
    @margueritespringer36877 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @KenStubbs1
    @KenStubbs17 ай бұрын

    Fantastic, thank you!

  • @user-hy9nh4yk3p
    @user-hy9nh4yk3p7 ай бұрын

    While the brain - (l and r ) - plays its part - Raja Yogic meditation - also centralises - on the human heart - which is proven - to be the instrument -for deepest revelation - as it is there - that Divinity - in the nuclear form - at the core - has Its Presence. That is for humans - and that is a whole method/theory and practice - on its own - for those involved - in the mystical quest - in so many cultures. Revelations in the heart - mind sees - and orders - this experience (words etc) - and heart's will - guides - action ... May it be so. Fare thee well.

  • @sherrilawrence662
    @sherrilawrence6626 ай бұрын

    First time listening, great job, loved it ❤

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it ☺️

  • @gazzthompson
    @gazzthompson7 ай бұрын

    Fantastic

  • @MikeFuller-ok6ok
    @MikeFuller-ok6ok6 ай бұрын

    I am of 'Mildly Gifted' intelligence level but I just couldn't function well at Secondary School and so was put in remedial sets.

  • @geoffreynhill2833
    @geoffreynhill28336 ай бұрын

    Many years ago I enrolled for Psychology at a Russell University only to find Jung, Freud et al. summarily dismissed in favour of testing hand /wrist reflexes under a number of control conditions. This went on for several weeks until something called Chi Square was applied to the stats. I'm sure the results were helpful to the local industry that supported the Department but I eventually changed to Sociology & Eng Lit in my spare time.🤔 (Green Fire UK) 🌈🦉 PS: As for supernatural experiences, I think they come as they will, regardless of whether or not you've read William James, perhaps just when you need them.

  • @wehsee912
    @wehsee912Ай бұрын

    1:06:47 why I decided to take the leap and study at quantum!

  • @gaylemurray2855
    @gaylemurray28555 ай бұрын

    I enjoyed this interview greatly! It helped to show the person behind the public face. We all have a story. I see why this interview had so many views. Not bad for an old-white guy (in his words). It's pitiful, but true, that in today's culture that is a somewhat disqualifying characteristic. Anyway, good job...loved it. Thank you.

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    5 ай бұрын

    Really glad you enjoyed the episode! Lots of people who’ve enjoyed this conversation also liked our episode with John Vervaeke - perhaps worth checking out!

  • @wehsee912
    @wehsee912Ай бұрын

    1:02:21 meditation at sea

  • @GordonSymons-BEYOND
    @GordonSymons-BEYOND27 күн бұрын

    Yes, categorising people, including ourselves, is the road best not travelled. But we are given no helpful education on who we really are, our True Self, our spiritual centre.

  • @betterdaysahead3746
    @betterdaysahead37467 ай бұрын

    Wonderful discussion. Thank you. Are you familiar with Jonathan Pageau? I think you might enjoy talking with him. God bless.

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    7 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it! And we are indeed familiar. We we're actually able to talk to him last year, he was a great guest. You can listen to the episode here. Let us know what you think! kzread.info/dash/bejne/eH2psdGmdqrQaKw.html

  • @betterdaysahead3746

    @betterdaysahead3746

    7 ай бұрын

    @@thesacredpodcast wonderful! Thank you!

  • @lynnmccreadie9631
    @lynnmccreadie96317 ай бұрын

    💜

  • @SacraTessan
    @SacraTessan7 ай бұрын

  • @Meejateacher
    @Meejateacher6 ай бұрын

    I reach out across time and space with this comment. Hello

  • @wehsee912
    @wehsee912Ай бұрын

    26:48 at 37

  • @wehsee912
    @wehsee912Ай бұрын

    24:24 problem with entire educational system..

  • @j.douglasraines7279
    @j.douglasraines727924 күн бұрын

    Hello, Ms. Oldfield! (any relation to Mike, of "Tubular Bells"? ) I really enjoyed your podcast with Dr. Gilchrist and I highly value the feminine perspective, or maybe, approach you can facilitate. Your intrigue juvenates my thoughts more fully? May I make a small suggestion, as a professional camera person, to maintain the 'proper headroom' in your camera framing? I shouldnt be offering such petty, unsolicited advice which is most often rude. But in your intro and extro of Gilchrist, I cant help but thinking I should reach in and rescue your pretty head from slipping out the bottom of the frame! I am so sorry! (Any cinematographer's site on proper framing could be found helpful.) I thank you, with kindness, for sharing your wisdom with the world! Cheers!

  • @thesacredpodcast

    @thesacredpodcast

    22 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing, and for the suggestion! Since filming this episode we have been doing some work to get our visuals up to scratch, and still aiming to improve further. Very much appreciate your support!

  • @j.douglasraines7279

    @j.douglasraines7279

    20 күн бұрын

    You are very kind. Big fan of kindness here. Love and peace.@@thesacredpodcast

  • @CarrieB22
    @CarrieB2211 күн бұрын

    Just wondering what has happened to my comment regarding Dr McGilchrist's characterisations of autism?

  • @simex909

    @simex909

    2 күн бұрын

    Your comment is still there. You posted it as a reply to the top comment. Perhaps you meant to post it as a stand-alone comment and that's why you can't find it?

  • @lkae4
    @lkae42 ай бұрын

    I've yet to see any evidence that empathy exists. I've seen much evidence that those who claim empathy care very little for the emotions and well-being of others.

  • @RobDCoons
    @RobDCoons7 ай бұрын

    ... communicating the importance of right hemispheric forms of attention in left hemispheric ways ... The left hemisphere method is to take a shred of evidence, perform logical operations, and construct a giant castle in the sky. What Dr. McGilchrist does is to present a huge pile of evidence from which shreds of truth may be distilled.

  • @paulcouillard4993
    @paulcouillard4993Ай бұрын

    Iain mcgilchrist seems to place the brains of anyone who doesn't see things his way in a box marked "defective."

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