Why It Matters Today
William James's exploration of occultism and folklore related to animals and immortality offers perspectives on human beliefs about life beyond death, which still influence contemporary discussions on spirituality and science.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
The possibility of human immortality through mystical or occult means
People have long believed in ways to live forever, from magic to science.
Animals and folklore as windows into human fears and hopes about death and immortality
Stories about animals in myths show what ancient people thought about life after death.
What You'll Learn
- Historical views on occultism and beliefs about immortality
- How folklore reflects human hopes and fears about death
- The influence of mystical ideas on modern thought
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Readers interested in the history of spirituality and folklore
- Those curious about the intersection of science and superstition
- Philosophy enthusiasts exploring consciousness and mortality
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Readers seeking modern scientific explanations of immortality
- Individuals uninterested in historical or folkloric perspectives
Controversies & Critiques
- Critiqued for lack of empirical evidence and reliance on mystical beliefs
- Modern science discredits supernatural claims of immortality
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Basic understanding of folklore, occult traditions, and historical views on death
After Reading
- Current scientific views on consciousness, aging, and death, and philosophical debates about the possibility of immortality
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Theories about digital immortality, Folklore and myth studies, Philosophical debates on consciousness and mortality
Classification Details
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
