The Importance of Stories and Living Properly | Jonathan Pageau

Added: Nov 25, 2023

Pageau begins by expressing his concerns about the entertainment industry, particularly Disney, and how it has shifted from being good stewards of children's attention to being captured by ideology. He believes that the online world has made it easier to manipulate people, leading to a lack of diverse perspectives and a push towards extreme ideologies.

He also discusses the current state of politics, particularly in the US, and the polarization between the left and the right. Pageau believes that the pendulum has swung too far, making it difficult to find a middle ground. He suggests that there may be a desire for a unifying event, such as a war, to bring people together.

When it comes to introducing the concept of God to agnostic or atheist individuals, Pageau emphasizes the importance of aiming for higher goods such as truth and love. He explains that these transcendentals can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, beyond material goals.

Pageau also shares his thoughts on parenting, highlighting the importance of embodying the values one wishes to instill in their children. He believes that children learn more from watching their parents' actions than from being told what to do.

Pageau then discusses his recent project, a reimagined version of the classic fairy tale, Snow White. He explains that he was inspired to create a celebratory and insightful version of the story, in response to Disney's upcoming 100th-anniversary adaptation. He emphasizes the importance of preserving and retelling classic stories for future generations.

Pageau also dicusses the deep patterns and symbolism found in fairy tales, comparing them to the patterns in scripture. He believes that fairy tales contain truths about human existence and hopes to integrate these patterns back into the stories. For example, he discusses the themes of sexuality and sexual transformation in fairy tales, particularly those involving young girls like Snow White. He aims to explore these themes in a way that is not overly explicit but still conveys their significance.

The conversation shifts to the original Grimm's fairy tales, which Pageau describes as "gnarly" and intense. He recalls reading these tales in high school and being shocked by their dark and gruesome elements. He acknowledges that the original versions of fairy tales, such as Cinderella and Snow White, are far more graphic and disturbing than the sanitized versions popularized by Disney.

Pageau also discusses the influence of Disney's adaptations on modern storytelling. He praises the early Disney films, such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," for their groundbreaking animation and storytelling. However, he criticizes the current state of children's literature, noting that many modern books are filled with ideological agendas and lack the depth and quality of traditional fairy tales.

The conversation then turns to the topic of Halloween and its significance in various cultures. Pageau explains that Halloween is a festival of inversion, where the chaotic and wild aspects of life are brought to the forefront for a day before returning to normalcy. He draws parallels to other cultural festivals, such as Mardi Gras and the Jewish feast of Purim, which serve similar purposes of releasing and containing chaos.

The discussion also touches on the concept of monogamy and polygamy, particularly in the context of the "red pill" community. Pageau emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of monogamy, citing examples from ancient empires and the development of Western civilization. He argues that monogamy provides a stable foundation for raising children and maintaining strong family bonds.