“Men must err as long as they still strive.”
Faust. This is more than a name. Faust is the symbol of occidental manhood, the symbol of infinite human striving for knowledge and insight into the workings of the universe coupled with restless desire for earthly delights.
In this course we will explore the theology and esoteric philosophy behind Goethe’s Faust Part One.
“I 've studied now Philosophy
And Jurisprudence, Medicine, -
And even, alas! Theology,
From end to end, with labor keen;
And here, poor fool! with all my lore
I stand, no wiser than before!”
Goethe’s Faust is not a Shakespearean play. We do not really find here characters, but rather metaphors for human existence and the divine forces exercising influence over them.
”He asks that heaven show him stars sublime
And earth provide him all its pleasures;”
Live Lectures and Seminars begin Sunday April 13th, 2025. There will be 9 sessions in total on 9 consecutive Sundays. All sessions take place from 6.30-8.30pm UK time/ 1.30-3.30pm EST
Seminar Dates: April: 13; 20; 27.
May: 4, 11, 18, 25
June: 1, 8
“I am the spirit that negates!”
Who is Mephistopheles? Is he just a projection of Faust’s psyche as a psychological reading might suggest? Or should we not rather take the poet by his word and consider Mephistopheles as the ever negating spirit, but thereby affirming life. An antidote even to the great modern pessimist whose idealism pulls the entire world into doubt. Mephistopheles does not lie, he only distorts ever so slightly.
And what does the name Mephistopheles contain? He is not the devil, not Satan. A little helper demon officially. Yet so much more. The name suggests indeed that Mephisto is Mercury, the trickster god. We must thus explore the Hermetic tradition which Goethe here also brings into play.
Gretchenfrage!
”Now say, what is your stance on religion?”
This question so seemingly innocent is perhaps the pivotal question of the entire tragedy. For it implies that what is at stake is indeed the Christian religion and Faust’s attempt to break free from it — with all means necessary.
Course Curriculum
Your Teacher:
Dr. Johannes A. Niederhauser
Dr. Johannes A. Niederhauser expertly grounds his teaching in a rich tapestry of philosophical life. His scholarly journey includes the authorship of a profound exploration into Heideggerian thought on death and being, along with numerous academic articles on thinkers and topics such as Hegel, the philosophy of leisure, death, transhumanism, Nietzsche, and Goethe.
As the architect of the Halkyon Philosophy Academy, Dr. Niederhauser champions the universal Greek ideal of 'Paideia’ as he strives to sculpt not only the intellect but also the soul and character of his students through rigorous thought and immersive dialogue. In the realm of "Goethe's Faust," his passion for questioning the quintessence of existence and morality aligns seamlessly with the thematic journeys of Faust himself. Johannes brings to his courses a fervent dedication to illuminating the text's profound layers, seeking to awaken in students a lifelong passion for the rich tapestry of philosophical and theological discourse Goethe's masterpiece presents.