Peter ClarkeMagic and Imaginary SolutionsThis essay is part of my series on pataphysics, the literary trope invented by French absurdist Alfred Jarry. Past essays in the series…Feb 14, 2023Feb 14, 2023
Peter ClarkeSkewering the Lines Between Domains of KnowledgeIsaac Newton never found the philosopher’s stone or the Elixir of Life, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. We look back on this as a comical…Oct 31, 2022Oct 31, 2022
Peter ClarkeWhat Happened to Patapsychology?Robert Anton Wilson, a prolific sci-fi author and editor for Playboy, is worth reading specifically for the fact that his work is a gateway…Sep 13, 202211Sep 13, 202211
Peter ClarkeJesus Is CringeIt’s not often stated so bluntly, but it’s hardly a controversial opinion that Jesus is cringe. What’s weird is that this is never taken…Mar 11, 2022Mar 11, 2022
Peter ClarkeEvery Good Story Deserves a FranchiseWhen I was younger, nothing was more offensive to me than the idea of a movie deriving from a video game, or a book deriving from a movie…Feb 14, 2022Feb 14, 2022
Peter ClarkeCollage Is the Greatest of All the ArtsCollage thrives in digital spaces. As we continue to spend more and more time in virtual worlds, our senses will be enveloped by collage…Nov 25, 2021Nov 25, 2021
Peter ClarkeAmerican Literature Is a DisgraceWhere is our Cardi B of literature? Where is our Iggy Pop? Why don’t we have a true equivalent of the French novelist Celine?Sep 9, 20211Sep 9, 20211
Peter ClarkeKayfabe and Pataphysics: Understanding Absurd Storylines in Modern LifeIn professional wrestling, the storylines are contrived and everyone knows it. But this is seen as part of the fun. Despite being in on the…Aug 28, 20211Aug 28, 20211
Peter ClarkeCan People Ever Be Close to Nature?Growing up in small, coastal towns in the Pacific Northwest, I always felt at home in nature. And of course I felt close to it, as some of…Jul 16, 20212Jul 16, 20212
Peter ClarkeHow a Philosophy Professor Changed My LifeWith just a few words, a philosophy professor taught me how to be a better person in a complex world.Mar 11, 2021Mar 11, 2021