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…·3 min read·Feb 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…·3 min read·Oct 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…·4 min read·Sep 13, 2022--11--11
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…·4 min read·Mar 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…·7 min read·Feb 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…·4 min read·Nov 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?·9 min read·Sep 9, 2021--1--1
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…·4 min read·Aug 28, 2021--1--1
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…·5 min read·Jul 16, 2021--2--2
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.·3 min read·Mar 11, 2021----