Jonathan Pageau | Symbolism and Meaning in Modern Times

About this episode

A conversation with Jonathan Pageau about the role of symbolism and meaning in modern society.

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, I’m joined by Jonathan Pageau — liturgical artist, iconographer, and creator of The Symbolic World — for a deep but accessible conversation on symbolism and meaning in modern times. We live in an age that feels rational, data-driven, and “post-myth,” yet symbols continue to shape how we think, what we value, and what we treat as ultimate. Jonathan explains how symbolism works, why humans can’t escape meaning, and what happens when societies lose a shared symbolic framework. We also explore how modern culture expresses its hunger for meaning through stories, identity, technology, and even AI — and how we can begin to reconnect with meaning in everyday life. Topics we cover: What symbolism really is (beyond metaphors) Why meaning can’t be reduced to “facts” or utility The modern “meaning crisis” and cultural fragmentation Pop culture and myth in the digital age Technology, AI, and “Babel” as a modern pattern Practical ways to re-orient toward meaning To know more about Jonathan's work check: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/ Subscribe for conversations on meaning, philosophy, culture, AI, and the big questions shaping our time. #JonathanPageau…

People in this episode

Host: Imad Jack Karam

Guest: Jonathan Pageau

Topics covered

• symbolism
• meaning
• modern culture
• technology
• AI
• cultural fragmentation
• pop culture

Keywords

• symbolism
• meaning crisis
• cultural fragmentation
• AI
• pop culture
• technology
• identity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Symbolic World

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