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Some of Russell's Influences:
Below are links to some of Russell's influences in art, thought, expression, dreams, and other life-related things. Click throughout the web, and discover some of what has changed Russell's life:
Jiddu Krishnamurti is the most profound thinker I've ever come across. He was really smart and interesting and cool. His insights have transformed the way I look at the world. I wish I could reach out into the great beyond and give him a big hug.
Alan Watts was a religious thinker and Zen Buddhist. He wrote what I consider to be the definitive critique of Christianity, "Beyond Theology" [1964], which examines the Western Spiritual tradition through the lens of Eastern thought. His reinterpretation of Christian spirituality and approach is lucid and sensitive. If you've ever wondered how Christian ideas fit into the Zen worldview, check out this book! Also recommended: "The Wisdom of Insecurity" [1951], and "The Book" [1983, posthumously published].
Jesus has always been a compelling and personal example of spiritual honesty for me. Despite the destructive things often done in his name, I continue to respect him greatly, and unapologetically claim him as a role model. "For in the same way you judge others, you will also be judged." [Matthew 7:2]. More divine words have rarely been spoken.
Carl Sagan transformed my view of the universe with his 1980 PBS series "Cosmos." His expansive vision of human possibility, history (and mystery) is awe inspiring. His spirit and passion for life are without comparison. I especially recommend his books, "The Demon Haunted World" [1996], and "Pale Blue Dot" [1994]. The account of Carl's final days (written by his wife Ann Druyan in "Billions & Billions" [1999]) is one of the most compelling human stories I've ever read. Our lives do matter, and we can make a difference. Carl proved it.
Joseph Campbell devoted his life to uncovering and connecting the common mythology of human history. After initial exposure to Buddhism via Alan Watts, Campbell's work opened my eyes even more to the sweeping metaphorical relevance of Eastern spirituality. Campbell's view of human history, and the role/need of meaningful myth in our lives, has affected me deeply. If you have time, check out the dvd "mythos," which explores Campbell's findings in detail (10 hours). It's well worth the time, and is guaranteed to broaden your vision of human spiritual history. If you're like me, you'll be inspired and moved by how such seemingly ancient, esoteric, traditions can speak to our lives today. Also, of course, check out the Bill Moyers interviews "The Power of Myth." Excellent stuff.
Karl Marx reaches the same sort of rational mysticism you find with Campbell and Sagan (and Zen Buddhism), but from an unexpected direction. While I revile the abuses undertaken in the name of "Marxism," I find much beauty and transcendence in the writings and philosophy of Marx himself. He fought against the marginalization of human spirit and possibility, against humanity's self-imposed exploitation and abuse of nature, against the spiritual alienation brought about by consumerism. He fought for human freedom in a radical sense: the freedom to relate to onesself and the world on an individually relevant and honest basis. Check out Erich Fromm's "Marx's Concept of Man" [1961].
"The free development of all depends on the free development of each." -Marx, 1844, Manuscripts
Miguel De Unamuno was a Spanish writer/poet/philosopher who wrote about the search for god, love, transcendence. He cut through the human condition so keenly, and with so much heart (even in translation to English), that it's barely possible to describe in words. Put simply: he's amazing. I stumbled upon "The Tragic Sense of Life" (1921) a few years back, and picked it up for the title alone. As I began to read, I was shocked to find far more than I could have ever expected. The book gets to the core of the human desire for god, connection, love, the ineffable longing and ache for the impossible and invisible. He doesn't offer answers, but rather sits with the pain and longing, admits it for what it is. Unamuno acknowledges the struggle, the conflict between "faith" and "reason" and though his heart and head are torn in two wildly different directions, recognizes the common need and drive behind them both. Neither is enough, neither solves the ache, while proponents of both sides pretend to. Unamuno simply sits with that ambiguity, hand in hand, feels the disappointment, the need for it to be more, the sinking realization that it will never be, offering what amounts to a simple, "It hurts. I feel it too." The fragility and warmth of that human response means everything to me.
Mark Eitzel is my favorite songwriter in the world. Especially live. I can't explain it. If you ever get the chance to see Mark perform live (solo, or with American Music Club) you'll understand.
Jonah Matranga embodies the concept of simplemuzik much more fully than I could ever dream of. He puts me to shame - which I'm jealous and in awe and incredibly admiring of. Also check out his bands: Far, Gratitude, Onelinedrawing, and New End Original. Jonah is my hero.Nick Cave writes these amazing songs about god and love. The combination is beautiful and true. I can only hope my songs share a little of his amazingness and depth and passion and understanding (ok, I know they don't... but still). In 1999, he taught a class on "the secret life of the love song" at the Poetry Academy in Vienna. Versions of the lectures are available on cd from KingMob records. I highly recommend the disc to anyone who feels the insane need to put their heart on paper.
Leonard Cohen is simply incredible. His poetry and music ache with desperation and hope and longing. Any words I can think of to describe his work seem rather silly. You'll have to listen for yourself. His 1988 live recording of "Hallelujah" for Austin City Limits is perhaps the most perfect song ever recorded. It's available on the cd "Cohen Live," available from Columbia records.
Moby makes beautiful emotional music. He's most famous for his 1999 album "Play," but he does many other good things. Check out 1995's "Everything is Wrong," and 2002's "18." Turn off the lights.
Mark Rothko made these beautiful abstract paintings. There's a Rothko room at the Tate Modern in London, and it's a wonderful environment in which to see his work. I've been in there for hours at a time. It's one of my favorite places in the world.
Charles Bukowski has a well-deserved reputation as a loud-mouth drunk, misogynist, lech, etc. - which all seems to have been true of him in life. But he was also a beautiful poet. His work is real and human and imperfect, full of longing and weakness and bluster and self-awareness. Especially the later stuff. Check out "Last Night of the Earth Poems." Bukowski has taught me a lot.
Unitarian Univeralist Society of San Francisco (UUSF), is about the only religious organization on the planet that I could ever belong to in good conscience. They offer a spiritual community without creed or dogmatic assertion. They are organized to "affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person" without regard to race, religious label, gender, sexual orientation, status. If God exists, she is surely on their side.
Sarah Vowell writes about life the way I wish I could. She's funny and smart and real and awkward and well... I might as well admit it... I have a huge crush on her! She's a contributor to NPR's "This American Life," and an author. Her first book "Take the Cannoli" is a big grin from ear to ear. Whenever I feel depressed about not fitting into the world, I just read some Sarah. She makes me smile on the inside.
Alain de Botton writes delightfully self-aware novels (and philosophy lite "self-help" books). I love his style and obsession with the minutiae of emotion, passion, philosophy, desire, folly, longing, fear, truth, and all things human. He's like Woody Allen crossed with Henry Jaglom crossed with Ingmar Bergman. I have lovingly devoured all of his published work. "On Love" [1993] is one of my favorite books of all time. Also wonderful: "How Proust Can Change Your Life" [1997], and "The Romantic Movement" [1994].