Date of Birth: July 16, 1938
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: November 8, 2020
Biography
William Irwin Thompson was an American philosopher, cultural critic, and poet known for his interdisciplinary approach to understanding the evolution of human consciousness, culture, and society. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Thompson became a prominent figure in the study of cultural history and the future of human society. He earned his Ph.D. in literature from Cornell University and taught at several prestigious institutions, including MIT and York University in Toronto. Thompson’s work often bridged the gap between science and the humanities, incorporating elements from anthropology, history, and the study of myth. He was the founder of the Lindisfarne Association, a think tank dedicated to exploring the intersections of science, art, and spirituality. His notable works include “At the Edge of History” and “The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light,” which examine the role of myth and consciousness in human history.
5 Interesting Facts about William Irwin Thompson
1. William Irwin Thompson founded the Lindisfarne Association, which brought together scholars and thinkers from various disciplines to discuss the future of humanity.
2. He was awarded the Oslo International Poetry Festival Award in 1986.
3. Thompson’s book “The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light” is considered a seminal work in the field of cultural history.
4. He was known for his ability to synthesize complex ideas from different fields, creating a holistic understanding of human culture.
5. Thompson was a proponent of the idea that humanity is undergoing a significant evolutionary shift in consciousness.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Irwin Thompson
1. “Culture is not a biologically transmitted complex; it is a learned one.”
2. “We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.”
3. “The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.”
4. “Myth is the history of the soul, and history is the soul of myth.”
5. “The only possible ethic is to do what one must do gladly.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
William Irwin Thompson’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his books, lectures, and contributions to various academic and cultural organizations.
Children
William Irwin Thompson had one son, Evan Thompson, who is also a prominent philosopher and cognitive scientist. Evan Thompson has continued his father’s interdisciplinary approach and has made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy of mind and cognitive science.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia Page on William Irwin Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Irwin_Thompson
4. [Profile on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18221.William_Irwin_Thompson
5. [Evan Thompson’s Academic Profile](https://philosophy.ubc.ca/persons/evan-thompson/