Lakewood Public Library

Wild Ideas Lecture Series

Wild Ideas Lectures
Main Library Technology Center

Wild ideas is a lecture and discussion series that investigates unusual claims and propositions. Using critical thinking and scholarly research, our speakers will explain, present and—if necessary—debunk speculative claims.

Civilization and Crisis

Up against the Middle Ages
April 19, 2002
This program examines the crisis between modern political ideologies and the sacred vision of traditional cultures with a special accent on the Middle Ages.

Deep Culture
April 20, 2002

This program examines the use of anthropology, biology and language to further the political and religious interests of believers.

Mystical Geography
April 21, 2002
This program explores how belief, history, myth and politics create the great drama of Jerusalem.

The Battle For Your Mind
The ability of anyone to influence and monitor people is fast increasing, thanks to improvements in science and technology. Others are vying for your allegiance and your money right now!


Privacy in the Digital Age
October 8, 2000
Presented by John Guscott
Who's watching you? The government, companies, your employer, end even other individuals are all collecting information about you. What do they want to know? What should you make of computer surveillance, police cameras, satellite observation, consumer tracking and access to your personal records? HOw can you protect yourself?

Propaganda, PR & PsyOps
October 15, 2000
Presented by John Guscott & Kenneth Warren

How do others influence the way you think, feel and behave? Find out what techniques are used by industry, advertisers, PR firms, government and other institutions to make you buy, vote, believe or behave the way you do.

Archons and Egregores
October 22, 2000
Presented by Kenneth Warren
What are the cultural, spiritual and cosmic roots of personal and group psychology? Join us for a rigorous inquiry into the occult foundations of archetypes, the nature of human destiny and the magical energies that overshadow organizations in the world.

Thinking Through the Millennium
The millennium is a unique time for fathoming mankind's deepest hopes and fears. In our previous series, our speakers identified the power of the computer to heighten our perception of crisis and to advance millennialist ideas, organizations and worldviews. In this series, John Guscott and Kenneth Warren will provide a guided electronic tour of the wildly speculative universe of millennialism while sustaining a reasoned account for our travels through apocalyptic thought.


Panic in the Year 2000
April 18, 1999
What events will the year 2000 bring? Prophets over the centuries have held that the year 2000 will be a year of grave and tremendous change. Every imaginable earth-rending disaster has been predicted - from mega-floods to nuclear holocaust. Others believe society's downfall will be from our reliance on computers. The Y2K computer bug is the cause for preparedness and speculation. No one knows how damaging the Y2K bug will be, but many are preparing for the worst. Learn how to find the latest news, prophecies and predictions.

Eye on Conspiracy
April 25, 1999
Theories of conspiracy focus current and historical events through a wide eye. Organizations, patterns and persons are considered to be meaningful and representative of masterminds in control of our destiny. This program will focus on alternative press sources for current events not reported by mainstream media. New World Order and paranoia. Leave no stone unturned in the search. Finally, find out how computers can be the conspiracy's eye on YOU!

This Overshadowed Planet
May 22, 1999
Is our planet being invaded, or observed, by beings higher than ourselves? Delve into the world of speculation concerning angels, extraterrestrials, mind-controllers, new-agers and secret watchers. This program will explore the interface between disincarnate intelligence, sacred texts and world events. Travel to Web sites that present an image of a planet caught in a game dictated by higher forces.

Lakewood Public Library