Storytelling and Collective Psychology

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxiii

   PDF

2. Introduction: Narrative Building Machines

   • Darren Kelsey

   Pages 1-20

3. The Archetypal Magician

   • Darren Kelsey

   Pages 21-40

4. Street Philosophy and the Stoics

   • Darren Kelsey

   Pages 41-71

5. Self-Help and Popular Culture

   • Darren Kelsey

   Pages 73-93

6. Angels and Demons

   • Darren Kelsey

   Pages 95-121

7. Beyond Them-And-Us

   • Darren Kelsey

   Pages 123-148

8. Reflections and Transformations

   • Darren Kelsey

   Pages 149-172

9. Back Matter

   Pages 173-198

   PDF

This book examines the work of psychological illusionist Derren Brown to understand the significance of storytelling and ancient philosophy in our society. Reflecting on the social disconnection and political polarisation of recent times, Darren Kelsey considers how we can rebuild a sense of collective cohesion and common good, weaving together contemporary psychology with ancient Stoicism to cut through the noise of modern life. Kelsey shows that Brown is more than a stage performer: he’s an enlightened magician who offers us guidance for navigating the challenges life throws at us, using his skills and wisdom to help us better understand ourselves and enable human flourishing. In this rigorous examination of Brown’s work, Kelsey makes a compelling case for paying closer attention to our personal, cultural and political stories and beliefs to help create a better future – for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.

• Collective psychology
• Stoic philosophy
• Magician archetype
• Derren Brown
• Carl Jung
• collective storytelling
• popular psychology
• popular philosophy
• CBT
• street philosophy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• self-help literature
• tribalism
• politics of fear
• discursive psychology

“I loved it - it taught me helpful things about being a magician, and is a wonderful introduction to the therapeutic benefits of Stoicism. I never imagined they would come together so elegantly.” (Derren Brown, British mentalist and illusionist)

“Darren Kelsey takes us on a powerful and erudite exploration of the role of narrative, myth and collective psychology in helping us to make sense of the world, our place in it and above all our own sense of who we are. As Kelsey sets out, the work of the illusionist Derren Brown is a fascinating example of how popular culture has taken on some of the important roles traditionally played by storytellers, orators and performers.” (Alex Evans, Founder of Larger Us and best-selling author of The Myth Gap)

This is a book about the psychological importance of the philosophical tradition of Stoicism, and its place and value within wider discourses of popular culture. It has two key figures from which it draws its examples and case studies: the author’s own story (as a kind of ‘everyman’), and the work of Derren Brown (as a kind of ‘overman’). It argues for a reconfiguration of the understanding of the meaning of ‘self-help’ according to a version of Stoicism whose contours can be traced in such places as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the medical/therapeutic world, and magician-turned-psychological illusionist and creative conjurer, Derren Brown.

Storytelling and Collective Psychology seeks to build bridges across disciplines. Via a range of fascinating and stimulating examples and case studies – most prominently, the psychological illusionist Derren Brown – Kelsey connects Stoic philosophy and modern psychology, revealing astonishing connections between Stoicism and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The book argues that Stoicism offers valuable ways to live life ‘more philosophically’.” (Paul Bowman, Professor of Cultural Studies, Cardiff University)

“Storytelling and Collective Psychology is an original and timely book which combines popular and academic elements. Using examples from Brown’s shows and books, the book merges his philosophy with Jungian Analytical Psychology and delves into the nature of what it means to be human in today’s world.​” (Helena Bassil-Morozow, Lecturer in Media and Journalism, Glasgow School for Business and Society)

• School of Arts and Cultures, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

  Darren Kelsey

Darren Kelsey is Reader in Media and Collective Psychology at Newcastle University’s School of Arts and Cultures. Darren’s teaching, research and previous publications have focused on storytelling, mythology and psychology in media, politics and popular culture. Darren currently lives in County Durham with his wife and daughter.