Owen Barfield, Imagination, & The Evolution of Consciousness - Mark Vernon and Peter Hawkins
The Weekend UniversityShow Notes
This episode features a conversation between Dr. Mark Vernon and Professor Peter Hawkins. This discussion is part of a series that Peter will be doing with some of the major thinkers and writers of our time, focusing on the necessary evolution of human consciousness, for humans to be future-fit to live on this planet in a way that makes a net-positive contribution to the wider ecology. The series is being done jointly with: The Weekend University and the Renewal Foundation.
Dr. Vernon is a writer and psychotherapist whose work explores figures including William Blake, Dante, and Owen Barfield, making their insights accessible to contemporary readers seeking deeper understanding of consciousness and meaning. His recent book “Awake” examines how poetic imagination can reconnect us with dimensions of reality that modern culture has obscured.
Peter is Emeritus Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School, founder of the Academy of Executive Coaching, and a leading authority on systemic leadership, coaching, and organizational transformation. His work integrates insights from psychology, systems thinking, ecology, and philosophy to help leaders navigate an increasingly complex world. His most recent book was: Beauty in Leadership and Coaching, which was published by Routeledge in 2025.
In this conversation, they explore:
— Why imagination is not just private fantasy, but a way of engaging with a deeper reality
— How Owen Barfield's study of language reveals the evolution of human awareness across centuries
— The distinction between original participation, separation, and final participation in the development of consciousness
— Why addiction can be understood as a spiritual crisis rooted in misunderstanding what truly satisfies
— How transforming human desire may help address the ecological and social challenges of our time
— The difference between becoming "someone" and becoming "no one" in the spiritual journey
And more.
You can learn more about Mark's work and writings at markvernon.com and Peter's work at renewalassociates.co.uk.
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Interview links:
— Prof. Hawkins’ website - https://renewalassociates.co.uk
— Dr Vernon’s website: https://www.markvernon.com/
— Dr Vernon’s book: https://amzn.to/4vD4Mp3
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