Rebecca Solnit, author of books including “A Paradise Built in Hell” and “Orwell’s Roses,” discusses the power of looking at the world from a long view, the altruism and resourcefulness of people during disasters, and why the climate crisis requires an abundance mindset instead of scarcity.
Taking the long view enhances our understanding of change and the progress made over time.
Storytelling can break barriers, challenge narratives, and inspire hope for positive change.
Deep dives
The Power of Long-View Thinking in Understanding Change
Rebecca Solnit emphasizes the importance of taking the long view in understanding change. She highlights how a short-term perspective can prevent us from seeing the progress that has been made over time. By looking back at historical events and movements, Solnit believes we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and our potential to create positive change.
The Role of Stories in Breaking Barriers and Changing Perspectives
Solnit discusses the significance of storytelling in breaking barriers and changing perspectives. She believes that stories can serve as life rafts, providing new vantage points and epiphanies. She mentions authors such as Subcomandante Marcos and Bill McKibben as examples of writers who use storytelling to challenge conventional narratives and inspire hope.
Gardening as a Source of Joy, Transformation, and Metaphor
Solnit explores the power of gardening as a source of joy, transformation, and metaphor. She notes that gardens and plants provide metaphors and symbols that can reflect our understanding of the world. Gardens also teach us about nurturing, patience, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Hope in the Face of Climate Crisis and Revolutionary Change
Solnit shares her perspective on hope and its connection to the climate crisis and revolutionary change. She argues that despite the challenges we face, the history of transformative movements and the power of indigenous wisdom provide reasons for hope. Solnit highlights the importance of deep time, anti-authoritarianism, and kindness as guiding principles in creating a more hopeful future.
Rebecca Solnit, the author of books including “A Paradise Built in Hell” (2009) and “Orwell’s Roses” (2021) and the co-editor of the new collection of essays “Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility,” discusses the long view as a “mind-blowing” way of looking at the world, why the majority of people tend to be altruistic and resourceful in a disaster, and why the climate crisis requires eschewing a scarcity mindset for one of abundance.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode