The writings attributed to Chuang Tzu, a prominent figure in Taoism, offer a profound exploration of the Tao, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature and letting go of rigid concepts and desires. His works are filled with allegorical stories and parables that illustrate the principles of Wu Wei (non-action) and the interconnectedness of all things. Chuang Tzu's philosophy encourages a spontaneous and intuitive approach to life, emphasizing the importance of inner peace and self-cultivation. His writings have had a lasting impact on Eastern thought and continue to inspire readers seeking wisdom and spiritual understanding. The text challenges conventional notions of reality and encourages a deeper understanding of the Tao.
In this book, Huxley recounts his first psychedelic experience with mescaline in May 1953. He describes how the drug altered his perception of the world, making ordinary objects and experiences take on profound aesthetic and philosophical significance. Huxley draws on various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including those of William Blake, Meister Eckhart, Plato, and Buddhism, to contextualize his insights. The book challenges conventional views on perception and reality, suggesting that certain substances can reveal deeper aspects of existence that are normally filtered out by the human brain's 'reducing valve'[1][2][4]
In 'The Wave', Susan Casey explores the world of massive, ship-swallowing rogue waves. The book delves into the historical and scientific aspects of these waves, including the 1,740-foot wave that hit the Alaskan coast in 1958. Casey follows big-wave surfers, such as the legendary Laird Hamilton, as they attempt to ride waves of 70 and 80 feet, and juxtaposes their exploits against the urgent efforts of scientists to understand the destructive powers of these waves. The book covers various types of giant waves, including those caused by landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, and highlights the intersection of human adventure and scientific inquiry in the face of nature’s ferocity.
What is queer ecology? How do queer theory and artistic practice inform environmental activism and climate justice? How can we think decolonisation and queerness together?
Victoria Sin welcomes guest host Serpentine Assistant Curator, Kostas Stasinopoulos to dive into transformation, queerness, the natural and unnatural, wild, decolonial and submerged perspectives. Together with guests Ama Josephine Budge, Macarena Gómez-Barris and Jack Halberstam they ask: “where does wildness live?” and they collectively explore questions of desire, pleasure, queer resistance and affinity within apocalyptic world making.
Back to Earth is supported by Outset Partners’ Grant.
This episode was produced by Katie Callin at Reduced Listening.
Serpentine Podcast 
