

What Lies Beneath the Surface: Anthropologist Wade Davis
Jan 6, 2025
Wade Davis, an anthropologist, writer, and photographer, discusses his incredible experiences, including trying toad venom and exploring zombie lore in Haiti. He emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and the relationship between humanity and the environment. Davis highlights the resilience of nature, especially in Killarney Lake, and critiques the oversimplification of the term 'indigenous.' His insights blend storytelling with advocacy, urging listeners to appreciate the unique narratives of diverse cultures while recognizing their ecological interdependencies.
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Nature's Resilience
- During COVID lockdowns, nature quickly regenerated.
- Beaches of Baja were covered with caiman, wild boar roamed Barcelona, and flamingos flocked to Mumbai.
Forest Stories
- Each plant in a forest tells a story, especially when you understand its origins and relationships.
- This interconnectedness makes rainforests rare and valuable.
Worldview and Nature
- Environmental and biodiversity crises are not caused by humanity itself, but by a specific worldview.
- This worldview, focused on extraction, contrasts with many cultures' reciprocal view of nature.