The History of Literature 635 Darwin and Cataclysmic Change (with Allen MacDuffie) | My Last Book with Adelle Waldman
Sep 19, 2024
In this engaging discussion, author Allen MacDuffie delves into his new book, exploring how 19th-century writers like George Eliot and H.G. Wells grappled with the upheaval brought about by Darwin's theories and their relevance to today's climate crisis. He emphasizes the psychological struggles in reconciling personal beliefs with scientific truths and the collective action needed to combat environmental challenges. Novelist Adelle Waldman also shares her intriguing choice for the last book she would ever read, adding a personal touch to the conversation.
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Darwin and Ecology
- Darwin's concept of evolution revolves around ecosystems and how organisms and their habitats interact.
- Climate change is a consequence of humans' evolved ability to alter their habitat, accelerating extinction processes.
Soft Denial
- 'Soft denial' involves accepting scientific facts while downplaying their implications.
- Many acknowledge climate change but avoid its consequences in daily life, similar to Darwin's own struggle with his ideas.
Literature's Power
- Identifying science deniers creates a permission structure for self-absolution from further action.
- Literature allows us to imagine beyond our experiences and confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and history.