Perfect Order: Recognizing Complexity in Bali is a book that delves into the intricate systems of Balinese wet-rice agriculture, particularly the subak irrigation system. It highlights how these systems have developed over centuries through self-organization, influenced by local politics, growing conditions, and religious structures. The book also examines the impact of modern agricultural practices on these traditional systems.
In 'Man and the Natural World', Keith Thomas examines the transformation of attitudes towards the natural world in England from 1500 to 1800. The book delves into the anthropocentric worldview prevalent during this period, where nature was seen as existing solely for human benefit. It also discusses how this view began to shift with the rise of natural history and changing perceptions of animals and landscapes.
In 'Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It', Roman Krznaric argues that empathy is at the heart of human connection and is essential for creating a more equal, happier, and creative society. The book outlines six habits of highly empathic people, offering practical strategies for cultivating empathy and using it to drive social change.
In *Carpe Diem Regained*, Roman Krznaric reinterprets the ancient philosophy of 'seize the day' for modern times, challenging readers to confront mortality and live with greater passion and purpose. The book explores historical and contemporary methods of embracing spontaneity and living fully in the present.
Roman Krznaric's "History for Tomorrow" explores the lessons of the past to address present challenges and shape a better future. The book examines successful collective actions and movements throughout history, offering insights into building solidarity and overcoming crises. Krznaric emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and failures, moving beyond cautionary tales to identify patterns of progress. He introduces the concept of the 'radical flank' and its role in social movements, illustrating how disruptive actions can catalyze significant change. The book ultimately provides a framework for applying historical lessons to contemporary issues, fostering a more informed and effective approach to societal challenges.
Bill McKibben's "The End of Nature" is a seminal work in environmental literature, published in 1989. The book explores the profound impact of human activity on the Earth's climate and ecosystems. McKibben argues that human-induced climate change has fundamentally altered the natural world, marking the end of an era where nature existed independently of human influence. The book's impact lies in its powerful articulation of the urgency of the climate crisis and its call for collective action. It remains a significant text in the environmental movement, influencing subsequent discussions and activism on climate change.
Kate Raworth's "Doughnut Economics" proposes a new economic model that prioritizes social and ecological well-being. It challenges the traditional focus on GDP growth, advocating for a system that operates within planetary boundaries while ensuring a minimum standard of living for all. The model is visualized as a doughnut, with an inner ring representing social needs and an outer ring representing ecological limits. Raworth's work has gained significant attention, influencing discussions on sustainable development and economic justice. The book offers a compelling alternative to conventional economic thinking, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues.
Foundation is the first book in Isaac Asimov's renowned Foundation series. It introduces Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian who predicts the imminent collapse of the Galactic Empire and the ensuing dark age. To mitigate this, Seldon establishes the Foundation, a group of scientists and scholars on the planet Terminus, aimed at preserving human knowledge and laying the groundwork for a new civilization. The book is a collection of interrelated short stories that follow the early history of the Foundation as it navigates various crises and challenges predicted by Seldon's psychohistory[1][3][4].
This book is a comprehensive analysis of Xenophon's dialogue Hiero, in which the tyrant Hiero and the poet Simonides discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exercising tyranny. The work includes a translation of the dialogue from its original Greek, Strauss's commentary on it, a critique of Strauss's commentary by Alexandre Kojève, and the complete correspondence between Strauss and Kojève. The discussion delves into the nature of tyranny, the distinction between tyrants and kings, and the philosophical implications of these concepts. The book also explores the debate between Strauss and Kojève on the role of philosophy in ruling the world and the concept of the Universal Homogenous State[1][3][5].
(Conversation recorded on August 5th, 2024)
While the global crises we face are on a larger scale than anything before, there is rich wisdom to glean from past civilizations who have faced existential challenges and survived – or even thrived. What lessons might we learn from history that could offer guidance for our future?
In this episode, Nate is joined by social philosopher Roman Krznaric to discuss ways we might govern or lead during moments of crisis, using the lens of former and current civilizations.
What lessons have we forgotten when it comes to being in community with and listening to each other? How have our ideas and expectations of the future been informed by seeing history as a story of individuals shaping the rise and fall of civilizations, rather than a collective effort? How could learning from the past to create better democracies, wiser natural resource stewardship, and more circular economies help us prioritize human and planetary well-being?
About Roman Krznaric:
Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher who writes about the power of ideas to create change. His internationally bestselling books, including The Good Ancestor, Empathy and Carpe Diem Regained, have been published in more than 25 languages. He is Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing and founder of the world’s first Empathy Museum. His new book is History for Tomorrow: Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity.
After growing up in Sydney and Hong Kong, Roman studied at the universities of Oxford, London and Essex, where he gained his PhD in political science. His writings have been widely influential amongst political and ecological campaigners, education reformers, social entrepreneurs and designers. An acclaimed public speaker, his talks and workshops have taken him from a London prison to the TED global stage.
Roman is a member of the Club of Rome and a Research Fellow of the Long Now Foundation. He previously worked as a gardener, a conversation activist and on human rights issues in Guatemala. He is also a top-ranked player of the medieval sport of real tennis.
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