The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

The Solutions that can be Named are not the Solutions | Frankly #67

Jul 26, 2024

In this podcast, Nate Hagens discusses the challenges of finding solutions to complex human predicaments. He emphasizes that simplistic answers may not work on a large scale and highlights the need for emergent processes. The podcast explores the importance of understanding present values and interventions, as well as the complexities of implementing solutions in human systems. It also delves into the role of underground movements, advanced policy proposals, and uncertainties in finding innovative solutions for societal challenges.

22:27

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Quick takeaways

Championing specific solutions limits creativity and excludes diverse perspectives.

Societal systems are adaptive, making widespread implementation of novel strategies challenging.

Deep dives

Understanding the Human Predicament and Overshoot

The podcast explores the concept of the human predicament, highlighting how humanity's current energy consumption, environmental impact, and monetary systems are pushing the biosphere beyond its limits. With growing energy demands impacting the Earth's ecological balance, including risks like climate change, plastic pollution, and species loss, the speaker emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to navigate the challenges ahead. The discussions underscore the complexity of the human predicament, stressing the importance of understanding the interconnected issues to work towards a more sustainable future.

Intro

9min

Exploring Understanding, Values, and Categories of Interventions for the Future

3min

The Complexity of Solutions and Adaptive Responses in Human Systems

6min

Exploring Underground Movements, Advanced Policy, and Uncertainty in Finding Solutions

3min

Navigating Uncertainties and the Great Simplification

2min

Recorded July 23 2024

In this week’s Frankly, Nate addresses the common desire for solutions to the human predicament - and why the championing of “solutions” is less clear-cut than we might perceive. To this end, he offers a three-dimensional model for thinking about a framework for responses.

Effective responses greatly depend on the context of an individual - by highlighting specific ‘solutions’ we narrow the scope of the conversation and exclude creative and empowered humans with different interests and skills.

Additionally, much like nature, the human socio-economic system is adaptive, and rapidly self-adjusts to new information and threats, making novel strategies difficult to implement and disperse at larger scales. As such, simplistic answers that can be publicly shared with millions are probably not going to work. If we zoom out, we see that responses with the potential to shift our systems in a better direction are only possible through emergent processes and may not be able to be championed publicly for a variety of reasons.

How can we expect to steer towards more humane futures by approaching The Great Simplification with the same ‘quick-fix’ mindset enabled during the Carbon Pulse? What is the role of critical leadership and governance that will be needed in coming decades but is perceived as too radical today? How can we, as both individuals and communities, think about our distinct place within the larger world and how that might shape our unique responses?

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For Show Notes and More: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/67-the-solutions-that-can-be-named-are-not-the-solutions

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