This book offers a dramatically new understanding of human history, challenging fundamental assumptions about social evolution, the development of agriculture, cities, the state, democracy, and inequality. Graeber and Wengrow argue that traditional theories of human history, such as those posited by Hobbes and Rousseau, are not supported by anthropological or archaeological evidence. Instead, they show that humans have lived in large, complex, but decentralized societies for millennia, often without ruling elites or hierarchical systems. The authors draw on extensive research in archaeology and anthropology to reveal a history that is more varied and hopeful than previously assumed, emphasizing human experimentation with different social arrangements and the potential for new forms of freedom and societal organization.
Francis Weller's "The Wild Edge of Sorrow" offers a profound and compassionate exploration of grief and its transformative potential. Weller moves beyond conventional understandings of grief, delving into its multifaceted nature and its capacity to lead to personal growth and deeper self-understanding. He emphasizes the importance of embracing and honoring our sorrows, rather than suppressing or avoiding them. The book explores various forms of grief, including the loss of loved ones, relationships, and dreams, and provides guidance for navigating these challenging experiences. Weller's work encourages readers to view grief not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for profound transformation and connection to the human experience.
Beatrice speaks with Dean Spade about how we respond to crises, from climate collapse to covid, and how the state’s primary response to these crises is to try to narrow the possibilities for political action around them.
Transcript: https://www.deathpanel.net/transcripts/dean-spade-collapse
Read Dean’s piece, “Climate Disaster Is Here—and the State Will Never Save Us” here:
https://inthesetimes.com/article/climate-disaster-ecological-crisis-deluge-ministry-markley-robinson-gelderloos
Find our book Health Communism here: www.versobooks.com/books/4081-health-communism
Find Jules' new book, A Short History of Trans Misogyny, here:
https://www.versobooks.com/products/3054-a-short-history-of-trans-misogyny
Death Panel merch here (patrons get a discount code): www.deathpanel.net/merch
As always, support Death Panel at www.patreon.com/deathpanelpod
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