Bioneers: Revolution From the Heart of Nature Nature’s Intelligence: Coming Down from the Pedestal
May 29, 2025
Join anthropologist Jeremy Narby, known for exploring indigenous knowledge and its ties to Western science, as he delves into the evolving understanding of intelligence in nature. He discusses how language shapes our worldview, the intriguing bridge between scientific and shamanic wisdom, and the need for inclusive terminology that honors all life forms. Narby also challenges Western notions of identity and intelligence, advocating for a new lexicon that reflects our kinship with the natural world and recognizes the cognitive capabilities of plants and fungi.
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Western 'Nature' Excludes Humans
- Western culture distinctively defines 'nature' as everything non-human, implying human superiority.
- Many indigenous cultures see plants and animals as people like us, rejecting this sharp division.
Intelligence Is a Human-Centric Concept
- The word 'intelligence' in Western languages strictly applies to humans, excluding other species.
- This linguistic bias reflects a broader Western assumption of human exclusivity and superiority.
Slime Mold Challenges Intelligence
- A Japanese researcher showed slime molds solving mazes, challenging traditional intelligence definitions.
- Western scientific commentators resisted using 'intelligence' for slime molds, revealing human-centric biases.
