Writer Paul Kingsnorth discusses resisting the soulless nature of human life, the loss of meaningful things like forests, the impact of COVID on politics and worldviews, becoming a 'cooked barbarian' to challenge the machine's control, the relationship between capitalism, religion, and the state, exploring Wicca and old gods, and the mystical connection between Ireland's sacred sites and its people.
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Quick takeaways
Living as a 'cooked barbarian' allows individuals to challenge the destructive nature of the machine while still being part of the modern world.
Environmentalism should balance technocratic approaches with a deeper understanding of our connection to nature, preserving important stories and experiences.
Maintaining a critical relationship with technology helps us determine its impact on our lives and safeguard our personal freedom and humanity.
Deep dives
Becoming a 'Cooked Barbarian'
In this podcast episode, the concept of being a 'cooked barbarian' is discussed as a way to resist the machine. The term refers to individuals who live within the system of the modern world, but maintain a mindset and values that challenge the machine's destructive nature. It is about finding a balance between being part of the world and resisting its negative aspects. The idea is to live in a way that allows individuals to connect with the things that the machine has eradicated while not conforming to its values. This approach emphasizes the importance of personal change and introspection, becoming a peaceful spirit to positively influence the world around us.
The Technocratic Nature of Environmentalism
The podcast explores the evolution of environmentalism and its relationship with the machine. While environmentalism originated as a movement to protect the natural world, it has become increasingly technocratic and focused on sustainability through technocratic means. The emphasis on carbon reduction and sustainability, while important, has overshadowed the deeper connection between human beings and nature. The podcast highlights the need to balance technocratic approaches with a deeper understanding of our relationship with the environment and the important stories and experiences that can be lost in the pursuit of sustainability.
The Power and Dangers of Technology
The podcast delves into the power of technology and its impact on society. It discusses how technology, particularly digital technology, has become addictive and pervasive in our lives. It raises concerns about the alarming levels of control and monitoring that technology enables, leading to potential dangers and loss of personal and human experiences. The discussion recognizes the potential benefits of technology in fostering creativity and progress, but emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the values and intentions behind its creation to ensure that technology serves positive purposes and does not become an end in itself.
Exploring Religion as a Source of Resistance
Religion is presented as a potential source of resistance to the machine. The podcast discusses the personal journey of the speaker towards Christianity and how it has offered a different perspective and values in navigating the modern world. It touches upon the need for spiritual introspection, recognizing the limitations of the secular world's values. While the religious path may not be suitable for everyone, it highlights the increasing interest in religion and spirituality as individuals seek deeper meaning and connection in a world dominated by the machine.
Importance of having a critical relationship with technology
It is crucial to have a critical relationship with technology, understanding its role and impact in our lives. While technology can be a valuable servant, it can also become a dangerous master. It is important to question how technology serves us and how it affects our communities, humanity, and personal freedom. This critical approach enables us to recognize the differences between various technologies and their potential consequences on our lives.
The machine's colonization of the human mind and the need for resistance
The machine, metaphorically representing our desire for control and mastery, has the power to colonize our minds without our consent. This colonization happens gradually and often appears pleasant or positive, making it more insidious than a direct attack. Various works of literature, including classics like Brave New World and The Machine Stops, have warned about the dangers of this colonization. To resist the machine's influence, it is important to draw lines and set personal boundaries, choosing when and how to engage with technology. Additionally, fostering a connection with nature and building human communities can counterbalance the machine's colonization.
How can normal people resist the increasingly technocratic and soulless nature of human life? Freddie Sayers sits down with writer Paul Kingsnorth at the UnHerd Club to find out.
