David Graeber's "The Ultimate Hidden Truth of the World…Essays" offers a collection of insightful and thought-provoking essays on various topics, including anthropology, economics, and political theory. Graeber's writing is characterized by its sharp wit, intellectual rigor, and commitment to social justice. The essays explore diverse themes, ranging from the nature of debt and value to the dynamics of power and resistance. Graeber's work challenges conventional wisdom and offers alternative perspectives on fundamental social and economic issues. The collection provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the modern world and the possibilities for radical change.
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.
The Muqaddimah is a seminal work written by Ibn Khaldūn in 1377. It serves as the introduction to his larger work, 'Kitab al-‘Ibar' (The Book of Lessons), and provides a detailed philosophy of history. The book discusses historical method, the nature of society and social change, and introduces the concept of 'ʿilm al-ʿumrān' (the science of culture). It is divided into six chapters, covering topics such as human civilization, desert and sedentary civilizations, dynasties and royal authority, crafts and ways of making a living, and the sciences. Ibn Khaldūn's central concept of 'ʿaṣabiyyah' (social cohesion) explains the rise and fall of civilizations based on the strength of social bonds within tribes and societies[1][2][5].
Be Here Now is a seminal book on spirituality, yoga, and meditation written by Ram Dass. The book is divided into four sections: 'Journey', which details Ram Dass's transformation from a Harvard psychologist to a spiritual seeker; 'From Bindu to Ojas', a core section that includes spiritual themes and inspirational quotes; 'Cookbook for a Sacred Life', a manual for conscious living with practical advice on meditation, yoga, and diet; and 'Painted Cakes (Do Not Satisfy Hunger)', a list of recommended books for further spiritual exploration. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, shedding ego and material attachments, and finding unity with the divine through unconditional love and mindfulness[2][4][5].
In 'A Paradise Built in Hell', Rebecca Solnit examines how people respond to disasters and crises, often forming strong, resilient communities. The book delves into the human capacity for cooperation, altruism, and mutual aid during times of catastrophe, challenging the common narrative that disasters bring out the worst in people. Solnit draws on historical examples such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, and Hurricane Katrina to illustrate these phenomena.
Jenny Odell's "Saving Time" delves into the societal pressures surrounding productivity and our perception of time. It explores the historical context of our relationship with time, tracing it back to industrial practices and their impact on our daily lives. The book offers alternative perspectives on time, suggesting ways to break free from the constraints of linear thinking and embrace a more holistic approach. Odell encourages readers to find freedom and wonder by shifting their focus from individual efficiency to the interconnectedness of time and relationships. Ultimately, the book aims to help readers find a more fulfilling and meaningful experience of time.
In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs. He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future. The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind[2][4][5].
In 'Emotional Intelligence,' Daniel Goleman presents a compelling argument that emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for success, happiness, and virtue. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, Goleman explains how EI, which includes self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, shapes our destiny. The book details five key skills of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, recognizing emotions in others, and social skills. Goleman shows how these skills can be nurtured and strengthened throughout adulthood, benefiting our health, relationships, and work performance[2][3][4].
A book about time management and how to live a more fulfilling life.
It's been said that “the shortest path to the future is always one through the deepening of the past.” But how do we balance the past, present, and future, when all three weigh so heavily on our consciousness and our social existence?
Perhaps one way to find a balance—or at least to distill these various webbed threads of temporality—might be to pose them as questions: what can we learn from the past to help us in the present? And how can I be a good ancestor for the people of tomorrow? These are the questions that inform and guide the recent work of our guest on today's episode.
Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher, a Research Fellow at the Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, and the author of several books including most recently, History for Tomorrow: Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity and The Good Ancestor: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World.
In this episode, we explore lessons from the past and what it means to be a good ancestor today. We look at how our conceptions of time can expand or limit the way that we answer these questions. We explore what it means to be on the radical fringes of a society, how to build and strengthen solidarity, and how to find meaning and community in a world that has grown increasingly isolating and alienating.
This episode was produced in collaboration with EcoGather, a collapse-responsive co-learning network that hosts free online Weekly EcoGatherings that foster conversation and build community around heterodox economics, collective action, and belonging in an enlivened world. In this collaboration, EcoGather will be hosting gatherings to bring some Upstream episodes to life—this is one of those episodes. We hope you can join the gathering on TK to discuss the topics covered in this episode. Find out more at www.ecogather.ing.
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Cover art: Nina Montenegro Intermission music: “Seed of a Seed” by Haley Heynderickx
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