Upstream

[TEASER] The More Than Human World

Dec 24, 2024

Discover the profound notion of the non-human world as the speaker reflects on emotional connections to nature. Journey with them to a cabin in the woods that ignites creativity and a deeper bond with the environment. Engage with the complexities of humanity's relationship with technology through a reading of Loren Eiseley's 'The Bird and the Machine.' Explore a pristine valley that serves as a reminder of nature's beauty and the historical struggles that shaped it. This exploration invites listeners to reconsider our place within a greater tapestry of life.

25:47

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Quick takeaways

The podcast reflects on John Muir's complex legacy, urging us to acknowledge historical injustices while elevating new voices in environmentalism.

It emphasizes a deeper connection to the 'more than human world,' advocating for a balance between technology and authentic nature experiences.

Deep dives

Rethinking Literary Figures

John Muir's legacy is reconsidered due to his documented racist views and actions, especially regarding indigenous groups like the Awanichi and Cherokee tribes. The speaker reflects on their former admiration for Muir's writings, highlighting a specific story of his experience in a windstorm, which they found enchanting. However, upon recognizing Muir's role in the dispossession of these indigenous populations to create national parks, the speaker expresses a strong disapproval of his legacy. This prompts a broader conversation about the importance of acknowledging historical figures' harm while embracing new voices that contribute positively to environmental discourse.

Intro

5min

Embracing Nature and Musical Inspiration

2min

Reflections on Nature and Technology: A Reading of 'The Bird and the Machine'

16min

Echoes of Nature and History

3min

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"The More Than Human World" is a phrase that I (Robbie) came across years ago when reading David Abrams's book The Spell of the Sensuous." It immediately struck me as a profound and beautiful perspective on how we perceive of and imagine the world of beings that make up the world that does not include humans. Everything else. And yes, it is more than. Much more than. Especially in an anthropocentric social order that barely values the lives and beings of humans themselves, let alone beings which are not human.

Today's Patreon episode is a reading of a beautiful story told by the author and philosopher Loren Eiseley. The story is about birds, machines, and much more, and is aptly titled "The Bird and the Machine"—just one chapter in a book of stories and essays written by Loren Eisley titled The Star Thrower.

You might want to keep a box of kleenex close by, this one gets a little emotional.

Covert art: Carolyn Raider

Further resources:

Dispossessing the Wilderness Indian Removal and the Making of the National Parks, Mark David Spence
The Star Thrower, Loren Eiseley
Loren Eiseley Society
Mount Eerie

Related episodes:

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Upstream

[TEASER] The More Than Human World

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Rethinking Literary Figures

Embracing Nature and Connection

Technology vs. Nature

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts