Climate Change, Collapse, and Modernity with Dougald Hine
Feb 8, 2023
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Dougald Hine, author of At Work in the Ruins, discusses climate change and the limitations of science. They explore living at the end of a world, the role of artists, sacrificing life to preserve systems, and reflections on mortality and transitioning to new work.
Building 'good ruins' is crucial in navigating the uncertain future and challenging the narratives of progress and growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of modern societies and the need for resilience and alternative structures.
Artists and cultural makers play a significant role in shaping the future by challenging utilitarian logic and creating spaces for resilience and meaningful connections.
Deep dives
The book explores the end of modernity and the need to create 'good ruins'
The book delves into the concept of modernity and its impending end, emphasizing the importance of creating 'good ruins' as a way to navigate the uncertain future. It challenges the prevalent narratives of progress and growth that modernity propagates, urging readers to question the ideologies and systems that underpin our society. The author suggests that rather than trying to preserve or save the existing systems, it is more valuable to focus on building alternative structures and meaningful ways of being that can withstand and adapt to the unraveling of the world as we know it.
The pandemic revealed the fragility of our societies
The podcast episode highlights the author's perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that the measures taken were not solely driven by the severity of the disease at a bodily level, but the societal impact it had. The pandemic demonstrated the fragility of our modern societies, which rely heavily on institutionalized care and professional provision of commodities. The author emphasizes that our societies are like individuals with weakened immune systems, susceptible to disruption caused by seemingly minor crises. This vulnerability and the resulting response to the pandemic raise important questions about the sustainability of modern systems and the need to cultivate resilience from below.
The role of artists and culture makers in shaping the future
The book highlights the significance of artists and culture makers in shaping the future amidst the unraveling of modernity. By operating within the cultural realm, these individuals can challenge the utilitarian logic of modern society and create spaces that transcend the constraints of the market and the state. The author suggests that through artistic expression and cultural institutions, people can reclaim agency and create meaningful connections that are often lacking in traditional institutions. The focus on resilience, sharing meals, and collective creativity emerges as a vital aspect of navigating the uncertain times ahead.
Moving beyond science and politics
The podcast episode discusses the limitations of relying solely on science and politics in grappling with the challenges of the future. While science provides valuable data, it cannot address the deeper questions and value systems that underpin our existence. Similarly, politicians are constrained by the need to maintain existing systems. The author suggests that navigating the future requires embracing alternative perspectives and practices, stepping outside the boundaries of established institutions. By transcending the reliance on scientific authority and embracing cultural and communal resilience, individuals and communities can better adapt to the unfolding crises and shape the post-modern world.
Embracing uncertainty and redefining hope
The book encourages readers to embrace uncertainty and redefine the concept of hope. Rather than seeking to predict or control the future, the author urges individuals to be open to surprise and focus on creating 'good ruins' that may prove valuable to future generations. The challenges of climate change and other crises require letting go of the narrative of progress and questioning deeply embedded assumptions. By engaging in conversations, building resilience from below, and redefining our relationship with power and institutions, there lies the potential for meaningful change and a more sustainable way of being.
