Past Present Future Ian McEwan on the Present as Future Past
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Dec 3, 2025 Ian McEwan, a renowned novelist and author of *What We Can Know*, shares his thoughts on resilience in a world facing existential threats. He explores how future generations might perceive our era, balancing between cultural vibrancy and catastrophe. McEwan discusses the impact of digital ephemera on memory and the importance of the humanities in preserving our collective past. The conversation highlights the challenge of agency versus fatalism, suggesting that, even amid chaos, there's potential for meaningful connections and cultural survival.
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Resilience Of Nature And Culture
- Nature and human culture show surprising resilience after damage, often recovering faster than expected.
- Ian McEwan argues we'll likely "scrape through" crises unless faced with full-scale nuclear war.
Fatalism Undermines Progress
- Fatalism and pessimism both strip societies of agency and hope.
- McEwan urges avoiding metaphysical gloom to preserve belief in progress and action.
Harness Self-Interest For Climate Action
- Rely on self-interest to drive climate solutions like solar adoption.
- McEwan highlights falling solar costs and accelerating installation as a practical turning point.
