Darwin, Dickinson, and Disenchantment with Renée Bergland
Aug 14, 2024
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Renée Bergland, a literature professor and author, explores the intriguing link between Emily Dickinson and Charles Darwin in her latest book. She discusses how both figures engaged with nature, blending scientific inquiry and poetic expression. The conversation challenges traditional gender assumptions in science, advocating for a nuanced understanding of its history. Renée also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary education, curiosity, and 'magical thinking' in appreciating the complexities of the natural world.
Berglund highlights the intertwined historical relationship between science and literature through the works of Dickinson and Darwin, emphasizing curiosity's role in scientific exploration.
The podcast critiques misconceptions of Darwin's theories, advocating for a more cooperative understanding of nature that contrasts with the competitive narrative often portrayed.
Deep dives
The Interconnection of Science and Literature
Renee Berglund emphasizes the historical relationship between science and literature, particularly in the works of Emily Dickinson and Charles Darwin. She discusses how early scientific endeavors were often more closely associated with women and holistic approaches, contrasting with modern perceptions that categorize science as masculine and detached. This historical analysis reveals that both Dickinson and Darwin were deeply engaged with the mysteries of the natural world, illustrating a time when curiosity and wonder were integral to scientific exploration. This shift from a fluid understanding of knowledge to a rigid categorization reflects societal changes that oversimplify these disciplines.
Natural Magic and Its Historical Context
The concept of 'natural magic,' as explored in Berglund's book, highlights a time when the empirical investigation of nature was viewed through the lens of wonder rather than strict scientific definitions. Historical figures such as Francis Bacon describe natural magic as an exploration of the unseen properties of the natural world, suggesting a more intertwined relationship between science and mysticism. Berglund shares intriguing examples, such as ancient investigations into the properties of garlic, to illustrate how everyday materials were once subjects of fascination rather than mere objects to study. This reconceptualization invites contemporary audiences to reconsider the boundaries between magic and science, suggesting that both realms can coexist in understanding the natural world.
Parallel Lives: Dickinson and Darwin
Berglund draws parallels between the personal and intellectual lives of Emily Dickinson and Charles Darwin, despite their different societal receptions. While both were reclusive individuals, Darwin's shyness is often lauded as a sign of profound thought, whereas Dickinson's is sometimes pathologized as neurosis. This discrepancy in representation underscores how cultural narratives can shape perceptions of genius and creativity, leading to different legacies for similar lifestyles. By exploring their unique demands on the natural world, Berglund shows how both figures were remarkably attuned to the complexities and interrelationships within nature, potentially influencing each other's work, even if indirectly.
Rethinking Darwinian Perspectives
The podcast discusses the misconceptions surrounding Darwin's theories, particularly the popularization of 'survival of the fittest,' which distorts his original ideas. Contrary to the notion of brutal competition, Darwin's work often emphasized cooperation and beauty as essential elements of survival and adaptation in nature. This reinterpretation invites a reevaluation of how we perceive nature's dynamics, shifting from a mindset of competition to one of collaboration and relationality. Berglund suggests that embracing this broader, more nuanced understanding can lead to a more compassionate and sustainable approach to addressing modern environmental challenges.
Renée Bergland is professor of literature and creative writing at
Simmons University. She is the author of Maria Mitchell and the Sexing
of Science: An Astronomer among the American Romantics and The National
Uncanny: Indian Ghosts and American Subjects. In this episode we discuss
her book Natural Magic: Emily Dickinson, Charles Darwin, and the Dawn
of Modern Science.
Book link:
https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691235288/natural-magic
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