Tim Ingold discusses 'The Rise and Fall of Generation Now' and explores the metaphor of a rope for social life. The podcast delves into the shifting focus on generations, generational turning points, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on generational division. It also explores contrasting perspectives on life, death, and aging.
Generations should be seen as a process rather than a linear progression.
Collaboration between the young and the elderly is crucial to shape the future and sustain collective life.
Deep dives
The Concept of Generations as a Process
The speaker introduces the concept of generations as a process rather than a linear progression. He questions whether life takes us closer or further away from our ancestors and discusses how social life is sustained through the interplay of generations.
The Stuttering Progress of Generations
The speaker explains how each generation claims the present, interrupting the smooth flow of time. He argues that this disrupts the collaboration between the young and the elderly, leading to a tragic separation. He criticizes the modern focus on progress and problem-solving, suggesting that the solutions proposed by each generation are often mistaken and leave lasting negative impacts.
The Importance of Tradition and the Wisdom of Ancestors
The speaker emphasizes the value of tradition and the wisdom of elders. He explores the idea of regaining the path of tradition and collaborating with our ancestors to shape the future. He argues that following tradition is not regressive, but rather an opportunity for renewal and coexistence.
The Need to Loosen the Grip of Generation Now
The speaker calls for a society where the young and the elderly can collaborate in shaping collective life. He criticizes the short-term focus and target-driven nature of generation now, highlighting the need for inclusivity and ensuring a future for all. He concludes by suggesting that embracing the possibility of aging and death is essential for the continued renewal of life.
Does life take you any nearer to your ancestors or does it draw you ever further away from them? Tim Ingold discusses his new work ‘The Rise and Fall of Generation Now’ in which he reverses the perspectives on generations of social life by seeing not as linear but as a process.
Edited and hosted by Luise Eder
This was a departmental seminar at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography in the 2022-23 academic year. The recordings were only possible thanks to a team dedicated staff and students from The School:
Executive Producers: Eben Kirksey and Stanley Ulijaszek
Producer: Jacob
Evans Sound Design: Seb Antoine
Sound Recorders: Xinyuan (Connie) Wang and Jacob Evans
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