Hope Is A Verb cover image

Hope Is A Verb

Ada Palmer - A History of Saving the World

Aug 30, 2024
Ada Palmer, a historian and science fiction author, discusses humanity's hopeful trajectory from the 1600s to a speculative future in 2454. She draws parallels between past and present panic, linking it to technological shifts and the understanding of disease. The conversation highlights how history enriches science fiction and addresses gender stereotypes in speculative narratives. Ada emphasizes the importance of recognizing partial victories in global challenges, advocating for hope and proactive engagement to foster positive change amidst crises.
36:50

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Hope is portrayed as an active force for change, requiring individuals to engage constructively in the face of challenges and despair.
  • Historical progress is framed as a non-linear journey, illustrating humanity's resilience through past crises and the importance of adaptation.

Deep dives

The Power of Hope

Hope serves as an essential driving force for personal and collective transformation. It is depicted as a proactive, action-oriented concept rather than a passive state of mind. The podcast emphasizes that hope is intricately tied to the belief in a better future and the idea that individuals must actively work to cultivate and maintain this hope. It urges a rejection of pessimism, reinforcing that while challenges abound, the potential for positive change exists if people choose to engage with these issues constructively.

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