Visual artist Oliver Jeffers, celebrated for his work on "The Day the Crayons Quit," shares heartfelt insights on what it means to be human in the 21st century. He humorously recounts how to explain Earth to a newborn, emphasizing its beauty and fragility. The conversation dives deep into the importance of personal and collective stories, highlighting how our narratives shape our existence and responsibilities. Through a poetic lens, Jeffers reflects on the delicate balance between ambition and the challenges facing our civilization.
If you had to explain to a newborn -- or an alien -- what it means to be a human being living on Earth in the 21st century, what would you say? Visual artist Oliver Jeffers put his answer in a letter to his son, sharing pearls of wisdom on existence and the diversity of life. He shares observations of the "beautiful, fragile drama of human civilization" in this poetic talk paired with his original illustrations and animations.