In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai 142. Transforming Our Future: Asabiya, Biophilia & Radical Revolt / Roman Krznaric
This week, I have the pleasure of interviewing Roman Krznaric, a social philosopher, writer, and public intellectual who writes about the power of ideas to create change. A former political scientist, Roman has become a leading voice in the realm of practical philosophy, urging individuals and societies to prioritise future generations in our decision-making.
A Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, and co-founder of The School of Life, Roman is also the founder of the world’s first Empathy Museum, a series of participatory art projects dedicated to helping us look at the world through other people’s eyes.
Renowned for his work on empathy and long-term thinking, Roman’s writing has been widely influential amongst political and ecological campaigners, education reformers, social entrepreneurs and designers, and he has been featured in major media outlets from the The Guardian and BBC to The New York Times.
A member of the Club of Rome and a Research Fellow of the Long Now Foundation, Roman’s latest book, History for Tomorrow: Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity (2024), explores how lessons from the past can inspire new ways of thinking about the future to guide more ethical, regenerative actions.
I first came across Roman’s work a few years ago through his best-selling book, The Good Ancestor: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World (2020), and I found it so moving and capivating that I really wanted to bring him onto the show today to share his insights and vision with you.
SUMMARY
In this conversation, we explore the interconnectedness of time and humanity, and the role of radical revolt and Asabiya in societal change. We discuss the impact of technology on social connections, the importance of biophilia, conviviality and crisis response, and the necessity of transformative change through disruptive movements. Our dialogue emphasises the need for hope, meaning, and the reweaving of social fabric in a rapidly changing world.
KEY THEMES
· The global human psyche is interconnected with the planetary psyche.
· Understanding our relationship with time is crucial for societal progress.
· Radical revolts have historically led to significant societal changes.
· Technology can both exacerbate and alleviate societal issues.
· Reweaving social connections is essential for community resilience.
· Biophilia fosters a deeper connection with the living world.
· Crisis response is vital for navigating contemporary challenges.
· Disruptive movements are necessary for transformative change.
· Hope can be drawn from historical successes in overcoming crises.
· Meaningful life is built on relationships, autonomy, and purpose.
WEBSITES
https://www.romankrznaric.com/
BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES
History For Tomorrow – Roman Krznaric (https://www.romankrznaric.com/history-for-tomorrow)
The Good Ancestor – Roman Krznaric (https://www.romankrznaric.com/good-ancestor)
Carpe Diem – Roman Krznaric (https://www.romankrznaric.com/carpe-diem-regained)
Time Rebels – VPRO Documentary (video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpmHKpyqpcU&ab_channel=vprodocumentary)
MUSIC
https://nathalienahai.hearnow.com/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Exploring the Global Human Psyche
02:32 The Interconnectedness of Life
05:36 Temporal Intelligence and Our Relationship with Time
08:28 Radical Revolt and Societal Change
11:33 The Role of Technology in Change
14:48 Art and Creativity as Catalysts for Change
17:50 Building Community and Social Fabric
20:42 Biophilia and Crisis Response
23:33 Hope and Action in the Face of Adversity
26:47 Rituals and Anchors in Daily Life
29:35 Reflections on Change and Belonging
32:44 The Importance of Connection and Solidarity
35:39 Navigating Change and Finding Purpose
38:30 The Power of Disruption and Collective Action
41:46 Lessons from History for Future Generations
44:40 Final Thoughts on Being a Good Ancestor