Progressing toward Apocalypse with Mary Harrington
Aug 9, 2023
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Mary Harrington, contributing editor for Unherd and author of Feminism Against Progress, discusses the apocalypse, gender, and eros. They challenge the conventional understanding of a traditional family and explore the origins of the sexual revolution. The mythic and symbolic aspects of conspiracy theories are explored, along with the connection between taboo and pornography. The author also discusses the disbelief in the better quality of married sex.
The collapse of the birth rate could lead to societal collapse and the need for a new civilization in tune with human nature.
To reverse the decreasing birth rates, a different economic order aligned with human nature is needed.
Progress should be measured based on alignment with human nature, rather than conforming to a predefined notion of progress and absolute advancement.
Deep dives
The Potential Consequences of Birth Rate Collapse
The collapse of the birth rate could lead to economic and societal collapse, but it is unlikely to result in the extinction of the human species. The current civilization is seen as anti-natalist and a rebellion against extinction. The collapse of the birth rate may lead to the collapse of civilization, potentially creating an opportunity for a new civilization that is more in tune with human nature and focused on fruitful existence.
The Role of Techno Capital in Fertility Rates
Techno capital is seen as structurally anti-natalist, encouraging a decrease in birth rates. To reverse this trend and increase fertility rates, it would be necessary to adopt a different economic order that aligns with human nature. This shift in economic thinking could potentially encourage people to have more children and create a more fulfilling future.
Challenging the Notion of Progress
The podcast explores the loss of faith in the concept of progress. It suggests that progress is not absolute and that there are both positive and negative aspects to societal advancements. The speaker argues for living according to our nature and finding ways to measure progress based on alignment with human nature, rather than conforming to a predefined notion of progress.
Reimagining the Traditional Family
The traditional family is questioned and redefined in the podcast. It challenges the typical conservative view of a stay-at-home mother, breadwinning father, and multiple children. Instead, the podcast suggests that the traditional family should be reimagined as a productive household that adapts to 21st-century material conditions. This may involve extending familial groupings and finding new ways of organizing common life to promote human flourishing.
Exploring the Evolution of Relationships Between Genders
The podcast delves into the evolution of relationships between men and women, particularly in relation to economics and technology. It argues against the notion that the relationship between men and women is primarily conflict-driven, highlighting Ivan Illich's perspective on the complementary nature of male and female life worlds. The podcast suggests that the relationship is not inherently one of conflict or exploitation, but rather one of solidarity and cooperation.
If chickens can’t act as chickens and humans can’t act as humans, Western civilization is not making progress. So observes Mary Harrington, contributing editor for Unherd and most recently, author of Feminism Against Progress. While society champions the defying of limits, our natures - as humans, as men, as women - always reemerge.
In this episode, Mary and Grant discuss the apocalypse, gender, and eros, asking: What if our idea of the traditional family isn’t traditional enough? Can technology suppress human nature? And, what will it take to garner enough enthusiasm to bring new people into this life?
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