Charles Foster

Charles Foster, a legal scholar, veterinary surgeon, and naturalist, explores the evolution of human consciousness over 40,000 years, drawing on his experiences living as different species. He reflects on pivotal moments like the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture, revealing how this shift has impacted our mental health and relationships. Foster emphasizes the need for a deeper connection to nature and revisiting ancient narratives to address modern identity crises, advocating for a blend of science, intuition, and empathy in navigating our complex existence.

Charles Foster, a legal scholar, veterinary surgeon, and naturalist, delves into human evolution in his latest work. He shares experiences living as a Cro-Magnon hunter-gatherer, engaging in shamanic journeys, and exploring the significance of our senses. The conversation delves into the transition from nomadic lifestyles to agriculture, examining freedom versus security. Foster reflects on humanity's complex relationship with nature and our consciousness, urging a return to meaningful narratives that foster empathy and responsibility for the environment.

In this conversation, Charles Foster, a legal scholar and naturalist, shares insights from his adventurous book 'Being a Human.' He explores how prehistoric humans lived as hunter-gatherers, experiencing life in the Upper Paleolithic era. Foster reflects on the impact of the shift to agriculture during the Neolithic period, emphasizing its consequences on community and creativity. He also examines the Enlightenment’s effect on human consciousness, lamenting a disconnection from nature and the richness of our senses, urging a return to a more empathetic and engaged existence.