Fight Like An Animal

In this episode, we examine a simplified scenario—that of a total social revolution without a single shot fired—to illustrate real dynamics at work in our complex world. Across human and other animal societies, power is often maintained not with outright aggression, but with threat display. Crucially, some kinds of threats are only functional when they remain implicit, or are communicated clandestinely. In other words, there are times when surrendering or fighting are both bad options, but it is still possible to communicate to an adversary that attacking will result in unacceptable losses. This lands us in the terrain of what is formalized as game theory, but experientially familiar from a wide range of scenarios, from calculations by soldiers about whether to obey orders to calculations by commanders about how far they can push soldiers: the world of theorizing about other people's theories about your theory of their likely intentions and behavior.

The discussion introduces a new journal focusing on animist-ecological themes, igniting collective agency through ceremonies. Strategies for transforming grief and trauma into empowerment are highlighted, alongside the importance of public rituals. A deep dive into historic revival movements reveals their varied outcomes—both uplifting and tragic. The conversation emphasizes the need for coherent strategies in mobilizing cultural revivals, while also sprinkling in an energetic take on punk revival preaching, celebrating connection and communal action.

All social change is ultimately biological change. We present a framework, called an alliance of phenotypes, for thinking concretely about societies in this way. It involves a ten-item trait inventory called RAMBO-BAMBI, which is intended to bring relevant variables out of the hazy periphery of consciousness and into explicit focus. In other words, it is a way of telling more complex stories about the world than we frequently do. We use two events, which occurred on successive nights, to illustrate the diversity of initiatives that emerge from this way of thinking. One event featured the Survival Ecology presentation from last episode; the other is best described as punk rock revival preaching. The Survival Ecology research will be used in communications appealing to one population's psychological needs for security and stability. The preaching was intended to bring out a different group of people's best, and wildest, selves. We use this as a minimal illustration of fluidly transitioning between modes of being, to best engage different political personalities in different ways. 

Explore what a sustainable future looks like where basic human needs are prioritized. Dive into the surprising estimate that only 5% of our current economy is essential. Discover how urban areas like Portland could potentially grow 25% of their food locally and the energy required for food transport. Discuss the surplus in various economic sectors and strategies for reducing energy use in heating and cooling. Learn about innovative solutions like biofuels and decentralized power sources, all while advocating for resilience in community food systems.

The discussion dives deep into the concept of the mind as a collection of multiple selves. Unpacking the psychological styles of various professions, they challenge why certain fields dominate political arenas. The interplay between science and emotional experiences is explored, revealing how individual identities shape perceptions. Anarchist thought is juxtaposed with modern communication, empowering voices against established norms. Personal anecdotes of transformative experiences give insight into the journey of self-acceptance and merging the many facets of identity.

We celebrate the following three things: One, the animist revival currently sweeping the land. Two, a completed book with a tangible publication trajectory. Three, the form of ceremony, with all its diverse manifestations in various cultures, usually simply called shaking, as explicated in Bradford Keeney's book Shaking Medicine: The Healing Power of Ecstatic Movement. We contrast this type of ceremony with a set of tendencies described by Louis Sass in his brilliant work Madness and Modernism: Insanity in the Light of Modern Art, Literature, and Thought. Sass argues that schizophrenia is a limit case—the most extreme manifestation of—perceptual changes experienced by all industrialized peoples. While its manifestations are extremely diverse, he claims the shared foundations of these perceptual changes are social disconnection, lack of agency, and loss of direct immersion in experience, in favor of analyzing experience—a turning of attention to attention itself. We examine how industrialization caused a steep decline in the ritual traditions of rural Europe, and a simultaneous building boom in psychiatric hospitals. If we know the world in three phases—intuition, analysis, and integration of the two—perhaps we can think of pre-modern politics, with qualifications, as the intuitive, and the modern, “scientific” conception of politics as the analytical. All that's left is the synthesis: a return to our bodies and shared reality, with all the wisdom we have gained in the first two phases. 

Sometimes, we just have to stop fighting and ask if it's really worth it. Or wait: I guess we won't know unless we fight. In this episode, we briefly touch on the emotional reality of confronting the 212th phase of the apocalypse, and the horrifying truth that it's worse, in some ways, than the 211th phase was. Then, we examine the bewildering combination of crisis and opportunity presented by our dark overlords being even more crazy and stupid than they used to be. We touch on the perils of trying to apply the past to the present, the ways the federal government is becoming like the Coalition Provisional Authority in post-invasion Iraq, and examine how dynastic power becomes even more impulsive and incoherent as the generations progress. Throughout it all, we think about the difference between stories born solely of emotional need and stories born of assessing as many relevant variables we can find. 

On four consecutive Sundays, beginning April 27, Arnold will teach some of the fundamentals of revolutionary biology. Classes take part in Kenilworth Park, in Portland, OR, from 6-8pm. Much of this will be summary of material covered in podcasts, but there will also be some novelties that are specific to this place and the actions we might take in it. 

Explore the impact of storytelling on personal growth and healing. Discover how consciously embracing our narratives can help us escape the freeze response to societal challenges. Delve into the concept of Storyfinding, where we iteratively redefine our stories, leading to transformative experiences. Hear about the significance of personal narratives, including insights from John le Carré's memoir, and how they shape our identities. Learn to navigate and craft your own story, turning challenges into pathways for empowerment.

This discussion dives into the compelling intersection of religion and politics, highlighting how both can shape community cohesion. It advocates for a new animistic spirituality that emphasizes our connection to nature, particularly trees, as vital in addressing modern challenges. The importance of collective action emerges as a central theme, exploring frameworks that unite diverse efforts for environmental and societal change. There's also a nostalgic look at the radical environmentalism of the past, inspiring a call to revive impactful activism through community rituals.