7 Comments
User's avatar
Jacky Smith's avatar

That's an interesting take on William Bateson, given that his son Gregory (and now his daughter Nora) were/are deeply into complexity, the interaction of environment with inheritance, and the power of context.

William Bateson was also massively opposed to the whole "eugenics" movement, refusing to accept positions at Cambridge because he would have been forced to keep quiet about his objections.

I'll listen to the podcast - with a sceptical ear.

Gregory's idea of "an ecosystem of ideas" is hugely helpful in understanding how culture changes.

Perhaps check out "Small Arcs of Larger Circles" by Nora Bateson?

Would love to see you two in discussion...

Expand full comment
acluelessape💭's avatar

Astonishing the ease with which David Graeber deconstructs our very sociopolitical fabric: unraveling the "West's hegemony", democracy, capitalism, the modern state, violence, and even love and hate. He proves that these seemingly foundational systems are, in reality, purely discretional and ultimately grounded on societal constructs. Far from the usual intellectual gatekeeping and the eurocentric perspective so characteristic of the post-colonial North Atlantic spheres, Graeber's proscribed intellect mops the floor with such "Academia".

Beyond a mere critique, "The Ultimate Hidden Truth of the World" is a radical invitation: a reminder of our shared potential to reshape every possible aspect of alternative human societies consensually, and that the toxic perpetuation of oppressive power structures is far from inevitable.

Expand full comment
Christina Asphar's avatar

Natalie, I'm a recent subscriber - what a treat to read Change Everything, thank you for putting it together.

Expand full comment
Garry Turner's avatar

Incredibly insightful and educational post, thanks Natalie

Expand full comment
Georgina's avatar

Think my husband will now buy this book. He read this first. But I will make sure he now reads his own copy of Change Everything. Mine like all good books has gone ‘walkabout’.

Expand full comment
Natalie Bennett's avatar

Glad to hear that Change Everything is getting read and re-read! Thanks for letting me know

Expand full comment
Jacky Smith's avatar

I have a solution to that: recent books in good condition can be donated to your local library. Then you can rely on them to lend them back to you if you need them, and other people can read them as well.

I put my copy of "Change Everything" in mine, they now have 2 copies, both out on loan at the moment.

Expand full comment