Retelling the story of humans and nature | Damon Gameau | TEDxSydney

Summary

This talk explores the impact of collective stories on human behavior, focusing on the narrative that humans are separate and superior to nature. It traces the origins of this belief from early cultures to Christianity and the Scientific Revolution, which led to the exploitation of natural resources. The speaker argues that this story has brought humanity to a crisis point, necessitating a new narrative that recognizes our interconnectedness with nature. This regenerative story, supported by science, could reshape culture, leadership, and policy, potentially leading to a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The power of personal narratives: Our internal dialogues significantly influence our actions and experiences.
• 🌐 Collective stories shape societal behavior: Cultural narratives, like the sacredness of cows in India, guide group actions.
• 🔄 Historical shift in worldview: From a reverence for nature to a belief in human superiority and dominion over it.
• ⛪️ The influence of Christianity and the Scientific Revolution: These movements contributed to the narrative of human dominance over nature.
• 🌱 Indigenous wisdom vs. modern exploitation: Indigenous cultures often saw themselves as part of nature, contrasting with exploitative modern practices.
• 🏭 The commodification of nature: The shift to viewing nature as a resource for economic gain led to environmental degradation.
• 🔍 The role of science: Initially used to justify exploitation, science now reveals the intricate interconnectedness of life and the need for respect for nature.
• 🌿 The emergence of a regenerative story: A new narrative is forming, emphasizing humanity's dependence on and kinship with nature.
• 🌳 The importance of storytelling: To effect change, the new narrative must be integrated into education, economics, and media.
• 🌈 The potential for a thriving future: Collective action informed by the new narrative can lead to a regenerative and ecologically balanced world.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech?

The main theme of the speech is the collective story that humans are separate and superior to nature, and how this narrative has led to environmental degradation. The speaker advocates for a new story that recognizes humans as part of nature and promotes a regenerative relationship with the environment.

How does the speaker describe the initial relationship between humans and nature in the past?

The speaker describes an initial relationship where humans had a deep reverence and respect for nature, seeing little separation between themselves and the world around them. Many cultures viewed nature as a giving parent and considered plants and animals as relatives.

What significant change in the human-nature relationship is attributed to the rise of Christianity according to the speech?

The rise of Christianity introduced a new narrative where humans were seen as separate from and superior to nature, with dominion over the Earth. This shift in belief system began to change the way humans interacted with and perceived their environment.

How did the Scientific Revolution further influence the human-nature relationship?

The Scientific Revolution, led by figures like Francis Bacon and René Descartes, reinforced the idea of humans being superior to nature. They encouraged the exploitation and manipulation of nature for human benefit, viewing it as a machine to be controlled and used.

What are some of the environmental consequences mentioned in the speech that resulted from the 'new story'?

The environmental consequences mentioned include the decrease in animal populations, heating of the atmosphere, soil erosion, and the destruction of natural habitats like the Amazon rainforest.

What role do stories play in shaping our behaviors and cultures according to the speaker?

Stories, both individual and collective, play a fundamental role in shaping our behaviors and cultures. They influence how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world, and can drive our actions and societal norms.

What is the 'new but old story' that the speaker suggests we need to adopt?

The 'new but old story' is a narrative that recognizes humans as an integral part of nature, not separate or superior to it. It calls for a regenerative relationship with the environment, valuing and respecting nature, and living in harmony with it.

How does the speaker propose to spread the new story?

The speaker suggests embedding the new story into all levels of education, redesigning the economy to value nature, revamping news broadcasts to include environmental metrics, and amplifying the story through the work of storytellers, musicians, and artists.

What evidence does the speaker provide to support the idea that nature is not mechanistic and should be revered?

The speaker cites scientific discoveries that reveal plants can see, smell, hear, learn, and store memories; dolphins communicate in local dialects; elephants hold ceremonies for their dead; and termites have built an underground metropolis. These examples show the complexity and interconnectedness of nature.

What is the significance of the changes in the use of nature-related words in books, songs, and movies from 1900 to 2014 as mentioned in the speech?

The decline in the use of nature-related words signifies a cultural shift away from valuing and connecting with nature. This reflects the influence of the collective story that has led to environmental neglect and the prioritization of human activities over nature.

How does the speaker describe the current state of human interaction with nature?

The speaker describes the current state as one where humans are trapped in a cultural programming that views nature as something to be exploited for economic gain, leading to environmental destruction and a lack of awareness of the true value of nature.