PRESENTATION - Resonance and Deep Societal Transformation Prof. Hartmut Rosa (Germany)

Summary

The speaker congratulates the organizers of a global event and emphasizes the need for a deeper transformation in how humanity relates to the world. They argue that technological improvements and awareness are insufficient, advocating instead for a revolution in the mode of existence. The speaker critiques the current 'mode of aggression' in how humans interact with nature, society, and themselves, calling for a shift from a dynamic of growth and exploitation to one of resonance—emphasizing attunement, responsiveness, and a less aggressive, more relational way of being in the world.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The event is praised for its global nature and the importance of the Yena Declaration in addressing sustainability and environmental issues.
• 🔄 The speaker emphasizes that mere technological advancements and increased awareness aren't enough; a fundamental revolution in our way of living is necessary.
• 💥 The current dominant mode of living is described as a mode of aggression, which extends to how we relate to nature, society, and ourselves.
• 🌱 There is an aggressive relationship with nature, seen in extractive industries and pollution, which harms the environment.
• ⚔️ Social aggression is increasing, seen in political polarization and conflict between groups with differing opinions.
• 🧠 Personal aggression is reflected in rising stress, burnout, and anxiety as people strive to constantly improve and optimize themselves.
• 📈 The speaker criticizes modern society's obsession with growth, innovation, and acceleration, which perpetuates this aggressive mode of existence.
• 📚 The idea of development is based on expanding what is accessible and attainable, which the speaker believes is a flawed conception of a 'good life.'
• 🎶 A more sustainable, resonant way of living is suggested, where we focus on being responsive and attuned to the world and each other, rather than aggressive and extractive.
• 🌟 The speaker calls for innovative institutions and cultural ideas that foster resonance over aggression, with a strong emphasis on education and non-Western cultural resources.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the speech?

The speaker congratulates organizers of the event and discusses the need for a fundamental shift in how humanity relates to the world, emphasizing the need for a revolution in the mode of existence rather than just incremental changes in technology or awareness.

What does the speaker mean by a 'mode of aggression'?

The 'mode of aggression' refers to how humans relate to the world, characterized by exploitation, competition, and conflict. This is seen in our relationship with the environment, between nations, and even within ourselves, leading to environmental destruction, social division, and personal stress.

What are the three dimensions of aggression mentioned?

The three dimensions of aggression are environmental (exploitation of nature), social (conflict between nations and people), and personal (burnout, stress, and auto-aggression).

Why does the speaker believe that improvements in technology or education are not enough?

The speaker argues that simply improving technology or raising awareness isn't sufficient because the underlying mode of living—based on exploitation and aggression—remains unchanged. A deeper transformation in how we relate to the world is necessary.

What is the 'mode of dynamic stabilization' the speaker refers to?

The 'mode of dynamic stabilization' refers to the constant need for growth, acceleration, and innovation in modern societies, particularly in capitalist systems. This mode creates an institutionalized form of aggression, as societies must continuously pursue growth to maintain their current state.

How does the speaker relate the current economic system to the mode of aggression?

The speaker believes that the capitalist economic system, with its focus on perpetual growth, innovation, and acceleration, reinforces a mode of aggression toward the environment, other nations, and individuals. This system forces constant competition and optimization, which contributes to global and personal stress.

What is the 'Triple A conception of the good life' that the speaker mentions?

The 'Triple A conception of the good life' refers to the idea that well-being and development are defined by expanding what is available, accessible, and attainable—whether through economic growth, technology, or other means. This conception emphasizes pushing the boundaries of what humans can do and know.

What alternative to the 'mode of aggression' does the speaker propose?

The speaker proposes an alternative mode of relating to the world, which they call 'resonance.' Resonance involves a responsive, attuned relationship with the world, where humans are affected by and respond to their environment and each other in a way that fosters mutual transformation.

How does the concept of 'resonance' differ from uniformity or sameness?

Resonance does not imply that everyone has the same thoughts or experiences. Instead, it is about being responsive and attuned to differences, allowing for varied responses and mutual influence, which leads to personal and collective transformation.

What role does the speaker see for education in this transformation?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of education in fostering a shift from aggression to resonance. Education can cultivate new ways of relating to the world and to each other, promoting cultural resources that support a more attuned and less aggressive way of living.