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In this episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' Andrea talks with environmental philosopher and public intellectual Rupert Read. They delve into Read's realization that 'this civilization is finished,' his engagement with Wittgenstein's philosophy, his subsequent involvement with Extinction Rebellion, how he has come to understand crisis as inflections of love, and the work of the Climate Majority Project. The conversation explores themes of crisis, consciousness, intergenerational solidarity, and the liberating power of love and truth in the face of existential challenges. Read shares insights from his academic and activist career, emphasizing the importance of inner work, eco-spirituality, and the collective struggle for a better future.

00:00 A Shocking Revelation
00:20 Philosophy and Freedom
01:02 Wittgenstein's Wonderful Life
01:20 Embracing Difficult Emotions
02:29 Introduction to the Interview
02:33 Rupert Reed's Background
04:21 Philosophy as Therapy
05:06 Love as Action
07:51 Rupert Reed's Crisis
09:50 Philosophy and Personal Crisis
11:33 Wittgenstein's Liberatory Philosophy
23:28 Spiritual Practices and Eco-Spirituality
37:05 Climate Courage Campaign
39:16 The Importance of Truth
44:07 The Path to Truthfulness
44:55 The Revelation: Civilization is Finished
46:49 Engaging with Students and Public Reaction
47:54 Joining Extinction Rebellion
48:50 The Challenge of Facing Hard Realities
51:18 The Importance of Paradox and Love
55:21 The Role of Anxiety and Dreams
57:48 Extinction Rebellion's Evolution
01:01:49 The Climate Majority Project
01:10:51 Intergenerational Solidarity and Responsibility
01:17:24 Embracing Difficult Emotions
01:22:50 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Action

Links to what we discuss: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/D/bo27178077.html
https://rupertread.net/audio-video/2019/rupert-read-on-politics-live/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5oAr9q277g
https://aeon.co/essays/is-civil-disobedience-a-moral-obligation-in-a-time-of-climate-crisis
https://medium.com/@GreenRupertRead/love-in-the-time-of-corona-e3a502619155

https://www.newstatesman.com/environment/2025/02/its-time-for-climate-populism

https://dark-mountain.net/the-deluge/

https://www.parentsforafuture.org/

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Therapy and Liberation in Times of Crisis with Rupert Read

Love & Philosophy