This podcast episode delves into the works of British writer Robert Macfarlane and the connection between landscape, thought, and writing. Macfarlane's books, including 'Underland - A Deep Time Journey' and 'The Old Ways,' explore the impact of landscapes on personal reflection and creative processes. The chapter emphasizes the idea that landscapes have the power to evoke unique thoughts and perspectives, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between individuals and the places they inhabit. Macfarlane's belief in the power of walking and exploration in generating ideas is also highlighted.
Anti-commonsence
1. The episode mentions the belief among a lineage of walker writers that thought is generated through movement rather than solely discovered at the end of a journey, which goes against the idea that thought is a product of contemplation and reflection.
2. The episode explores the connection between individuals and the landscapes they inhabit, suggesting that there is knowledge that can only be gained from being in a specific place. This might be seen as antithetical to the idea that knowledge can be obtained through various sources and experiences beyond physical location.
3. The podcast discusses the limitations of contemporary language in describing natural phenomena and the need for a new language that goes beyond capitalist or socialist frameworks. This might challenge the idea that existing language is sufficient for expressing and understanding the natural world.
4. The episode emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term consequences of human actions and the need for medium-term and long-term thinking. This may challenge the prevailing short-term thinking and immediate problem-solving approaches in many aspects of society.
