#50: Love and Liberation in Times of Crisis with philosopher Rupert Read (and Wittgenstein)

Send a love messageSupport the showIn this episode, which was recorded in the autumn of 2024, Andrea Hiott 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 (especially the book he edited with Alice Crary), his subsequent involvement with Extinction Rebellion, how he has come to understand crisis as inflections of love, and the 'moving forward' 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 Revelation00:20 Philosophy and Freedom01:02 Wittgenstein's Wonderful Life01:20 Embracing Difficult Emotions02:29 Introduction to the Interview02:33 Rupert Reed's Background04:21 Philosophy as Therapy05:06 Love as Action07:51 Rupert Reed's Crisis09:50 Philosophy and Personal Crisis11:33 Wittgenstein's Liberatory Philosophy23:28 Spiritual Practices and Eco-Spirituality37:05 Climate Courage Campaign39:16 The Importance of Truth44:07 The Path to Truthfulness44:55 The Revelation: Civilization is Finished46:49 Engaging with Students and Public Reaction47:54 Joining Extinction Rebellion48:50 The Challenge of Facing Hard Realities51:18 The Importance of Paradox and Love55:21 The Role of Anxiety and Dreams57:48 Extinction Rebellion's Evolution01:01:49 The Climate Majority Project01:10:51 Intergenerational Solidarity and Responsibility01:17:24 Embracing Difficult Emotions01:22:50 Final Thoughts and Invitation to ActionLinks to what we discuss:New Wittgenstein book with Alice CraryCora DiamondCivil DisobedienceLove in the time of CoronaNew Statesmen ArticleJoanna MacyFoucault Rupert on Politics Livehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5oAr9q277g https://dark-mountain.net/the-deluge/https://www.parentsforafuture.org/ Thrutopia https://youtu.be/b1trbea-BkU?si=YlhO13yioc6jTekOFull intro and notes here.Care is not the opposite of love. It is the very urge of life. 'Caring for what?' is the primary question. That we have a choice about what we care for and how is what makes us human, but it's quite the challenge and responsibility. Let's help one another handle it.Support the showBuy Holding Paradox: The Navigational Approach to Mind and Consciousness by Andrea HiottSign up for Making Ways newsletter and projects.Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.