The Listening Hive

In the first episode of 'The Listening Hive,' beekeeper and writer Mike Chitty explores the myth of greed as a driver for societal prosperity. Drawing insights from his experience with beekeeping and the early 18th-century text 'The Fable of the Bees' by Bernard Mandeville, Mike challenges the notion that private vices lead to public benefits. He contrasts this with an ethic of care, emphasising attentiveness and responsibility. Mike shares his own fable—'The Fable of the City'—where humans, inspired by bees, shift from ambition-driven destruction to living in harmony and gratitude. The episode calls for a new story where care and interdependence take center stage.00:00 Introduction to The Listening Hive00:53 The Beginning of Beekeeping01:44 The Fable of the Bees02:30 The Logic of Greed04:08 The Ethic of Care05:09 A New Fable: The City and the Bees06:28 A New Story is Stirring07:04 Conclusion and Call to Action Get full access to Fresh Thinking at freshthinking.substack.com/subscribe