In episode #10 we completed our review of Harari’s book, but there is still a little bit more to talk about. Throughout this podcast I have referred to re-training our desires and learning new methods of cooperating, but I haven’t discussed many details. In this wrap-up episode, we will consider what this training might look like. What kinds of groups might you join? What are the common pitfalls for these groups? We will finish by considering how this training might be the missing ingredient in our efforts to address climate change.

For comments and questions:  [email protected]
Transcript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/11-practice-makes-perfect-ec6b16d07095

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Having established that humanism is in decline, Harari addresses the question, ‘what new religions or ideologies might fill the resulting vacuum?’ Two religions that are already here and may step forward are Techno-Humanism and the Data Religion. We will discuss the likelihood of these technology-religions succeeding and also loop back to the concept of survival of the fittest. Will humanity really be more fit for survival within the earthly ecosystems if these religions do succeed? Does it even matter?

For comments and questions:  [email protected]
Transcript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/10-survival-of-the-fittest-6303e6950d42

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In chapter 9 of his book, Harari discusses the threats posed by Artificial Intelligence including (1) undermining our understanding of ourselves as individuals, (2) eliminating employment for the majority of humanity and (3) taking over the world and wiping out humans. We will discuss these risks as well as other existential risks faced by humanity such as the eruption of a super-volcano or invasion by an alien species. With all these risks facing us, where should we focus our attention?

For comments and questions:  [email protected]
Transcript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/9-the-risk-of-alien-invasion-5e1b1497ada8

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In chapter 7 of his book, Harari gives his fullest description of the Humanist religion. In modern society, humanity plays the role that God used to play in monotheism. This transition, started in Europe, lead to important changes in the way Ethics, Politics, Art, Economics and Education are approached. On the other hand, all forms of Humanism and Monotheism agree on some points such as murder and theft being wrong. Is it possible to find any solid ground behind these common conclusions? If Humanism loses its organizing power, like so many religions before it, can these common conclusions point to a possible future?

For comments and questions:  [email protected]
Transcript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/7-solid-ground-for-ethics-a8a6575123d7

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In chapter 6 of his book, Harari sums up our current predicament well. Modernity is a deal he tells us - humans give up meaning in exchange for power. This deal is fuelled by economic growth and the hope of endless future economic growth. The nemesis of this deal is ecological collapse including climate change. Is it rationale to put our hope for the future in continuing economic growth? If not, where can we find hope? Is it possible to find an enduring hope that energizes us to directly face our problems and overcome them?

For comments and questions:  [email protected]
Transcript: https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/6-hope-is-a-fuel-5d9d4cbbebca

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What is unique about Homo sapiens that enables them to dominate all the other animals? People often guess tool production or intelligence. But Harari explains that the real answer is that we are able to cooperate flexibly in a way that no other animal can. We cooperate using storytelling and ‘imagined orders’. In this episode we will review how these ‘imagined orders’ work and then ask the following questions: How did this unique ability arise? Is there a limit to this ability? If so, what happens when we reach that limit?  
Contact: [email protected]

https://brianpracticingforpeace.medium.com/3-what-happens-when-we-run-out-of-stories-88c81b6d4fca

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