In this conversation, Daniel Firth Griffith and Hadden Turner of Over The Field explores the themes of agrarianism, localism, and the challenges of dismantling the consumeristic system in the face of a climate emergency.

We cover topics such as the refuge of authenticity, the concept of the machine, the tension between industrialism and agrarianism, the challenge of time and scale, the delusion of modernity and consumerism, resilience in the face of a climate emergency, and the need for consumerism to die. The conversation highlights the importance of locally adapted farming practices and the role of individuals and communities in creating change, from the inside out.

The conversation explores the question of what we are trying to save in the face of the climate emergency. It delves into the importance of focusing on the local place and disentangling ourselves and our communities from the desire to be everything to everyone.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: YouTube Link!

Takeaways

• The machine refers to the mindset of totalizing efficiency and industrial farming, which is driven by the desire for mass production and consumption.
• Agrarian solutions are long-term and locally adapted, and they require a shift in human desires and a willingness to make sacrifices.
• Resilient local systems can be fostered by supporting local farmers, paying the full price for food, and living in a way that is adjacent to the consumeristic machine.
• Dismantling the consumeristic system is a complex challenge that requires a shift in societal values and a rejection of the delusion of modernity.
• While time is of the essence in addressing the climate emergency, agrarian solutions may not match the pace needed to avert the crisis, and it may be necessary to prepare for and adapt to a future of chaos and collapse. In the face of the climate emergency, it is important to question what we are trying to save.
• Focusing on the local and taking responsibility for our immediate surroundings is crucial.
• We need to disentangle ourselves from the desire to be everything to everyone.
• Personal introspection and change are necessary for addressing the challenges we face.
• Hope can be found in the local and the seeds of renewal.

Hadden's Substack: overthefield.substack.com
Daniel's Substack: danielfirthgriffith.substack.com
Daniel's Website for Courses: Website Link