https://depalan.podbean.com/
This is a new podcast (you will have to sign in) wherein I will be discussing, mostly elaborating, contemporary nonfiction books. In the recent
times things are changing quite rapidly and with new insights adding to available understanding
at breakneck speed. These also have significant impact on future whether AI,
quantum computing or biotechnology. Meanwhile there are issues related to climate crisis and evolving parameters, challenges to biodiversity, social
media and impact on authenticity (not that mainstream had any say on authenticity,
just that the muddle has spread), challenges for democracy and liberty by constantly
morphing regressive systems, so on. So, I will be discussing books that
presents something interesting. Choosing a book is quite an arduous
task since the time spent to read is valuable. Be aware of contemporary
challenges and then go for books that are incisive or else follow some brilliant
people across the world and checkout their reading list. Avoid market, so-called
influencers, and nonsense that comes with it, as also challenges and angst of primitive
societies and people. You can easily avoid anything in the framework of fantasies
of religion as also market and crass entertainments. In short there should be no
time for concerns of herds, herd controllers, their tribulations, angst and
happiness. Understanding these pitiable contexts and threat they pose is a
frame for good book.
In this fast-changing world it has also become
quite difficult to spent time on fiction -it is indeed a luxury. Ofcourse youngsters
must read fiction (the best ones including the valued writers of last centuries) for insights on humanity and human nature so on, and yes don’t waste time on
spectacular versions of garbage that is churned out each day in the name of fiction. Anything that titillates
and doesn’t make you think or add to your understanding of life is really a
waste – a criminal misuse of time as also a degradation.
I am starting this podcast with
the book I happen to read last month An Immense World: How Animal Senses
Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us. Quite an interesting book with amazing knowledge
of the world we live in. It’s a book we should all buy. Also, this book gave quite a significant shift in understanding towards nature. Last many years I was a Naturalist (conducting
nature treks) wherein the constant endeavor was to learn about nature and
communicate. Then I was a Biomimic (taking sessions on Biomimicry) here it was
about what you can learn from nature. And now this book opens up new
understanding, indeed an evolution of sort for me, as to look at the world through
the eyes of nature -umwelt of different species. It’s a brilliant book.
