I'm wondering Elle, have you heard of Auroville? I think they were trying to achieve some sort of Utopia, and employed many of the themes you listed above... but haven't quite managed. Yet, anyway. Maybe it's a seed that will sprout when the biosphere finally falls apart... but I don't know. Humans seem to find some way to self-sabotage. Not that we should't try to be better of course - gutters and stars and what not....
Yes! Such a fascinating project. One of the things I'm cautious about there is that, like many utopian communities, it is focused around a set of spiritual beliefs, which can be challenging. But I like how they are focusing on aesthetic design!
... and ecology/environmental conservation! I find Biophilia and spirituality to be closely related and since anthropologically speaking humans seem to 'need' some version of the divine to organise themselves around - why not back to nature worship?! For a human Utopia (wilderness is already Utopia for all other species) I think there would be a need for of 'soul' centre., maybe Rachel Carson's "sense of wonder" would be enough. A sense that seems to be being methodically extracted out of human children for a while now... Perhaps Utopia exists in re-wilding ourselves :)
These are good points, our natural world is certainly a centering point. I was walking in the woods today and felt such peace and I could tell those I passed felt the same. I do think people are turning to nature for peace, the way others might turn to religion.
A bit late to the party, but here is my entry - https://buildinghope.substack.com/p/little-house Thanks for the inspiration, Elle. Enjoy!
I'm wondering Elle, have you heard of Auroville? I think they were trying to achieve some sort of Utopia, and employed many of the themes you listed above... but haven't quite managed. Yet, anyway. Maybe it's a seed that will sprout when the biosphere finally falls apart... but I don't know. Humans seem to find some way to self-sabotage. Not that we should't try to be better of course - gutters and stars and what not....
Yes! Such a fascinating project. One of the things I'm cautious about there is that, like many utopian communities, it is focused around a set of spiritual beliefs, which can be challenging. But I like how they are focusing on aesthetic design!
... and ecology/environmental conservation! I find Biophilia and spirituality to be closely related and since anthropologically speaking humans seem to 'need' some version of the divine to organise themselves around - why not back to nature worship?! For a human Utopia (wilderness is already Utopia for all other species) I think there would be a need for of 'soul' centre., maybe Rachel Carson's "sense of wonder" would be enough. A sense that seems to be being methodically extracted out of human children for a while now... Perhaps Utopia exists in re-wilding ourselves :)
These are good points, our natural world is certainly a centering point. I was walking in the woods today and felt such peace and I could tell those I passed felt the same. I do think people are turning to nature for peace, the way others might turn to religion.
This will be a good one. I’m excited for this.
Yay! Can't wait to read what you write!
Oh dang, that’s how it’s going down? Alright the challenge is on! It might take me longer than the month of July, but I will make the attempt anyway
Don't worry about time if that's a constraint. I want nothing more than to read yours!!!!!
Aw thanks 😭 I appreciate the vote of confidence!
Okay! You’re on!
I’m looking forward to reading your ecotopia, Julie!
Woohoo!!!!
This is so great!!! Reminds me of Claudia Befu's work on seeds. https://claudiabefu.substack.com/p/corn-science-fiction-and-the-future
Thank you so much for sharing!
Yay! I can't wait to read what you write!