Mar 13-15, 2009
Hailed as the “philosopher poet” of the ecological movement, Derrick Jensen argues that industrial civilization, and the persistent and widespread violence it requires, cannot last. He weaves history, philosophy, psychology, environmentalism, economics, and literature into an intricate pattern of both hard truth and passionate resistance. The 2006 Press Action Award called Jensen’s book Endgame “the best work of nonfiction in 2006. Given the significance of its subject matter and the urgency of Jensen’s message, Endgame is the most important book of the decade and could stand as the must-read book of our lifetimes.”
In Derrick’s talks around the country, he repeatedly asks his audiences, “Does anyone think this culture will voluntarily transform to a sustainable way of living?” No one ever says yes. If we really accept the seriousness of the situation, what would that mean for our strategy and tactics? This is the urgent question we will be exploring over the weekend.
Derrick will offer a series of provocative premises, including “Civilization is killing the planet. We are living in a world that is being murdered,” and “Love does not imply pacifism.” From there, he will discuss organizing a resistance movement. Topics will include: bringing down civilization; bottlenecks and levers; security culture; liberalism vs radicalism; fighting future fascism; and preparing for the crash. Participants will be asked to imagine the necessary steps to end industrial civilization, and what role we can each play in making that happen. We all have unique gifts to bring to the task before us: stopping the destruction of our only home. “What I really want is for people to think for themselves, feel for themselves, ask the earth where they live ‘What must we do?’ and to act on the answers that emerge.”
Click if you would like to read an article we published in our newspaper The Center Post.
Derrick Jensen (www.derrickjensen.org) is an author, teacher, activist, small farmer, and a leading voice in uncompromising dissent and revolutionary spirit. He holds degrees in creative writing and mineral engineering physics. Besides Engame, he wrote A Language Older Than Words, Strangely Like War, Listening to the Land, and The Culture of Make Believe.
Lierre Keith (www.lierrekeith.com) is a radical feminist activist and author of The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice, and Sustainability, as well as two novels.
Aric McBay (www.inthewake.org) is a writer, activist, and small-scale organic farmer. His first book was Peak Oil Survival: Preparation for Life After Gridcrash. His second book, with Derrick Jensen, is titled What We Leave Behind and is forthcoming from Seven Stories Press. Derrick, Lierre and Aric are currently working together on a book about the serious political strategy that is necessary to save the planet.