Plastics ♹
Complexity and culture.
#7 - The dystopia of abundance
Abundance is trendy these days. Now it's being hijacked by AI proponents to sell us on a utopian vision for the future. Note: Apologies for the less-than-ideal recording quality. We moved and are in the process of setting up a new studio.
#6 - Terrarium World
Stephen discusses the terrariumization of the modern world and explores the possibility of living a meaningful life detached from our natural environment.
#5 - Energy
Stephen responds to an essay by Marc Andreessen, to his belief that "energy is life", and to the idea that the more we have of it, the better off we are.
#4 - The Ash Tree
Stephen discusses complex ecosystems, and the challenges involved in maintaining and advocating for them.
#3 - Vanilla Extract
Stephen discusses the link between the products and activities we enjoy and the stories that give them meaning.
#2 - Snow Removal
Stephen discusses Montreal's snow removal program, and the ethical and cultural implications of radical environmental modification.
#1 - Plastics, and the Cult of Progress
Stephen kicks off a new chapter for Plastics by revisiting an old one.