By Gwyllm Llwydd

(libcom.org)

While the world seems to burn down, and everything is immersed in politics I have been trying to think of other things to keep my mind going.

I have thought quite a bit lately about how art and writing shape us as a people.

I recently restarted reading “The Dawn of Everything” and it is a slow read due to the copious notes but well worth it. It really is a masterpiece, and I tip my hat to David Graeber and David Wengrow for the effort they put into this wonderful book. (David Graeber died in 2020 just after publication) I recently asked David Wengrow if there was going to be follow-up volumes as noted in The Dawn of Everything. Professor Wengrow answered that he’s working on a second volume at this point. Great news, great news indeed.

Why am I on about this? Largely in part because of what seems to be mental stasis around the ideas of community, politics, empathy. The world is not formed by either or situations. Our own story is much, much more diverse than we have been told through the years. 99% of our species story is unknown on the main. We have been handed a bill of goods that tell one story, one story only that we are progressing. I would counter that. What we call Civilization is anything but. We can remedy it, but it will take growing and building community around (in spite of) the dead concepts that still hold so many enthralled. Capitalism versus Socialism/Communism is a great example of this. Why is there such lack of imagination around systems of governance, social equity, and economics?

I have to ask, who was the Bastard that came up with the idea rent? Seriously FFS.

I do suggest that if you want to shake up your belief system, renew your goals for the planet and the human race that you read “The Dawn of Everything.” Reading it as I did during the days of the early Pandemic brought me hope for a better future for our children, grandchildren and generations yet to come. We are not bound and tied to systems that wreak havoc. It can and will be undone. Whether by us, or by the planet. As Edward Abbey mused: “Nature Bats Last”.

The world needs new vision. We are seeing it emerge now on the streets, in the protest, in the writings outside of the established norm, in song, dance, and especially in community coming together.

With all of that said, I deeply suggest that you read this Substack:

Love Is Anarchist – by The Peaceful Revolutionary

It moved me to tears this morning, which as I age is not unusual. I cry for beauty; I cry for vision.

With Love,

G