Satish Kumar - 'Earth as Community'

by Anne Shapland

This is a short report by LUF member Anne Shapland on her experience of hearing Satish Kumar speak
at the Leeds Schumacher Lectures (September 2007)

The message was clear and concise:

• Earth is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects.  
• To view the earth as a resource for humanity is misguided.  
• It is a primary community.  
• We belong to the earth, not the earth to us.  
• We should be in a relationship with the world.

The outcome of feeling 'ownership' of the earth can lead to a 'managing' attitude; to capitalism, concern only with the economy, the overwhelming desire to make money, to 'own'.
Satish Kumar was very critical of the present passion for shopping, acquiring and owning.

• We should not exploit the world
• Ecology comes before economy.
• Ecology leads to knowledge, economy to management.

He talked of the immense value of enjoying the earth and its diversity, and of understanding the wisdom of the wilderness.   He talked of E.F. Schumacher's ideas, his book "Small is Beautiful"(1973) and the concept of nature having an optimum size.   Hierarchy can be a negative concept in looking at the earth and humanity.

Overall I found it a very moving and heartfelt talk, and though brief, it contained a strong message.