STEPHEN JENKINSON on Ancestry and Misanthropy /41
December 8, 2016
Photo by Aravind Krishnaswarmi
Stephen Jenkinson
As we throw off the mental shackles of the dominant culture and seek sanity and meaning amid the fragments of heritage and conquest, we turn to Stephen Jenkinson for guidance.
Stephen and Ayana discuss the deep-seated issues of self-hatred, self-glorification, and the disconnection from ancestry in modern society. He emphasizes the importance of confronting these issues to foster genuine sorrow and connection. Jenkinson critiques the notion of self-absorption and the misanthropy that stems from it, advocating for a more contemplative approach to ancestry and identity. He highlights the need for remembrance and the significance of one's manner of dying as a gift to future generations. The conversation touches on the historical and cultural roots of these issues, suggesting that a return to a more communal and ancestral understanding is crucial for personal and societal healing.
Stephen Jenkinson is an activist, teacher, author, and farmer. His book Die Wise recently received the Nautilus Book Award. He has a masters degree in theology from Harvard University and a masters degree in social work from the University of Toronto. Formerly a program director at a major Canadian hospital and medical-school assistant professor, Jenkinson is now a sought-after workshop leader, speaker, and consultant to palliative care and hospice organizations. He is the founder of the Orphan Wisdom School in Canada and the subject of the documentary film Griefwalker.
♫ Music includes "Mosquito" by The Next, "Tristana" by Nils Frahm and "Cremation" by Lou Reed.
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