Exploring the Meaning of "Radically Practical" and the Great Simplification

COURAGE TO EXPLORE - Laura Van Wijngaarden - Midjourney

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I find it essential to delve into the meaning of "Radically Practical," the moniker of this newsletter, and elucidate its significance to my readers. While the term has always struck me as a provocative paradox that demands contemplation, it's only now, in crafting this essay, that I truly grasp its profound implications. Why did I opt for this title among the myriad of possibilities? Primarily, because it evokes a sense of urgency in confronting our global predicaments, from climate crisis to economic instability. The term suggests the imperative for swift action, as our failure to address these issues could lead to dire consequences, even our species' extinction.

This newsletter's tagline states, "when the bio-psycho-social-systemic pressures become great enough, what was once considered radical becomes practical." This encapsulates how our worldview can swiftly evolve when confronted with new knowledge and challenges that render old paradigms obsolete. We've witnessed such radical shifts before, from accepting the Earth's position in the universe (Copernican Revolution¹) to adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic (The Great Pause²). Similarly, we're on the brink of a paradigm shift in our socio-economic framework, compelled by the realization that our current systems are unsustainable. When severe life conditions demand it, we become open to previously radical ideas, recognizing the imperative to evolve or face the consequences.

I argue that we have been doing the same things over and over again for many millennium, expecting different results, which is Einstein’s definition of insanity. It is becoming more self-evident every year that we need radical change, but are not doing so because we are not thinking radically enough.  Here I am using the more common definition of the word “radical”, which in politics, is someone who demands substantial or extreme changes in the existing system. In more everyday language, a "radical" is someone who has very extreme views. I don’t consider my views to be extreme, but rather practical, as demanded by our life circumstances, urging us to adopt a bold and transformative approach.

Radical Acceptance - There are No Non-Radical Futures

I’m reminded of a recent podcast by Nate Hagens, in which he declares a list of 17 things that he is 100% certain about, or about as certain as any human can be. For thing number 7 he states, “I am 100% certain that our global macro situation is such that we are so far from equilibrium that there are no longer any non-radical, non-disruptive pathways back to equilibrium.”³

Kevin Anderson, who is professor of Energy and Climate Change at the University of Manchester, had this to say as the main speaker at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023: “There are now no non-radical futures. The choice is between immediate and profound social change or waiting a little longer for chaotic and violent social change. In 2023 the window for this choice is rapidly closing.” ⁴

These statements convey a profound sense of urgency and underscore the magnitude of change required. They illuminate the essence of the term "radical" in its urgency and necessity for transformative action.

Radical as Root Cause

Before delving into the practical implications of the seemingly paradoxical notion of "radically practical," let's delve into an alternative understanding of the term "radical." The term finds its origins in the Latin adjective rādicālis, which pertains to "of or pertaining to a root." Its Latin precursor, radix, translates to "root." In its earliest contexts, "radical" denoted both literal and metaphorical roots. Given that roots constitute the deepest aspects of a plant, "radical" evolved to denote matters that are fundamental or indispensable. For instance, when used in phrases like "radical reform" or "radical change," the term signifies a transformation at the core or essence of something.⁵

This underscores what I consistently emphasize: the imperative to tackle the underlying systemic issues, rather than merely treating the symptoms, of our global meta-crises. Climate change, deforestation, species extinction, ocean acidification, income inequality, water shortages, poverty, and a myriad of other challenges are all symptomatic of our socio-economic system. Greed, excessive consumption, and the pursuit of infinite growth on a planet with finite resources, as well as political corruption, polarization, fascism, and warfare, all trace back to the same root cause: our socio-economic structures of capitalism, monetary exchange, markets and property ownership. While I'm cautious about adopting absolutist or dogmatic viewpoints, I can echo Nate Hagens' level of conviction in stating that, when it comes to these fundamental root causes, I am as certain as any human can be.

Daniel Schmactenberger, whom I consider one of the most profound contemporary thinkers, also adopts a radical stance of conviction. Speaking at a recent Global Impact Tech Alliance conference, he asserted, “The long term solution, if humanity is to keep existing, it will not have a thing called money and capital. It intrinsically has power asymmetries built in; it is an intrinsic f*cked technology. It is not in itself benign. If those concepts don’t go, I bet everything that I know that humanity goes extinct. Money as a system has to go.”⁶

Practicality and Embracing Simplicity

Now, let's delve into the practical aspect of the paradox and how I believe "radical practicality" can illuminate a path towards a grand yet simpler future. Nate Hagens aptly titled his enlightening podcast "The Great Simplification"⁷, envisioning a future human existence characterized by reduced complexity, fewer resources, and less energy consumption. Essentially, it foresees a world of increased scarcity and simplified living. However, both Hagens and I share the conviction that amidst material scarcity, there lies an opportunity for mental and spiritual abundance—a shift from a focus on material possessions to a richness of inner fulfillment.

In the midst of the Great Simplification, many individuals have the potential to experience more, not less, mental and spiritual wealth, leading to a fulfilling life. This regenerative transition, or “regenaissance”, involves discovering simpler ways of existence that are deeply rooted in nourishing our souls and fulfilling our basic needs. It entails reconnecting with the land, nurturing the plants and animals that sustain us, finding solace in and alignment with nature, and prioritizing practical, real-world aspects over mere theoretical and philosophical musings or human constructs. We rid ourselves of intermediated symbolic representations of actual reality (money and debt), once we open up to and accept the radically practical ways forward. 

As we confront the radical root causes of our challenges and embrace the impending Great Simplification with a balanced blend of realism, openness and optimism, we paradoxically unearth a simplicity—a radical simplicity, if you will—on the other side of complexity. In this space, elegant solutions emerge—simple in their essence yet not necessarily easy. It's a shift towards taking action that addresses the core issues, rather than merely applying temporary fixes to surface-level symptoms.

Amidst the daunting array of meta-crisis challenges we face, coupled with unprecedented technological advancements and potential for radical resource sharing, there arises a profound call for radical practicality. This call extends beyond mere survival; it beckons us to engage in actions that foster collective human thriving. It's a summons to navigate the complexities of our world with a pragmatic yet radical approach, aiming not just to endure, but to flourish together.

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Footnotes:

1. The Next Copernican rEvolution Book One

2. The Great Pause

3. Nate Hagens Podcast - The 17 Things I Am 100% Certain About | Frankly #60

4. “Cabal of Oil Producers”: Climate Scientist Kevin Anderson Slams Corporate Capture of COP28

5. Google Generative AI Search for “radical definition root”

6. DANIEL SCHMACHTENBERGER FULL | GITA MASTER SERIES

7. The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens