Robert Moor on Rethinking Environmentalism, Tree by Tree
Nonfiction writer Robert Moor joins co-hosts Christian Barter and Jennifer Maritza McCauley to talk about his new book, In Trees, and the power of “tree thinking,” a concept developed by the evolutionary biologist Robert J. O’Hara. Moor explains how this
Robert Moor, author of "In Trees," discusses the concept of "tree thinking" and its influence on environmentalism and literature with co-hosts Christian Barter and Jennifer Maritza McCauley. Moor explains that tree thinking emphasizes branching, growth, and pruning, contrasting with the more hierarchical approach. He uses the example of William Wordsworth and Leo Tolstoy to illustrate how these principles manifest in the lives and works of writers.
Moor recounts a personal experience when he attempted to climb a tree near his home, only to feel a sense of vertigo and a newfound caution. He attributes this change to the pruned neural connections that occur as we age, causing us to become more narrow in our thinking and actions. He argues that resisting this narrowing is crucial for maintaining flexibility and creativity.
The author explores the role of giant sequoias in shaping modern conservatism and shares his own experiences tree sitting with activists protesting an oil pipeline. He discusses the ethics of climate activism and how adopting tree thinking can lead to a reimagining of the environmental movement for the future.
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