Bruce Pascoe’s new book dares us to decolonise our minds – but moralising trumps nuance
The author of Dark Emu returns to agriculture in The European Mind, a collection of essays big on denunciation.
Bruce Pascoe, a renowned theorist of human civilisation, has released his new book titled "The European Mind: Colonialism, Capitalism, Christianity and how to recover". The book, published by Magabala Books, is a powerful critique of contemporary agriculture and its impact on the environment and human societies.
In his previous work, "Dark Emu", Pascoe argued that Aboriginal Australians practiced agriculture, a claim that challenged existing notions of Indigenous ignorance. In his new book, Pascoe continues his exploration of human history and food production, challenging the prevailing European mindset that has shaped our understanding of food and land use.
He maintains that the European mind, characterized by a belief in the centrality of capitalism, has imposed its agricultural practices on indigenous peoples, often disregarding their traditional methods.
Pascoe argues that the plough, a tool central to European agriculture, is not essential for productivity and that different botanical and geographic zones have developed various ways of managing land. He also asserts that the intensification of agriculture has led to the concentration of people in cities, the promotion of individualism, and the adoption of Christian values that prioritize procreation over sustainability.
Throughout the book, Pascoe employs a moralistic and political tone, urging readers to question the assumptions underlying contemporary agriculture and to seek alternative ways of living that respect both the Earth and human communities. His writing style is often denunciatory, highlighting the violence, deceit, and thoughtlessness that have characterized the colonial impulse, as well as the resulting harm to both people and the environment.
While Pascoe's work draws on the insights of various historians and anthropologists, it remains focused on the practical implications of adopting a different approach to food production. By questioning the foundations of the European mind, Pascoe aims to inspire a new way of understanding our relationship with the land and fostering a greater sense of belonging and responsibility for the future of our planet.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
