The ending felt somber in the realization that, there is really nothing we can do to save this planet. We’re living on borrowed time. The best we can do is help the next apex species realize the mistakes we’ve made so that they don’t repeat them. But maybe I’m just over here dooming. What are your thoughts?

  • JSocial@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    5·
    2 months ago

    I am actually getting ready to read it again. It’s been a year, so I only really remember that I enjoyed it. I’ll add a comment once I’ve completed it.

    • blindbunny@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
      3·
      2 months ago

      I enjoyed it as well. I started to really enjoy it after everyone gets tree names 🙂

  • aleph@lemm.eeEnglish
    5·
    2 months ago

    I haven’t finished it yet, but so far the fatalism seems to be balanced by the reminder that we are intrinsically linked to the natural world, and that it is never too late to seek solace in it.

    • blindbunny@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
      3·
      2 months ago

      That’s definitely the over arching theme. Idk individuals maybe communes could seek solace in it but the other thing that’s presented is being a labeled a terrorist against the state if you fight for humanity…

      • aleph@lemm.eeEnglish
        3·
        2 months ago

        Sure, because our current economic system creates governments and laws that protect private capital and short-term exploitation at the expense of the natural world.

        I do see hope in the book, though. Once you look beyond the human scale, it shows us that trees are always going to outlast us, no matter how hard we try to destroy our environment. The question is - can we learn from their patience and adaptability before we screw ourselves beyond the point of no return?

        • blindbunny@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
          2·
          2 months ago

          Thanks for that perspective. I truly hope we learn but I don’t have much hope. I think I firmly in Watchman’s camp.

          I do dearly love that the trees will outlast us 🙂🌲

    • blindbunny@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
      2·
      2 months ago

      Honestly I’m more of a cyberpunk escapist reader. But this book kinda feels like it may have changed that for me.

  • drhoopoe@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    31·
    2 months ago

    If you think that book is somber then you should read his Bewilderment. Totally fucking crushing from beginning to end.

    • blindbunny@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
      3·
      2 months ago

      Why does Mr. Powers want to hurt us 😭

      I’m gonna read Catch 22 again it’s been a decade so I’ve forgot about most of it. I just remembered it being fun.