Talking About Trees

by Richard Levins

Talking About Trees ranges widely, from personal narratives to theoretical discussions on the need for the precautionary principle in science. Levins offers a strong critique of the industrial-commercial pathway to development; in its place he promotes an alternative development pathway that emphasizes economic viability with equity, ecological and social sustainability and empowerment of the dispossessed.

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Pfairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, revolutionary, inspiring

[Simon B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My thesis is that each kind of society develops its own relations with nature, and that an ecological pathway of development is at least latent in socialist development., co-equal with equity and participation. Despite all the zigzags, vacillations and disputes, it emerges as an increasingly central characteristic. And this is imperative, for socialism cannot succeed without committing to an ecological pathway. Indeed, the failure of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe to do so was one symptom of the disintegration of the European socialist project."

A perceptive and invigorating Marxist essay collection. Some of these essays also appear in Biology Under the Influence: Dialectical Essays on Ecology, Agriculture, and Health but it was a joy to reread them. Fascinating insights on science as philosophy and science as social practice, especially concerning agriculture, ecology and epidemiology (the last of which should be far more widely known given the Covid pandemic).

[Nishant]

This book is a less sophisticated and short presentation of Levins's ideas and his life-long engagement with scientific research. Large part of the book is autobiographical commentary on varied topics such as philosophy of science, scientific method, use of mathematics, evolutionary biology and the agro-ecological innovations in Cuba. If one finds 'The Dialectical Biologist' a difficult text (may be because of its 'academic' feel), 'Talking About Trees' would provide an easier approach to accustom with Levins's style and to get a clearer understanding of his ideas. Editing could be better.