新游牧者之歌：遷移革命如何讓世界變得更美好

by Félix Marquardt, 菲利克斯‧馬夸特, 張毓如 (Translator)

遷移已成為西方世界乃至其他世界的熱門話題。本書記述了年輕新游牧族打動人心又充滿希望的軌跡，展示了各地的人們如何四處尋找機會。愈來愈多人從過去被認為是全球核心的國家遷移到外圍國家，或者從外圍國家的一處遷移到另一處。這些人類遷移流動正在發生革命性變化，並預示著全球化故事的新篇章。

自古以來，所有人心中都會懷抱著不安分的游牧衝動，你我都是遷移和移居外地的產物。遷移也是為了找到一個家，人們一直在世界各地流動，未來理應也會如此。

但現今對移民的恐懼和詆毀加深了英國脫歐危機、川普當選以及世界各地民粹主義者和民族主義者的崛起。「移民」一詞經常讓人聯想到「一大群」難民逃離他們的出生國，以逃避幫派、戰爭、飢荒或貧困，並前來入侵「我們的國家」。

我們錯得離譜。本書從遷移的視角，關注正向經驗，開啟充滿希望的另一扇窗。

移民和新游牧族群遠非別人所說的問題、肇事者或受害者，而是編織出既有本土性、又有全球意識的新倫理的代言人。
　　
對於人類來說，遷移一直以來都是教育、解放和賦權最有效的手段。現在該是重新發現其優點的時候。本書夾雜著報導文體，又像是宣示，既是新的全球倫理誕生的編年史，也邀請讀者加入正在進行的遷移革命。

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Economics, Audiobook, Travel, Cultural

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[anchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more about this book, but it’s like a collection of stories about new nomads from different backgrounds. Many viewpoints shared in this book are still relatively from the “elites,” because there are no stories telling you a nomad moves to another country/ city and fails to sustain one’s life. As a nomad, I’d say this book still tells the glorious parts of nomad life, despite the downsides behind. Additionally, if you’re expecting stories from a greater picture, ie a large sample group, this is not what the book is about.

[Chio Valderrábano · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more of this book, in regards of the cases to be presented. But what I found in the first chapters was to some extend a very white view on “why migrating by choice is god and why people should do it more often”.
The critics to digital nomadism and the intersection between travelling and climate change should have been the core of this book rather than something mentioned in just two chapters. Especially if the book aims to touch the benefits of migrations flows and the networks created behind them.
Yet, the book points interesting statements of positive feedback that migrants get from the choice to move, but missed to stress more on the positive results communities received in exchange to the warm welcome of the “new nomads”.

[Conor Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute trash. A psudeo-liberal, conference-room-corporate, parade of poorly fleshed out stories, many featuring people being exploited and learning to exploit others in turn. Seemingly written to appease a select group of corporate executives, who doubt the work ethic of the immigrants and refugees they're currently exploiting.

On top of this, it is written like hyperbolic Mark Manson-esque self help. I picked this up expecting something akin to Vox journalism on this very interesting and human topic, and was disappointed to find that the book read like corporate marketing material from front to back. The author views almost all relationships through a monetary lense, and this vastly reduces the effect of the positive cultural collaborative message that I thought would lie at it's emotional centre.

At least the author realised he should stop flying so much because of its environmental impact.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique take on migration and third culture people

Felix Marquardt avoids the usual tropes when talking about migration and immigration. His thinking and writing is personable and insightful, informed by a great amount of travelling and a deep insight into people like me - third culture people. Even the way he talks about us - him being one of us - takes into account that where we grew up is not where we were born, and not where our parents are born or how we speak our English. He is honest enough to question both sides of the cultural and political abyss, and courageous enough to weave in his own story of recovery from addiction, into the fabric of the book.
This is a book borne of insight, pain, and observation - the three things that mark a memorable, honest book.

[Oumeima Hammami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential but was rather disappointing. A collection of random “positive” stories about immigrants that fail to unveil the reality most immigrants face. It’s funny that almost every single refugee in this book turned out to be a successful entrepreneur. What about those who are marginalised by society, those who are leading simpler lives, those who fail to accomplish some bright and big goals when they move abroad, or simply decide not to. These people are not worthy enough to be mentioned in this book. The author has criticised Davos and similar exclusive gatherings but has fallen into the same trap.

[Erin Carder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read. Felix Marquardt offered many ideas surrounding the reinvention of Nomadism. He offered new perspectives on current affairs, however he offered very little solutions. The state of affairs is muddled when it comes to migration, the key, according to this book, is to understand both sides of the story. At times in this book I felt a little bored with stories beginning to feel repetitive, however overall I enjoyed this book.

[Paulina · Rating 2 out of 5]

No revelalation here, waste of time for me

[LorenzoFrijters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and necessary book that highlights the positive aspects of migration (both for the migrant themselves and wider societies). However the author lessens the value of his opinions on migration by only looking at one side of the story.

[Aria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good topic, but failed to keep my interest. Audiobook narrator dull as anything.

[Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

promised so much but delivered so little. the final 3 chapters are 1) what this should have been about and 2) clearly written with no self awareness of what he has written before. also he alludes to all these problems of people and the world etc, but fails to make any connection. let's hope this guy learns about capitalism one day

[Brittany B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me in so many ways as a Nomad myself. It explained everything I fail to explain to my family (they don't understand why I moved in the first place). I wanted to highlight so many quotes and use them in arguements. Well done.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helps to broaden the reader's understanding of what migration entails, how it was an integral feature of all our ancestors lives and indeed how it is still a lifechanging experience for those who migrate. It helps to demonstrate the benefits of being a migrant and how these benefits are being accrued during migrations in all directions across the globe. The author takes aim at the 'digital nomad' seeing their lifestyle as antithetical to the true meaning of nomadism: that being a nomad involves not only movement, but also embedding oneself in new surroundings in a responsible way. There are stories of many different emigrants and these are nicely woven into the main thesis of the book. Overall, the author is hugely positive about the potential benefits of leaving the comfort of your own home and venturing into the unknown, regardless of whether you were forced to leave or left of your own choice.

The author mentions belonging to a particular religion and working for its reform. He is obviously aware of the situation in Europe in recent years with immigrants of the same religion being blamed for anti-social behaviour in their adopted countries. He lays the blame on a lack of economic opportunity and isolation. However, I would've liked a more nuanced argument in this case; one that acknowledges the potential for a person's strong religious beliefs clashing with the beliefs of their new country. But I suppose that would be a whole other book in itself.

Overall, if you've lived abroad, are thinking of doing so or are interested in why people move and the benefits of doing so, this is a nice read.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong Claims Need Strong Evidence, But I Read The Audible. This is another book that has a lot of strong claims that thus requires an extensive bibliography to back up to make truly solid - but I read the Audible version of this book, where such bibliographies are not available due to the nature of the format. Beyond that issue though, the book is an interesting use of mostly case studies, and yes, largely cherry picked, successful, ones showing how nomadism (pre-COVID forced so-called "digital nomadism", which the author decries in later chapters) can be good for individuals and cultures - while acknowledging that, at least for those who believe in human-caused climate change, the harm done to the environment may well outweigh the benefit to individuals and cultures. Indeed, cries of "elitism" in some reviews ring hollow here, as while Marquardt does in fact come from an elitist position, he openly acknowledges that he could in fact be completely wrong about all of this, that the entire idea presented here is largely based on his own observations through his own rather unique upbringing and adult life that he has then pieced together an effort at a modicum of journalism to explain. Overall, an interesting tale that can add to the overall conversation. Recommended.

[Hannah Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an engaging and relatively accessible read. I particularly appreciated Marquardt's self-awareness regarding his own privileges, which he consistently acknowledges and reflects upon throughout the piece. That said, the migration stories he includes are also marked by a degree of privilege. Understandably, suppose these individuals are people he has encountered throughout his life. In that case, it makes sense that they may share similar circumstances—after all, to meet Marquardt one would likely need to be geographically or socially aligned with him in some way.

As a result, the selected narratives may not fully capture the breadth or depth of the hardships that often accompany migration. While I agree with the central premise that migration can be a positive force, it is important to recognise that the experience is not always universally positive, neither for the migrants themselves nor for the communities they join.

Nonetheless, the book’s personable tone and Marquardt's openness about how his perspectives have evolved prompted me to reflect on my tendencies toward Othering, particularly of those with differing political views. Overall, a thought-provoking and approachable read that I would certainly recommend.

[Alexander Bancroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author comes across as quite pretentious in the early chapters but I respect his focus on uniting people with differing view points; and I think this his assessment of our generations abuse and obsession of travel with relation to carbon emissions. Lots of lines that make you think, that one flight to Rome is more in CO2 emissions than one person living in Madagascar will emit in a year, but the line I take away is that you learn the most from those that disagree with you. Hopefully more people from either end of the political spectrum will make the effort.

[Kalle Wescott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read /The New Nomads: How the Migration Revolution is Making the World a Better Place/, by Felix Marquardt:

https://thenewnomads.org/

The thesis is that the world is better when we all travel and are more integrated, and that we all benefit from the experiences of travel.

The book has lots of stories of people and their families leaving their homes and traveling to other countries.

I was expecting something deeper or something that tied it all together.

[Sara Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

我不會說這本書極富知識性，因為正如其名，他只說了一個為何移民能使世界變得更美好的故事，即使作者點出人口移動或是難民本身都不一定如刻板印象所想像的那般，容易帶來混亂、資源競爭等等，但讓人們接受比較美好的一面存在，也不代表另一面不存在。
即便如此，作為一個原本沒有預設期待要讀到什麼內容的人來說，我還滿喜歡這本書的。僅僅將這本書定位在「為何遊牧可能可以讓人變得更好」，而作為一本心靈啟發的書籍，讓我重新思考自己對於旅行的詮釋、對於北漂的理解，或許沒有待在家鄉的舒適圈，能帶來超越我既有認知的成長。
特別喜歡書裡面所說的：「離開使我們看得更廣，有所成長，並得以用更關鍵的角度看待自己、看待更廣泛的人類軌跡和現代社會。但永不安定下來，對人、對動物、植物和構成地方文化的所有細節，就只能停留在膚淺的理解」，以及「讓他們與眾不同和成為蔑視或嘲笑目標的原因，很可能成為他們在海外的最大資產。⋯找到這些特質區別了每個人的不同，努力將其變得有趣並吸引人⋯定位自己的方式將決定自己在當地人眼中的樣子。這不是重寫過去或撒謊，而是努力增進自己的優點並加以強調」。

應該是4.3顆星左右，四捨五入。

[Mariia Zaiets · Rating 2 out of 5]

As many have already noted, this book may have had a great potential, however, it should have been a long-read article instead.

A collection of nice but rather random stories to illustrate the author’s specific worldview did not make it a solid work. Putting it on the shelf, I cannot get rid of the feeling that I’ve scratched a tiny bit of surface of the very wide and deep topic. In a nutshell, it’s a disappointment.

[Babis Kokovidis · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Shouting from my corner: TOO LIBERAL!)

Everything is about perspective, right?

So, if you are a person who wants to travel and especially start something new in a another country or even better if you are a person who is already doing that, then it is one of the best self-help, proud-guilt books you can read.

If one the other hand you want to gain actual knowledge then I would recommend to watch a National Geographic documentary.

[Yara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells you about the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and appreciating the beauty of diversity and different cultures. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the various examples of stories from different people and how Marquardt incorporated their narratives and points of view. Although I believe it may be far from reality and that many nomads are suffering worldwide, the book still gives hope that nothing is impossible

[Elena Claydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m surprised this book is as hit or miss as it seems in the comments. I resonated a lot with the author’s point of view and I enjoyed reading the many anecdotes of different people’s migrations. Some of the messages may at times seem obvious, but I think in a world that feels as divided as it does now, it has a unifying and hopeful message, ultimately encouraging people to try and find the common humanity in everyone.

[Elke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful positive stories
Talking, listening to people with a different opinion IS key!
Somehow felt too good to be true, not what reality is like for most refugees
New nomads does sound like a positive story
Refugees stories are more complicated I reckon

[Jolene Unland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking

Good overview of “why” of nomads.

I thought the author spent a lot of time talking about the environmental impact of travel while leaving out the leading cause of human environmental impact - too many children in affluent societies.

[Tony WANG · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers some case studies about immigrations from countries to countries in the first half of the book. It then delved heavily on the social-political-economic aspect of refugees as the main theme in the latter half of the book. Totally not what I was expected but I gave it a shot nonetheless. 3/5.

[Fabian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Naive at best, idealistic and delusional.

Just because something has a precedent in History does not make it good per se.

Author is completely misguided.

[Felix Natusch · Rating 2 out of 5]

4

[siosi]

dnf due to obnoxious man-splaining

[Arjun]

Bookmark...
Chapter 2

[Kurt Scillitoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t have the energy to explain why this book sucks but suck it does.

[Alexia · Rating 1 out of 5]

absolute trash. Cant believe this thing is going to have to sit on my bookshelf