Interview with William R. Catton, Jr.

[Rajiv]

Interview with William R. Catton, Jr.

This is an interview with William R. Catton, Jr., conducted on August 9, 2008 at his home near Tacoma, Washington, USA. Catton is the author of the seminal book, "Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change," published in 1980. In the interview he outlines the major themes of his book: stealing from the future, exuberant growth, takeover and drawdown, industrialization, carrying capacity deficit, the absence of real villains, the bane of advertising, humankind's true nature, ecological modesty, and the need for us to expect the worst. He also addresses the push to re-localize our economies, and outlines his current book project: "Humanity's Impending Impasse." He ends on a note of optimism, encouraging us to enjoy life despite the catastrophe he fears is coming

49 minutes

[reallife]

Re: Interview with William R. Catton, Jr.

I go back to this interview occasionally. I read Overshoot when it was published in 1980 and it has had a profound effect on my life. I recommend this interview as an accessible synopsis of his views. Views that are increasingly relevant and accepted, even by the mainstream, today.

[cjppjc]

Re: Interview with William R. Catton, Jr.

At 36:20 Mr Catton observes that "the human organism is still after all just an organism. The human organism is influenced by the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of it's environment." We are much more than just our minds.

[Prazak]

Re: Interview with William R. Catton, Jr.

Thanks for posting that, Rajiv.