This Myth About Human Nature Is Making Us Feel Anxious & Worthless (Oh, And Completely Wrecking Our Planet) 🎙️
In Our Nature podcast; Episode 4
Today we are poking at the slimy, damaging myth of Homo Economicus—the cold, self-interested, rational creature that modern economics says we all are.
This story has shaped our minds, relationships, structures, behaviours and planets (well, at least one so far: Earth, the best one) and has led to utter catastrophe, inside and out.
If:
- you’re tired of being told that selfishness is ’just human nature’ and
- you suspect it’s not your fault that you feel anxious, worthless, sh*tty and tired, and
- (crucially) you enjoy your podcast episodes with a faint backdrop of Aotearoa/ New Zealand bird song
….then this episode is for you.
🦜🦅🐦⬛🐦
Join me to explore:
- Quick recap of last episode and how it connects to this one
- The damaging myth of Homo Economicus - how, when and why it started (and who it serves)
- How this fictional story ended up shaping……um…everything, including you.
- Why do stories matter anyway?
- If we humans aren’t self-interested, calculating, rational, logical beings...well, what are we like?
- How this story specifically affects our mental and planetary health today
- What does Nature have to say about all this, and what 90's song reminds her of Homo Economicus?
Related:
Why You Never, Ever Feel Good Enough (Even Though You Are Somewhat Amazing) 🎙️
In Our Nature podcast; Episode 8 We’re poking our sticky fingers into the feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy that so many of us carry. Why do we think we’re not good enough? Where do these thoughts come from? Why are they so persistent and stick around, no matter
Siobhán Friel