Let out the humans
by Andy Wildman
I believe that humanity, the human animal, is a beautiful thing.
At heart, we are wonderful. Despite the horrifying damage our species has done to the Earth, to each other, to our fellow creatures. Which is truly, deeply un-wonderful. Unconscionable. A profound sorrow.
I wouldn't claim to be able to explain this strange contradiction. But I have learnt a few things about the phenomenon of culture and the power it creates for our species. And the power it has over us. And the way our cultures can either enhance life all around for ourselves and our gorgeous habitat, or lose it's health and become violent and dangerous.
Western cultures are not without their beauty. There is much to love. But many of us have come to realise that they have lost their fundamental humanity.
Even as we swim within their collective thought-patterns, invisible assumptions and narratives, we know we need something else. We are better than this. In our souls, in our collective conscience, in our private hearts.
Let out the humans is a journey within the joy of cultural sovereignty and cultural creativity. We can build better culture, slowly, from within. In solitude and in solidarity.
We are humans and we carry this potential within us, as a birthright and a bond between us.
Come journey with me.
Let Out the Humans offers short essays on the practice of cultural awareness and creative sovereignty. And how to use the freedom gained to craft a more human life in wild times. I hope you find something useful here. There are three types of essays:
Core concepts—these are likely to be denser, more abstract, but contain some of the grounding philosophical perspective that the publication is based on. The intention is that these ideas enable and empower healthy human practices, which in turn make for useful direction in the confusion and wildness of this time in history.
(Note: some originate from early beginnings, when the blog was not certain of its own purpose and direction, so may not be obvious how they belong...take whatever value you find there!)
Culture in practice—I like to keep it grounded, so this is where I bring my practice of cultural awareness and sovereignty to ordinary life. It helps me live a better, more human, more meaningful life, and I hope it can for you too. Where cultural philosophy gets practical, creates freedom, generates joy.
Moments in the world—these arise from those fleeting experiences that somehow feel significant, surprising, salient, or just plain beautiful. Yours to interpret as you will. Made with love for this world and all its creatures and complexities.
Let Out the Humans is a publication from We Are Humans Project, a social enterprise on Muwinina country in Lutruwita/Tasmania.
At the moment the writing is entirely me, Andy Wildman, but I'm interested in opening it up to other contributors. If you feel you have something valuable to say here, and can say it well, have a read of this page, then send me a piece or a pitch: andy@wearehumans.com.au
From one upright primate to another. No AI involved.