There is a lot to discuss from our last class. Firstly, we watched Michel Pollan at TED discussing, in brief, humans disconnection from nature. Pollan brought up the idea of  "Cartesian society" and the frame of mind that we control nature, as opposed to nature controlling us. I think Pollan did a very good job of evoking humility to his audience, and offering new framework for the way people see things. I've always felt that, as far as america goes, that our denial of nature came around the industrial revolution.  Before the industrial revolution we were certainly in the hands of nature, annual rainfall and harsh winters determined if people would starve or not, and people could fall victim to predators in the wild. As america became more "civilized" i think there became a push back against nature: there was a desire to switch the roles and control nature, as opposed to being controlled by nature. Living in the wild became brutish and uncivilized, while life became more and more sterile. On a side note, I also think it was this philosophy that hindered women's rights. Women are naturally (biologically) controlled by nature, and i think this close role to the earth created a level of disapproval from men and women alike. I dunno, just a thought...

Kumu Ramsay Taum also came to the class, who i thought was an amazing and inspiring teacher. In about an hour, he successfully painted a picture of the native Hawaiians and more importantly, how they thought. The paradigm shift he created is exactly why i get excited about school, i was able to see concepts in a new light and i can use these wisdoms to help me in the future, personally and professionally. He gave me a lot to think about and i look forward to more great speakers in the future.