Briefing No. 21
WHAT WE'RE READING
On the Greenwood Place bedside table
Caste: The Lies That Divide Us
In Caste, Pulitzer-Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson sets out to understand American hierarchy, which she compares with two of the best known caste systems in the world: that of India, and of Nazi Germany. Wilkerson uses a powerful mingling of story, research, and insight to shine a light on America's artificial racial divisions. “The hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. It is about power - which groups have it and which do not”.
A LIFE ON OUR PLANET
One man has seen more of the natural world than any other. This unique feature documentary is his witness statement. In his 93 years, David Attenborough has visited every continent on the globe, exploring the wild places of our planet. He reflects upon both the defining moments of his lifetime as a naturalist and the devastating changes he has seen. This is a powerful first-hand account of humanity's impact on nature and a message of hope for future generations.
EARTHRISE
Amanda Gorman's stunning performance of her poem “Earthrise” was, for us, a highlight of the global launch of TED Countdown a few weeks ago. The entire Countdown launch event is now online and you can dig into ideas and potential solutions to climate change at your leisure.
THE RIGHTEOUS MIND
This month we revisited Jonthan Haidt's tour de force examination of human polarisation, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided By Politics and Religion. It has helped us understand why intellectual honesty is so elusive and why our divisions run so deep. It outlines steps we can take to overcome the antipathy that characterises so much of modern politics, increase our wisdom and show a bit more compassion to those we disagree with.
ENDING HUNGER
Science must stop neglecting smallholder farmers.
CANADIAN RESEARCHERS GAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HOMELESS PEOPLE
The results defied stereotypes.
EVENTS
Our next community roundtable is an important and timely one. We are delighted to host Jacqueline Novogratz and Jawad Aslam later this month for a conversation about building communities in a time of division.
AND FINALLY...
Huge congratulations to Greenwood Place community member Laura Winningham of City Harvest, awarded an OBE for services to the community in London during the
Covid-19 response for helping to feed the most vulnerable.