Look at what realists have done for us. They have led us to war and climate change, poverty on an unimaginable scale, and wholesale ecological destruction. Half of humanity goes to bed hungry because of all the realistic leaders in the world. I tell people who call me ‘unrealistic’ to show me what their realism has done. Realism is an outdated, overplayed and wholly exaggerated concept. – Satish Kumar
Satish Kumar will be presenting a film and lecture with Tsuji Shinya at Ryukoku University’s Avanti Kyoto Hall on February 21st. There will be a question and answer session after the talk.
Internationally renowned peace and environment activist, Satish Kumar, is the author of ‘No Destination‘, the founder of Resurgence magazine, The Small School and Schumacher College (both in Devon). His co-presenter and interpreter, Tsuji Shinichi, is a cultural anthropologist, environmentalist, author and teacher at Meiji Gakuin University, Tokyo.
Here’s a rough translation of the event intro:
今、ここにある未来 ~ The Future We Have, Here & Now
Almost one year has passed since the March 11th nuclear disaster. A new era, “The Ecological Era”, is already beginning. In Japan, and throughout the world, people’s values are undergoing a paradigm shift. Satish Kumar, who is respected worldwide by all those involved in creating this new culture, is coming to Japan! Let us give thanks and look forward to the creation of a new era. ~ (Original Japanese here)
Date & Time: 21st February 2012. Doors open: 17:30. Event: 18:00 ~ 21:00
Location: Ryukoku University Avanti Kyoto Hall is a minute’s walk from the Hachijo east exit of Kyoto Station. Here is a map: アバンティ龍谷大学響都ホール.
Advance & Student tickets: 1000 yen. On the door: 1,500 yen. The venue has a 350 seat capacity.
Bookings should be made here: http://kokucheese.com/event/entry/26014/
Here’s a brief video of the man himself.
Thanks a lot for posting this notice. I teach at Ryukoku but had no idea it was happening! I used to subscribe to Resurgence back in the good old days and was always given food for thought by Satish Kumar’s writings. Last year I got a chance to hear and chat to him for the first time when he visited Kyoto. An inspirational figure, he’s well worth listening to…