The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. This book is based on a podcast, and its subtitle, “Essays on a human-centered planet,” helps clarify its purpose, since the word Anthropocene might suggest a focus on geology. It is not.
This book feels more like a private conversation with someone sharing their most sincere and thoughtful reflections on a wide range of themes, all connected to the role of human activity on our planet.
It is often said that humans have a considerable impact on the climate, nature, and wildlife. Others argue that, in the long term, human actions will harm humans most of all, which is probably true. On a geological timescale, the planet will recover and heal itself from any damage done. What the author aims to do here is explore the real, and sometimes overlooked, effects of human activity on our understanding of the world.
The book is organized as a series of essays. Each one stands alone, can be read in any order, and some can even be skipped without losing much.
The author reflects on how the acquaintances we make over the years continue to influence us, despite time, distance, and silence. Are we truly the result of our interactions with others? It seems so. Yet friendships are like a river: we meet and enjoy them for brief moments in life, and later, people change — because, like a river, our relationships flow and evolve. No matter how much you think you remain the same person, the river keeps moving. Still refreshing, relaxing, and fun, but always different. Understand? It doesn’t matter.
I can’t help but feel that the word Anthropocene is somewhat misleading. Yes, human activity affects our planet, but in ways that will ultimately harm our own species.
Humans live everywhere, in every climate. We are resilient, but not as dominant as we think in the grand biological scale. In terms of biomass, humans represent only a small fraction. Even the combined biomass of all mammals and fish cannot compare with that of arthropods, the vast group of invertebrates that includes insects, spiders, and butterflies.
Throughout the book, the author shares reflections on how different experiences have shaped his life. As a reader, I often found myself identifying with his thoughts. Yet at times, his perspective seems shaped by a comfortable Western bubble, where “stress” might mean driving sixteen hours to a new house bought before turning thirty. It also feels as if much of his information comes from the internet, with little connection to people living very different lives.
The truth is, many people will never own a house. Many will do everything right and still fail, despite effort and perseverance. Real life is far more complex than the book suggests. But as I said, this book is more of a conversation than a formal argument. It wanders in many directions; like real conversations do. Just sit back and enjoy a few chapters.