Re-reading 1491 with a regrarian lens... 1491 by Charles Mann is one of the best books that I have read in the last 10 years (thanks alfredo and Jesus for the recommendation!). I read it a couple of years ago, and loved it. its one of those books that changes the way that you view the world. Mann describes how fricking amazing the pre-columbian cultures were in the areas of engineering, architecture, metal-working, agro-forestry, hydrology, mathematics, and astronomy to name just a few. Really takes your breath away... So why did I read it again? I wanted to learn more about the permaculture, and agro-forestry techniques that Mann describes. Using no advanced technology, without access to the wheel, or domesticated animals, Indian cultures (Yes thats the right word now - read 1491 to find out why), sustained civilizations larger than Europe without completing destroying the ecosystems (there are, of course, some exceptions to that). Many of these areas are still being farmed after thousands of years of farming the same land without chemical fertilizer. We are now recovering those lost techniques, and not a second too soon. In addition to climate change, flooding arises from the farmers inability to control water flow on their land. Rather than capturing the water as the indigenous groups did, our modern farms tile it off letting the water flow out as soon as possible. We are now in the midst of a permaculture renaissance in Iowa, and throughout the world. The Aussies deserve a lot of credit for it, but really, they are just recapturing the techniques that pre-columbian cultures used for thousands of years. Mann lays that all out in 1491. I mean seriously. Thats why I love reading so much...1491 describes technology and agricultural techniques that may well save our civilization. And its something that should have been in plain sight all along. Much easier to see after reading 1491. Should be on your list... Were doing our part by planting paw-paws this weekend!! Happy 4th everyone!! RC
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 23:17:03 +0000
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