Wendell Berry, Solving for Pattern
“Solving for Pattern”
Although Berry is talking about agriculture, he states his approach could be used in other areas. Does this give you a different idea of Berry and innovation than the first essay? Can you think of examples of solutions that have causes cascading sets of problems? Can you think of an example of a good solution using Berry’s approach? How do you think his ideas differ from Steven Johnson’s? What do you imagine a conversation between Berry and Johnson would sound like?
In his essay “Why I am Not Going to Buy a Computer,” Wendell Berry gave his 9 standards for evaluating technological innovation. (You can go back to that essay if you want to be reminded what they are.) Come up with your own 8 standards and list them on this form. I’ll share everyone’s in class on Monday and we’ll discuss them. (Pro tip: Check your work! Plug “Gas-Powered Leaf Blower” into your eight standards. If it is not rejected, your standards are wrong and must be changed!). What are the challenge we face today between having standards and being able to live those standards? (If you would rather not share your standards, let me know and I will keep them private.)
Optional Reading on Wendell Berry
Amanda, Petrusich, “Going Home with Wendell Berry,” New Yorker, July 14, 2019
Jedediah Britton-Purdy, “A Shared Place,” The Nation, September 23, 2019