What if we are not the centre of our known world or universe, but merely an integrated part?

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I don't think I can really discuss my relationship with posthumanism (and particularly writing) without addressing the Anthropocene, the age of humans. We've been around for about 200,000 years, a mere speck of time in the Earth's 4.6 Billion year life span. Yet, as just one species we have changed the face of the planet at an astounding rate. 

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So, how does this relate to my work as a writer?

Personally, there is great relief in challenging the idea of human dominance, anthropocentric behaviour and ‘human exceptionalism’ in this world. But whilst the emergence of Posthumanism, during this Anthropocene is not a complete rejection of Humanism, there is a 'decentralising' of the human that can help us to see our part in creation, more akin to an integrated form, in tune with other species and our environment.

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I want to explore such themes within my own creative work as well as my life. A new sphere, a new way of being and thinking. I have always felt there can only be arrogance in the presumption of, just because we can - we should. And that extends into all spheres of life. Do we not have a social responsibility on a micro and macro level to our environment and other species on this planet? A planet we all occupy but humans govern.

 

And yes, this may well be overgeneralised and even a little fluffy perhaps, but the point that I'm trying to make, is that we are all part of the system of nature, of life. A PART. And the future for me, lies in that. And this is essentially where my fiction-driven self begins. I want my work to exemplify this.

 

So, I come with high hopes for posthumanism as a decentering method of being, and way of recognition of other systems and that if we are to survive and remain intact (and even with some integrity) that we can start by looking to the paradigms of nature, of non-human species. Who after all, would have been remarkably  better off had we not turned up (and despite this, have evolved more aligned to the planet than most humans).

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I advocate and campaign for non-human species, so in many ways I'd like to think of myself as a person who has always rallied against Humanism. Though, I'm sure that's not entirely true. There is no greater preoccupation of the human being - than itself. Even if only in the name of 'self-improvement.' But still, I now hope my work explores, not a 'rejection of humanism,' but a fusion of that 'human' into a larger sphere, recognising ourselves not singularly in the mirror but in the eyes and reflections of the wider world.

 

Cary Wolfe and Claire Colebrook | Dialogue | The Anthropocene Project. An Opening.

 

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