We reached yesterday without doubt the lowest point in this campaign – after many peak experiences; and I have to ask if it was a too visionary idea to invite Andy Couturier to China, because both his book’s message as well as the general state of the Chinese society are too far apart from each other as to be able to establish a meaningful dialogue.
Andy’s luncheon talk at Asia Pulp and Paper’s China HQ, one of the world’s largest paper manufacturers, revealed how far his messages are removed from corporate reality. While Andy spoke about rural self-sufficiency farming and the meaning of having downtime to think independently, about 70 employees played either with their cell phones or munched on McDonald’s burgers.
Later that day, we had a private event at Ecoland Club, an allotment garden community, where we discussed with permaculture aficionados the viability of the 五成二农 concept. Is five days a week urban life and two days a week rural life a solution to the nature alienation city folks experience? I don’t have an answer to this question, but some contact with nature seems to be better than none.
The founder of Ecoland told us about his difficulties to retain members and Andy showed with his answer how little he understands about the pressure which Chinese citizens are exposed to. He suggested to look people firmly into their eyes and tell them to take time for farming weekends instead of cram school. If it were all that easy…
Andy’s luncheon talk at Asia Pulp and Paper’s China HQ, one of the world’s largest paper manufacturers, revealed how far his messages are removed from corporate reality. While Andy spoke about rural self-sufficiency farming and the meaning of having downtime to think independently, about 70 employees played either with their cell phones or munched on McDonald’s burgers.
Later that day, we had a private event at Ecoland Club, an allotment garden community, where we discussed with permaculture aficionados the viability of the 五成二农 concept. Is five days a week urban life and two days a week rural life a solution to the nature alienation city folks experience? I don’t have an answer to this question, but some contact with nature seems to be better than none.
The founder of Ecoland told us about his difficulties to retain members and Andy showed with his answer how little he understands about the pressure which Chinese citizens are exposed to. He suggested to look people firmly into their eyes and tell them to take time for farming weekends instead of cram school. If it were all that easy…
