The terrible beauty of change: mankind's unprecedented power to transform
In short: Humans possess a unique, dual-edged ability to reshape the planet and ourselves. From high art to industrial waste, our capacity for transformation has reached an apex that carries a profound risk. We now hold the power to create a sustainable future or lose everything in the process.
In June 2009, Gresham College presented 'Metamorphoses: The Terrible Beauty of Change,' an interdisciplinary exploration of human transformation. The event fused Benjamin Britten's 1951 musical work, 'Six Metamorphoses After Ovid (Op.49),' with modern commercial musings on sustainability. This synthesis explored how society might metamorphose toward sustainable commerce by balancing our revolutionary power with the preservation of nature. The presentation featured a collaboration between Professor Michael Mainelli, saxophonist John Harle, and graphic artist William Joseph. It was organized as part of the City of London Festival's Sustain! segment. This specific performance utilized visuals inspired by John Conway's Game of Life.
The narrative draws heavily from Publius Ovidius Naso’s epic poem, 'Metamorphoses,' completed in 8 AD. Written in dactylic hexameter over 15 books and exceeding 600 pages, Ovid's work serves as a masterclass on life's most enduring theme: change. The performance specifically highlighted the myth of Phaethon, who attempted to drive the sun's chariot for a single day before being struck by a thunderbolt and hurled into the river Padus. Ovid’s masterpiece has served as a primary reference for Greek and Roman mythology throughout history. His storytelling influenced diverse figures including Chaucer, Botticelli, Marlowe, Milton, Mozart, and Joyce. The current exploration specifically incorporates six selections from the poet Ted Hughes.
This classical odyssey serves as a metaphor for modern humanity. While Ovid lived through the transition from republic to empire, we face a change of perhaps greater magnitude over the last two millennia. The lecture argues that while science, technology, and social upheaval are constants, our current ability to alter the environment is unprecedented. To survive, mankind must navigate this 'terrible beauty' by building robust economies and environments that can withstand the consequences of our own transformative power. The lecture was prompted by Ian Ritchie, the Director of the City of London Festival. It synthesized four years of Gresham College Commerce lectures regarding sustainability. This academic tradition at the college dates back to its founding in 1597.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Metamorphoses - Phaethon - Mankind's Power - Gresham Sustainability Talk & Benjamin Britten
- Also: Metamorphoses – The Terrible Beauty of Change
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