An introduction to the book The State of Nature and the Shaping of Modernity: Tracing the Roots of Colonialism, Secularity, and Ecology, forthcoming with Cambridge University Press in 2025.
In this video, the first in a new series and rather longer than the others, I read the book’s Introduction, entitled “The State of Nature We’re In”, setting the scene for its context and argument.
The Introduction explores the concept of the “state of nature” as a cornerstone of modern Western thought, influencing how the West perceives human nature, colonialism, secularity, and ecology. Examining foundational theorists like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, I argue that the state of nature reflects the fragmented, contradictory narratives that shape Western modernity, and takes us to the heart of contemporary culture wars. Hobbes depicted the state of nature as chaotic and brutal, while Rousseau saw it as idyllic but corrupted by society, and these diverse views underpin contemporary debates, revealing deep cultural tensions about identity, legitimacy, and progress. The book aims to dissect the state of nature motif, highlighting its ongoing ideological and cultural significance.