Linking ecocide to religion, Dr John Wilson brings psychedelics, psychology and ecology together in his latest book Ecocide.
Regarding our ecological crisis as more urgent than the urban distress he was attending, Dr Wilson left his medical practice as a Consultant Psychiatrist to join the Timbarra campaign, opposing cyanide gold mining at the source of our Clarence River. Then with the New Zealand Peace Flotilla, he sailed the Pacific, opposing French nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll.
But our ecological vandalism and the onslaught of global economic growth continued regardless, provoking the view that none of our existing institutions can prevent our sixth mass extinction event. Only total cultural review might slow it down.
Living for 30 years as a green nomad in his campervan in the bush, his research traces the roots of our culture back through its informing institutions – our monotheistic religions – to Plato in ancient Athens, and beyond, to the pagan religion of Orpheus and Dionysus, god of intoxication – by whatever means.
Also speaking at this event are: Dr Harry Freeman, pianist and well-known psychiatrist serving the region for 50 years, an outspoken critic of the medical model in psychiatry; David Heilpern AM, poet, short-story writer, author of Without Fear or Favour, eco-activist, Aboriginal advocate, retired magistrate, now Dean of Law Southern Cross University; Chris Dewhirst OAM, once a school teacher, turned high-adventurer, international rock climber, international hot air balloonist, and author, who also started rafting down Tasmania’s fabled Franklin River; Louise Graves, nurse, psychedelic therapist, consultant to the terminally ill; and Michael Balderstone, President of the Hemp Embassy and Legalise Cannabis.
Dr Wilson is launching Ecocide on Friday, December 1, from 6pm at the Marvell Hall, 37 Marvell Street, Byron Bay with some brief words from friends and an open discussion. Everyone welcome.
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