Anthropologist in conversation: – “It’s time to question things”

The cultural anthropologist conducts research into hunter-gatherer societies, among other things. Cultures that are not as advanced in many areas as Western society; But you can still learn a lot from them: “But that doesn’t mean that we as a society should go backwards. It’s about giving us the opportunity to recalibrate and rethink our systems,” says Ludwig.

In a time marked by multiple crises, community spirit plays a central role. But are we as a society capable of putting our individual interests aside for the good of all? “I certainly think so,” says Ludwig. Economically speaking, there has been steady growth over the past decades and we are doing well. “The question we need to ask ourselves is: what do we need to be good today? Both as individuals and as a society.” On the one hand, things are going well, “we have never had such good health and medical care”. On the other hand, we are overwhelmed by all the outside influences that affect and stress us. “A lot of people think the world is too loud. I think this volume should be quieter.”

So how can we be more relaxed about the future? “I believe that the world is not as it is, but as we see it and as each individual perceives it. It may sound banal at first, but it helps to go through life more positively,” says Ludwig. It’s not about hiding grievances, it’s about showing positives.

Bettina Ludwig also takes an optimistic look at the future in her book: „On the trail of our future. Who we were, who we are and who we can be.“ Watch the entire interview in the video above.