Reflections, 24 January

The Floody River Derwent at Duffield Bridge 21 Jan. I've never seen it this high in 35 years.

Time to go from Preflections to Reflections. Three weeks into 2021 has provided more than enough material, and with floods to add to pestilence and Brexit, it all feels a little bit Biblical.

Mystics understand the root to the Tao but not its branches; scientists understand its branches but not its roots. Science does not need mysticism, and mysticism does not need science, but man needs both.

Fritjof Capra. the Tao of Physics.

Right now, I have to disagree. In a period of significant change mysticism and science do need each other. Both have something to add to the debate as we wrestle with climate change, inequality, biodiversity loss and pandemic. Any conversation that doesn't bring humility and soul into the frame to counter our scientific and technological hubris won't take us where we need to go.

I've found myself reflecting a lot on efficiency this week, and in particular on its shadow. On …