A Primer On Humanity and Our Role in the Cosmos with R. Buckminster Fuller

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This is the first of several New Dimensions interviews with R. Buckminster Fuller recorded on June 28, 1975. Here, he discusses the fundamental nature of human beings, emphasizing the importance of mistake-making as fundamental for learning. Fuller posits that humanity is on the cusp of a new relationship with the universe, enabled by the mind's ability to discover principles. He describes imagination as humanity’s extraordinary capability that coordinates sensory inputs into image and introduces the concept of Synergetics as a bridge between scientific principles and human comprehension. He expresses hope that humanity is transitioning from a state of ignorance to a new relationship with the universe. (hosted by Michael Toms & Will Noffke)

Bio

R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983), fondly known as “Bucky”, was an American architect, inventor, systems theorist, and futurist. He was best known for popularizing the geodesic dome and the concept of “doing more with less” through innovative, sustainable design. He coined and developed concepts like the Dymaxion house, car, and map, all aimed at energy and resource efficiency. He wrote nearly 30 books and received 28 U.S. patents over five decades, focused on improving human living conditions through technology and design. His futuristic thinking introduced terms such as “Spaceship Earth” and “synergetics,” influencing architecture, engineering, and sustainability. His legacy continues in the fields of design, science, and environmentalism. And an innovative carbon structure was named in his honor. It's called "Buckminsterfullerene," or "Buckyball." 

Bucky Fuller’s books include:

• Utopia or Oblivion (Bantam 1971)
• Critical Path (St. Martin's 1981)

To learn more about the work of R. Buckminster Fuller go to www.bfi.org.

Topics explored in this dialogue include:

• What is the historical context of scientific discoveries and their impact on human understanding.
• How mistake-making is criticized, however, it is fundamental for learning
• How Synergetics has developed a way to bridge the gap between the scientific and humanist perspectives
• How scientists can take responsibility for their “cosmic mission” for humanity’s well-being rather than serving the interests of power structures
• The importance of water in the human body and its non-compressible and mutable properties
• Why humanity needs to understand that the universe operates technologically

Host: Michael Toms   Interview Date: 6/25/1975   Program Number: 1064