When I was a college student, I took a course on Environmental Literature, where we read such writers as Henry David Thoreau, Rachel Carson, Edward Abbey, Mary Oliver, and others. It was an inspiring course and spoke to my environmentalist sensibilities. The Overstory by Richard Powers would be a worthy addition to a course on Environmental Literature.
This book is exquisitely written and full of insightful and thought-provoking passages about humanity’s connection to trees and the natural world. In fact, as I was reading this book, I took copious notes regarding sections that were of interest and worthy of writing about in this post, but there is one passage that stands out for me above all others in this book:
“You’re a psychologist,” Mimi says to the recruit. “How do we convince people that we’re right?”
The newest Cascadian takes the bait. “The best arguments in the world won’t change a person’s mind. The only thing that can do that is a good story.”
(p. 336)
As a person who takes environmental issues seriously and who feels that climate change is the greatest existential threat facing humanity, I am often baffled at the apathy and denial that I see around me. I could not understand why people would refuse to heed the recommendations of scientific experts. But Powers identifies the problem and the solution. Facts and data do not inspire. Stories do. Oscar Wilde famously wrote: “Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life.” You can beat people over the head with statistics and argue until you are out of breath, but that will never change another person’s mind. But art, or a powerful story, these can speak directly to a person’s soul.
I had an English professor in college who told me that the books and poems we read matter. The Overstory validates what my professor told me all those years ago. This book matters, and I suspect that anyone reading this book will be a different person by the time they finish.
Stuff Jeff Reads 
Best part is that your Prof’s words still hold true in your world today. Thats called an impact moment.
Indeed. That professor had a huge impact on me.
I have the Overstory on my shelf and will be reading soon. It’s true about stories. I saw a graphic film years ago about climate change following a family over the years and how horrible things became with rising seas, drought, mass human migration, hunger and poverty. It really brought home the fact that we have to do something now to stop all that, how urgent it is. I think they should be running that story again and others like it.
Hi Deborah. That sounds like a powerful film. I think you will enjoy Overstory and get a lot out of it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Many blessings.
Hi Jeff – thanks for reviewing The Overstory. I’ve been meaning to read it. You’re right about a good story making a big impact on how people think. Happy Friday!
Hi Barb. Thanks for reading and commenting. I am sure you will read the book exactly when you are meant to. I think the universe places the books into our hands just when we need them. Hope you and your family have a safe and fun weekend.
Jeff