The Perennial Wisdom in Everyday Life
September 17 – 24, 2017
Course Description
In collaboration with the College of Real Food and Farming, Colin Tudge will present a cutting edge programme combining the theory and practice of food production for now and the future.
The week should be of particular interest to anyone concerned about the way agriculture and food consumption is organised today, such as farmers, butchers or chefs, as well as those who engage in campaigning for changes.
Colin has argued that any society’s approach to food and farming ultimately rests on its ‘weltanschaung’ – the way that society sees the world. The core beliefs and values that underpin how a society understands and deals with nature explain how land will be farmed and food prepared by that society. If there are fundamental problems with food and farming they cannot be solved by simply addressing immediate concerns (eg. reduce water use by designing more efficient irrigation; less reliance on chemical fertilisers) or only questioning current economic systems. Rather it will be necessary to address the metaphysical beliefs which underly how agriculture is practised and how food is processed, distributed and prepared. Colin argues that there is a ‘perennial wisdom’ which should be the foundation for how we think about food and farming.
In essence, Colin is calling for a renaissance – a Grand Renaissance – one broader and deeper than the renaissance which began in Italy six centuries ago. If you would like to read more about what Colin means by this, see: College For Real Food and Farming (CFRFF).
Timetable & Location
The programme will include lectures, seminars and opportunities for conversation. Additionally there will be opportunities to experience both ‘farming’ and food. Participants will be offered the chance to help in Chisholme’s garden and to assist in the preparation of the meals they will enjoy. More details of the programme including a list of speakers and their topics will be announced shortly.
Chisholme is a particularly fine location for the College. For many years it has provided a living and dynamic context for spiritual enquiry and the education it offers deals with the essential matters Colin alludes to. Furthermore, it is renowned for the attention given to the cultivation and preparation of food and fine meals will be served throughout the week. Chisholme House, the Georgian building where the conversations will take place, is set in a beautiful estate offering many opportunities for walks to refresh the mind between sessions.
Colin Tudge
Colin is a biologist by education and a writer by trade. In the early 2000s he coined the expression “Enlightened Agriculture”. In 2008 he and his wife, Ruth, established the Campaign for Real Farming, and in 2010 together with Graham Harvey they launched the Oxford Real Farming Conference as the antidote to the established Oxford Farming Conference. More recently they initiated the College For Real Food and Farming (CFRFF).
Colin’s latest book, Six Steps Back to the Land, is published by Green Books, January 2016. His earlier books include: Why Genes are Not Selfish and People are Nice, Good Food for Everyone Forever, The Secret Life of Trees and The Secret Life of Birds.
Booking & Fees
Cost:
Shared double or triple bedroom: £325
Single room (if available): £375
*All meals are included.
**A non-refundable deposit of £60 is required in advance; the balance is payable on arrival.
The Chisholme Institute tries to ensure that people are not excluded for financial reasons and may be able to offer a reduced fee to those who need it.
Enquiries & Booking:
info@chisholme.org
Tel: +44 (0)1450 880215
Booking website
