The Indigenous leader, writer, and member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, Ailton Krenak, has criticized the prevailing concept of progress in Brazil and worldwide. In a conversation with BdF Entrevista, he argued that the widespread belief that science and technology will solve problems created by the current model of development is a dangerous illusion.
He stated, “It troubles me that many social groups almost automatically adhere to the idea of participating in the ‘progress show,’ the ‘success show,’ and this event that promises we can continue extracting petroleum and raising global temperatures, yet escape the consequences through technology and science.”
The author of critical acclaimed philosophical books in Brazil warns against the risk of humans becoming mere “machines for making things,” conditioned by a productivist mindset.
He explained, “If we fail to differentiate, we will continue impacting the ‘body of the Earth’ with this blind drive to produce endlessly—producing and producing as machines. We must not become machines for making things.”
Krenak believes that the logic of production and consumption has become a trap, confining humanity in a destructive cycle. “This entire system consumes everything, including ourselves. We are constantly consuming each other,” he asserts.
Protecting Life to Postpone the End of the World
Krenak is concerned about the expansion of measures like the “Devastation Bill” in the National Congress, which weakens environmental licensing and the organization of auctions for petroleum exploration, including in sensitive areas like the mouth of the Amazon River. “I urge those who are still moved by the idea of life on the planet to protect it. This is insufficient within the current notions of progress and development,” he says.
The Indigenous leader notes that the title of his book “Ideas to Postpone the End of the World,” was not chosen randomly and should not be interpreted as a desire to prolong a collapsing world. “If we are losing quality of life on the planet, postponing our experience here would mean seeking new paradigms and changing our fundamental belief that humanity shares a broad consensus of purpose,” he stated.
He referenced the warning from United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres during the last Climate Conference as a sign of the weakness of current global choices. “If the UN Secretary-General says we are seriously marching towards hell, I certainly wouldn’t want to postpone that experience,” he emphasized.
