Section 1.1: Lynn Margulis and the Paradigm Shift

Lynn Margulis, an evolutionary biologist, challenged the traditional Neo-Darwinist views and capitalist ideologies with her groundbreaking theory that bacteria and symbiogenesis are crucial to evolution.

One of her colleagues once questioned her motives, suggesting that her ideas threatened established knowledge. Lynn responded simply: "Because it’s there!"

Prominent Neo-Darwinist Richard Dawkins, who dedicated his life to Darwinian genetics, vehemently opposed her. He accused her and her team of being creationists, a serious affront in scientific circles. It’s clear that her findings posed a threat to his professional identity.

However, Lynn fiercely defended her work, asserting that genes are merely repositories of historical information. Cells, in contrast, possess regenerative qualities and can exhibit emergent properties—a concept now widely recognized in contemporary science. She advocated for a focus on epigenetics, which acknowledges that genes can be influenced by environmental factors.

Despite facing ridicule during her career, Lynn and her collaborator, James Lovelock, persevered. Their theories, including the concept of the five kingdoms of nature and the Gaia hypothesis—which proposes that Earth functions as a self-regulating system—are now accepted but underutilized in our daily lives and systems.

Section 1.2: The Need for a New Approach

Many still cling to the outdated mechanistic view of Neo-Darwinism and rigid capitalism, which sees humans merely as economic entities. This perspective, rooted in Cartesian dualism, views humans as machines needing repairs from Western medicine.

Imagine if we applied Lynn’s insights to our current health crises, such as COVID-19. What if we welcomed bacteria as allies in combating viruses? What if we incorporated epigenetics into our solutions, recognizing the symbiotic bacteria that exist all around us?

We coexist with these microorganisms daily; they are integral to our existence. Instead of fearing bacteria, we should acknowledge their role as crucial partners in our survival.

Further Insights

Bacteria inhabit every corner of our environment. Historically, scientists focused on pathogenic bacteria, leading to the development of antibiotics. However, harmful bacteria are only problematic when they exist outside their natural habitats. For example, E. coli can be beneficial in the gut but problematic when it infects the lungs.

Viruses are distinct microorganisms that cannot cooperate with cells and function as parasites. In a healthy ecosystem, viruses typically do not pose threats to their host species. Unfortunately, habitat destruction has led to viruses spreading to new hosts, including humans.

In essence, viruses and harmful bacteria become problematic when they are in the wrong place, while symbiotic bacteria and other microorganisms are vital for Earth's regenerative capacity and immune health.

A New Perspective on Evolution

Charles Darwin proposed natural selection as the driving force behind evolution, a notion both Neo-Darwinists and Lynn Margulis recognize. However, the split occurs in interpretation: Neo-Darwinists emphasize competition, fueling capitalist ideologies, while Lynn argues for collaboration.

Nature thrives on cooperation. For instance, trees share nutrients through their roots with mycorrhizal fungi. Yet, human practices, like industrial agriculture, disrupt these vital connections, undermining Earth’s immune system.

Lynn’s perspective challenges the need for genetic manipulation prevalent in agriculture and health practices. Instead, we can foster collaboration between humans and nature, enabling a more abundant and sustainable existence.

Lynn Margulis's insights offer essential tools for human and planetary thriving. I encourage professionals across various fields to explore how her theories can inform your work. What shifts can you make to step away from outdated paradigms and contribute to transformative change? Let’s engage in this vital conversation.

How Descartes Landed Us in a Mess and Femininity Will Get Us Out

Are we merely homo economicus? I believe there's more to us than that.

You can find me cultivating the earth, with my gaze fixed on the cosmos. Abundanism and Linktree. A special thanks to Mike for enriching my thoughts with his wisdom.

© Désirée Driesenaar, 2021