James Howard Kunstler

One of my favorite topics to think, discuss, and write about is the geographic framework of modern America. (Suburbs). A major contributor to my interest obsession with this topic is James Howard Kunstler, author and lecturer extraordinaire. I saw Jim give a lecture once in Madison and was struck by how succinct and logical his thesis is (it helps that he’s an entertaining speaker). I followed up by reading a few of his books and I’ve been sold ever since. His main points are thus:

  1. Our current preferred habitat (suburbs) are not designed for humans. They are designed for autos. This is foolish, ugly, and causes psychological unrest.
  2. The American auto-culture is unsustainable due to oil scarcity and environmental destruction and we need to re-learn how to live in a lower energy intensity mode.

Of course there is more to it, but you should really do yourself the favor of reading one (or more) of his books. I suggest The Geography of Nowhere and The Long Emergency. If you want a quick fix, go read his blog, Clusterfuck Nation. It focuses more on #2 than #1, and is rather pessimistic (rightly so?) but it’s fun to read. Jim has a great writing style and uses delightful phrasing.

But don’t take my word for it. Check him out!

Filed under culture, energy, suburbs : Comments (6) : Feb 4th, 2008 by tadfad

6 Responses to “James Howard Kunstler”

  1. Blake Says:
    February 5th, 2008 at 7:40 am

    Delightful phrasing? Delightful blog titles as well apparently.

  2. Puant Says:
    February 9th, 2008 at 12:40 am

    I just stumbled into your blog while searching for “packerland” and, to my surprise, I saw your recent Kunstler post…I see you share the same interest (err, obsession)…My obsession with this has led me to start up my own blog, Packerland Annals, in which I take critical look at my city’s sprawly developments while trying to simultaneously recreate interest in what actually used to be a great downtown in Green Bay… Kunstler’s books really hit home to me…although I think he is a bit over the top sometimes…. I’ll be sure to watch your blog as well! Glad I stumbled into it. Here’s mine: http://www.packerland.blogspot.com/

  3. Puant Says:
    February 9th, 2008 at 9:40 am

    I just spent more time reading through your archived posts, and I have to say, I love your blog! I bookmarked it in my favorites and put a link to it from my blog. I’m sure I’ll be reading this blog a lot. Great work!

  4. tadfad Says:
    February 9th, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    Thanks Puant! Glad to find others interested in smart development. I’m eager to read more about Green Bay over at your blog.

  5. Kristi Says:
    March 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 am

    Tad–I read your blog regularly, and I know how you feel about suburbs…so when I read an article in the Pioneer Press this morning, I thought you’d appreciate it.

    http://www.twincities.com/ci_8417668

  6. Zimri Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 am

    Thanks for writing this.

Leave a Reply