Mannership
How did the human species become uniquely self-destructive at the prime of fertility?
An inquiry led by three questions
· How does an individual mind become ‘poisoned’ by a self-destructive tendency?
· How is the poison hidden in a part of the mind which is ‘out of reach’ or ‘unknown to us’ so we cannot simply ‘deal’ with it?
· How did our environment or culture develop in such a way that this ‘poison’ became thrust so deep into our children’s minds?
Mark lost his hearing as an eighteen-month-old infant. The next six years were silent as he honed his way of watching. Stories of how he communicated using ‘deaf-sight’ really set his writing apart as he explores the nuances of human contact.
From the teachings of indigenous Shamans to the lessons taught by animals, Mark connects observations from his journeys to read like magical adventures while seeking an elusive source of self-destruction. His descriptions and photographs are vibrant.
Published by Troubador (28 April 2022) Blackwell's books Apple books
KHARTOUM TO EL AAIUN
In the spring of 1973, aged 19, Mark Goodwin volunteered to teach English and Maths at a school in South Sudan. Upon arrival in Khartoum, he was informed that ‘some troubles had begun’ and he was not allowed to travel south. With time on his hands, how hard could it be to go west from the Nile to Nigeria and then cross the Sahara before returning to England?
In a time before credit cards and mobile phones; he set off with just £50 of travellers’ cheques in his pocket, armed with the innocence and fearlessness of youth. Seemingly daunting obstacles and imposed detours increased the journey to over 10,000 kilometres in North Africa. A highlight was crossing the west of Darfur with camels; a low point was being convinced he was about to be shot. Illness, hunger and extreme exhaustion are interspersed with sights and hospitality that only Africa can provide. And weaving through is Mark’s infectious wide-eyed love and respect for the people he encountered.
Mark kept a log of his travels, which he shares here for the first time.
marklesparkle’s chronicles
30 short stories from 50 years off the beaten track, illustrated by many photographs.
Mannership III
The sequel explores the 3rd question: How cultures may have come about, how to understand them, and how some can poison the next generation.
Mark’s career began in Kiribati where a group of tiny Pacific islands provide important clues. They share the same geography, soil, climate, plants, animals, genetics, and language but developed fundamental differences in culture. Could this be explained by their varied historical experiences? There are uncanny similarities between the I-Kiribati and some European challenges including the Norse sagas. Small islands bring forth lessons that are easier to absorb than unpicking the spaghetti of European history.
The book examines the cultures in Britain, the USA, Russia, and China using the same lens.
The consequences for the future relationship between the USA and China are surprising and explain much of the current frosty climate between Russia and the West.
How this madness may have originated is explored together with new paradigms that may be necessary to find a way forward with less destruction of the planet and her children.