My scientific explorations through fieldwork in Asia and Europe: University College London

March 18th, 2024
University College London to the Expeditions and Fieldwork Society
In this talk given Rupert Sheldrake explores the allure of expeditions and fieldwork, delving into his own adventures exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico and studying tropical plants in Malaysia. Throughout the talk he illustrates how these experiences broadened his scientific and spiritual horizons, connecting this intrinsic human curiosity to our ancestral hunter-gatherer roots.
Dr Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, is a biologist and author best known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance. At Cambridge University he worked in developmental biology as a Fellow of Clare College. He was Principal Plant Physiologist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and From 2005 to 2010 was Director of the Perrott-Warrick project, Cambridge.
www.sheldrake.org

[@maria369]

Always a privilege to listen to anything this brilliant man has to say.

[@julian.morgan]

In the context of this talk I'm very fond of Rupert's saying, 'the plural of anecdote is data' - in other talks he's mentioned for example, the idea that cats know when they're about to be taken to the vets and promptly make themselves scarce. Rupert hits on the uniquely practical solution of getting someone to simply phone around all the veterinary clinics in London and ask the receptionists if they tend to have more problems with cat owners failing to keep appointments than dog owners. All of them say yes unequivocally, with one or two clinics stating that they've given up on making appointments for cats altogether. On the one hand it's very simple and extremely cheap as a form of initital research - (a fact checking, 'is there anything to this? first stage), but the principle of just simply asking the people who are most likely to know is actually quite radical, not least because the general public assume that science must ALWAYS necessarily involve sophisticated and expensive equipment and further, that they themselves have nothing to contribute to any field of enquiry because they don't have any scientific qualifications. Scientists are in general of course normally pretty quick to agree, not wanting joe public to elbow their way into their ivory tower! What is truly tragic about the current state of play is the history of research is full of dotty and eccentric 'tinkerers' tinkering away in their back garden sheds or, in the case of 18th century gentlemen scientists, taking over the west wing of their family mansion to run their experiments. On this subject I'm surprised Rupert didn't mention his "Seven Experiments" book where he actively encourages exactly this sort of 'amateur' (for the love of) spirit of enquiry.

[@carlalakins]

No better way to end the evening… RS notification!

[@timothytannerandtheamazing5054]

I spent years at several major universities gaining my degrees and went to countless lectures delivered by many different philosophers and scientists. I can safely say that, as a lecturer, I find Rupert Sheldrake to be on a different level; for he is a delight to behold. Not only the content but also the delivery of his lectures is sublime. Thank you, Dr Sheldrake!

[@bjsmith5444]

Despite his scientific knowledge and great imagination, I'm always in admiration of his decency and humility. What a great man.

[@worthlessendeavors]

Some of us have noticed your astounding rejuvenation and are very happy to see it. Thank you for all of your tremendous work.

[@cheri238]

The invincible, insatiable, Rubert Sheldrake. Laconically, if I may add, a collosus one undeniably wants to learn from in various fields of knowledge. To put simply, he has a brilliant mind with a fervor of curiosity. With deep appreciation to be able to listen to this. The Sacredness of life. 🙏❤️🌎🌿🕊🎵🎶🎵

[@EbbandFlow1234]

I grew up in the 60s, 66 I was born, and I loved Mr Benn and his adventures and the little synchronicities after his adventure. I also loved Ray Brooks' voice, who narrated it and found his voice comforting. I also loved Arthur Lowes voice on the mister men. Parents encouraged their kids to play out back then. Brilliant as always Rupert. Thankyou.

[@Matlacha_Painter]

Rupert is a brilliant scientist. He deserves more recognition and accolades.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Ah yes, I was a child in the 1960's, adventure and exploration was a standard part of everyday life, I understand what Rupert is talking about here.

[@hArtyTruffle]

Me too 😊

[@loveistheonlything3626]

I wish I was. Kid of the early 90s and I wish I could travel back in time quite often. The modern world seems hostile to human beings.

[@Juxtaposed1Nmotion]

We all do, that was his point. Children from time immemorial have always sought adventure.

[@AuroCords]

Follow the magic...

[@domenikkunz9798]

instructions unclear, ended up at a basketball game.

[@friendlyone2706]

Science is a hunter-gathering approach to the entire universe. Zoos that mimic an animal's natural environment have healthier, happier exhibits and more satisfied customers. We people need hunter-gatherer breaks. Children need hunter-gatherer childhoods. Such experiences were common for those who cheered the space age -- and have become rare among those who only pay lip service to the idea of exploring new worlds.

[@lunkerjunkie]

there's a little Rupert inside my head.😊

[@JCRezonna-dl5qz]

I love the hunty gathery concept - fascinated. I live right by Natsushima, where the oldest ceramics ever found up to that date were uncovered, and which were probably made to store and cook shellfish, gathered from the shorelines of what is now Tokyo Bay. I love Rupert too (the bear I mean) especially Tiger Lily, and perhaps that's why I ended up here, but I'll save that story for another day 😂

[@acwo]

Where to find the staring app?

[@henvestments0-1productions28]

Responding on the Committee on the simulation panel discussion and you mentioned an app I have also an idea to test the simulation module here it is Simulation Test App to actknowledge what others or someone is manifesting as the perception as a holographic refraction projected into perceived material idealized reality

[@asemic]

yay storytime :D

[@groznyentertainment]

The last question on James Randi: his foundation primarily dealt with debunking claims of psychic powers. Psychic dogs, however, don't qualify as supernatural claims because it's entirely natural. Randi mainly contributed to exposing fake magicians who claimed they could bend spoons with their minds. It's arguable whether he should have been involved in real science. Regardless, he has passed away, and the prize has stopped years ago.

[@ejenkins4711]

Alchemy bee funny whsn merlin spread the word from lux veritas 2 sterquilinus inveneture 🍀🍯💙🍯🍀

[@pappapiccolino9572]

I could listen to Rupert all day, so long as he doesn't talk about his Christian religion, which I find to be a bit of a turn off.

[@Davod2139]

Bullshit

[@aalexjohna]

Fragrant old fruit.