So Stewart (Brand) gave birth to this idea that if we could show the world from the outside, if we realized what an amazing, extraordinary, unique gift that was — this tiny, little planet teeming with life, swimming around in a dead universe, as far as we know.

We still don’t know that there’s any other life in the universe, which is phenomenal, if you think about it. We still don’t know. We might be the only life in the universe. I think about that nearly every day. I think it’s the most sobering thought. I think that should be shouted from the rooftops every day.

That’s my version of seeing the whole Earth from space — getting people to understand that we might be the only life. It might all be on this one place, and bloody hell, shouldn’t we look after it a bit better, then?

Then those things make me constantly think and constantly be grateful for the fact that I’m alive. I remember reading this comment from a New York taxi driver. He’s driving, and he turns to the customer and says, “Oh, life. I’m so glad I got in.” [Laughs.]

I just love the idea that it’s like an amazing show at a theater and you managed to get a ticket to see it. I appreciate that kind of gratitude.

Item Title: Memorandum to Barry Hyams (from Richard Farson)

Subject: Newsletter Blurb

Location: CalArts Institute Archives, Series 1, Administrative records, 1966-1976; Subseries 1.2 Deans, 1966-1976

Item Dimensions: US Letter

Original Format: US Letter

Creation Date: August 17, 1970

Location: Valencia, CA

I’ve had about 3 different lecturers tell me to read Stuart Brand’s “How Buildings Learn”. Was very happy to find this 1997 BBC Series by Brand. This six-part, three-hour, BBC TV series aired in 1997. I presented and co-wrote the series; it was directed by James Muncie, with music by Brian Eno. The series was based on my 1994 book,…

2. How Buildings Learn - Stewart Brand - 2 of 6 - “The Low Road”