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Benedict 'Red' Rattigan, 60, is a writer, philosopher, and director of the Schweitzer Institute for Environmental Ethics. His theory of dynamic symmetry has been described as a profound insight into the nature of the universe, giving rise to a conference at the British Museum, as well as an Oxford University symposium, an academic journal dedicated to the subject, and a book.
I wake at 7.20 AM to the sound of birdsong outside my window. Living on the edge of the Sussex Downs means I'm surrounded by nature, which is fitting given my work in environmental ethics. I start my day with a 20-minute svadyaya meditation session. This practice helps me centre my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead.
After meditation, I brew a mug of tea and settle in my study with a couple of Digestives. The walls are lined with books on philosophy and history, plus one or two Tintins. I spend the first hour of my day reading and reflecting. Currently, I'm revisiting Albert Schweitzer's writings on "reverence for life", which continues to inspire the work we do at the Schweitzer Institute.
By about 9 AM, I'm at my desk, tackling my emails and planning the day ahead. This morning, I'm finalising details for an upcoming symposium on environmental ethics at Peterhouse, Cambridge. Our affiliation with the college has opened up exciting new avenues for interdisciplinary research.
Late-morning, I fortify myself with a cup of strong coffee before taking our two dachshund puppies, Monty and the Roobster, for a stroll over the Downs. These joyful sausages on legs remind me daily of the importance of living in the moment, and it's during our walks together that I do some of my most productive thinking.
After lunch – usually hummus and toast, or a bowl of pasta – I'm back at my desk. I'm researching for my next series of podcasts about dynamic symmetry theory, which suggests that complex systems operate at the boundary between order and chaos. This theory has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of intricate systems across diverse fields, from physics and neuroscience to ecology and human society.
Late afternoon brings a Zoom meeting with colleagues at the Schweitzer Institute. We're preparing the next issue of our journal, focusing on innovative approaches to sustainable practices. As we discuss the articles, I'm reminded of the importance of bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications in environmental stewardship, and the challenges of trying to look professional on video calls with puppies on my lap.
Evenings are often spent writing or listening to music. My musical tastes are quite eclectic—I enjoy everything from Bach and Bob Dylan to Lisa Torres, though sometimes I simply prefer the sound of silence. At the moment, I’m working on a paper exploring the implications of symmetry in social systems. The quiet of the night provides the perfect environment for deep concentration.
Before bed, I unwind by reading biographies, history or poetry. I can waste an entire evening scrolling on Instagram, so I've recently uninstalled the app. I'm currently revisiting T.S. Eliot's "Four Quartets". Its exploration of time and eternity resonates with my work on symmetry and the nature of the universe, though some nights it simply lulls me to sleep.
As I drift off, I reflect on the day's activities. I'm grateful to be living a fairly useful and contented life. This sense of contentment is new for me. A few years ago, I had fire in my belly, and I wanted to change the world. But I've mellowed a little as I've aged: I've come to recognise that our experience unfolds at the intersection of intention and chance - a delicate balance between actively shaping our path and allowing events to develop naturally. It's in this dynamic space, poised on the edge between order and chaos, that life truly unfolds.
9nd February 2025