Tom Fleischner, a renowned naturalist and conservation biologist, presents excerpts from his new book Astonished By Beauty: A Field Guide to the Practice of Paying Attention. Drawing on his extensive field work across diverse ecosystems, Fleischner explores how natural history — the practice of careful observation and attentiveness to the natural world — remains humanity's most fundamental way of understanding nature.
Far from being outdated, natural history provides the foundation for modern ecological science, underpins successful conservation strategies, and contributes to individual and societal wellbeing. Fleischner argues that this slide toward inattention in contemporary life is reversible because humans are naturally inclined to pay attention. The lecture will be richly illustrated with photographs from his field explorations.
Following the presentation, attendees are invited to a drinks reception in the Linnean Society's library. Copies of Astonished By Beauty, not widely available in the UK, will be on sale after the lecture.
