Gregor Hagedorn: Freedom, Renunciation and the Transformation of Our Future
In the venerable halls of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin, surrounded by the history of life on our planet, we met with Dr. Gregor Hagedorn for a dialogue. As academic director and co-founder of Scientists for Future, he addresses the most pressing questions of our time. It was a profound conversation about sustainability, the limits of our habits, and why true freedom in the face of climate change might mean something completely different than we think.
The link to the podcast .
The beginning: When data alone is no longer enough
As a biologist and computer scientist, Gregor Hagedorn's initial approach to tackling the biodiversity crisis was a scientific and logical one. "When a lot of things go wrong somewhere, a plausible approach is to say, okay, if we have more data, we can manage it better," he explains. But over the years, the realization grew that the flood of data about melting glaciers and dying species doesn't automatically lead to the necessary action. The greatest challenge lies not in knowledge, but in our human nature.
What is freedom really? A necessary redefinition
At the heart of the debate is often a misunderstood concept of freedom. Hagedorn clarifies: "It's not about arbitrariness. Freedom means being able to do what you want, but within a framework that also respects the freedoms of others." Our personal freedom ends where it destroys the livelihoods of future generations or other people on this planet. It is not an absolute, but a constant social negotiation process.
The power of habit: our greatest obstacle
Why is change so difficult for us, even when we understand its necessity? Hagedorn identifies the power of our habits as a key obstacle.
"We have habits, and when we have to change our habits, when we change them not through voluntary resolutions, but perhaps really through things that change, then we are really under attack."
This perceived limitation is one of the biggest hurdles on the path to the necessary social transformation.
A poem as a symbol: Where renunciation becomes gain
As a symbol of his understanding of freedom, Hagedorn brought not an object but a poem he had written himself. These lines impressively summarize his philosophy:
"In dying revolt,
in passing a new beginning,
take a breath while submerged,
in renunciation gain."
This reveals a radically different understanding of freedom. It is a freedom that is not based on material possessions or limitless consumption, but on acceptance, conscious renunciation, and the realization that letting go can bring unimagined gains.
The big confusion: Luxury is not freedom
Hagedorn points to a central confusion in our society: "We sometimes confuse luxury and freedom." A vacation flight, the latest smartphone – we interpret these things as expressions of our freedom, even though they are often only short-lived luxuries at the expense of the planet. He suggests a more conscious approach: Everyone could define a personal "luxury zone" that they can afford, while consciously acting more sustainably in other areas of life.
The responsibility of science and the hope for change
Despite the enormous challenges, Hagedorn exudes a pragmatic optimism. He believes in humanity's capacity for change. "We can change. We don't have to sit gloomily at home somewhere. Instead, we can experience truly exciting things. Perhaps even experience much more together."
As a scientist, he sees it as his responsibility to speak uncomfortable truths and confront humanity with the consequences of its actions – even in the face of growing hostility. It requires courage, but he is convinced it is worth it.
"The most important thing is that we as human beings question the present. And that's naturally difficult for us. It's exhausting. It's also uncomfortable."
- Dr. Gregor Hagedorn
