Eschertalk: What Would Tolkien Do? Hope and Responsibility in Times of Change

Eschertalk on the exhibition ‘Fantastic Maps’

What can an individual achieve in times of climate crisis, social upheaval and digital sensory overload? Taking as their starting point a surprising reference to J.R.R. Tolkien in the most recent Pentecost encyclical, Tobias M. Eckrich and Samuel Schwarz discuss the question of personal responsibility for the world of today and tomorrow. The focus is on the importance of concrete action on a small scale – and the question of whether planting a single tree can sometimes make more of a difference than a thousand online posts. The panel discussion invites participants to reflect on hope, commitment and responsibility for the future in the 21st century. The discussion will be moderated by Lukas Ritzel.

Panel participants:

Lukas O. Ritzel: Tolkien scholar, author and curator of several Swiss Tolkien platforms and events

Tobias M. Eckrich: Chair of the German Tolkien Society, podcaster, author and Tolkien scholar

Samuel Schwarz: film and theatre director, cultural entrepreneur and co-founder of Maison du Futur

Admission is free, but registration is requested.

The series is funded by the association ‘Gemeinsam für die Zentralbibliothek’ (GFZB). Would you like to become a member? For a small contribution, you can be part of it.

Image: G. Kellers [Heroic Landscape] (1842). Print Collection and Photo Archive, Zurich Central Library, GKN 68, Link: https://doi.org/10.7891/e-manuscripta-77259.

Audio aids (including induction loops for hearing aids) are available for people with hearing impairments at ZB events (guided tours, courses, lectures). If required, please kommunikation@zb.uzh.ch.