If you allow yourself to take a step back, you can see that they can complement and even reinforce each other, like Yin and Yang. The key, in my opinion, is that neither is right or wrong.

Both views represent opposing values that are eager to fight each other, as we see in the current and highly polarizing environmental and climate debate. I expected him to say that both views make a valid point and you have to determine for each situation, which approach is the best or maybe combine both. Also during the half hour discussion, he did not clarify his point of view.

The question Mann asks himself in the book is: who is right? Mann does not want to choose, he leaves that to the reader. We can conclude that they had completely opposite ideas. For instance the genetic modification of crops, through which yields can be increased or the use of pesticides can be reduced.

He believed that progress brings us new technology that enables us to overcome the problems that economic and population growth entails. Borlaug, born in 1914, was more optimistic and became the symbol of what is now called techno-optimism or eco-modernism. He was convinced that humanity was destroying the planet due to population growth and consumption. William Vogt, born in 1902, actually developed the underlying ideas for the current environmental movement. He believes that we can anticipate problems and increasing prosperity through technological innovation. The wizards are the followers of Norman Borlaug who promoted a more productive agriculture through innovative technology. The prophets are the followers of William Vogt, one of the founders of the environmental movement, who believed that our growing prosperity leads to environmental disasters and that we must reduce and refrain from economic growth. In his book, Mann describes the development of two worldviews, that of the prophet and that of the wizard. Before going home and process all the information at a normal pace by reading the book, we decided to evaluate the evening and go for a drink. At half past eight we were back on the street slightly bewildered and with a copy of the book signed by Mann. Mann talked very fast and therefore after half an hour he was ready for questions. His lecture ended much earlier than expected. Charles Mann is a journalist with the New York Times and has written several books, including '1491 'and '1493' about the development of America before 1491 and the development of the same continent after the arrival of Columbus in 1492.

Mann came to talk about his latest book “The Wizard and the Prophet. My brother-in-law, Henk and I had been at an evening lecture by the American writer and journalist Charles C. We followed her to a slightly quieter corner in the building and ordered a glass of specialty beer. “Of course,' I said with a big smile on my face. Mofongo, a trendy and crowded bar next to the academy building in Groningen. 'Are you here for a drink,' said the girl at Mr.

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