Infinity + Nuance with Kendra Krueger
About the Episode
What does the infinitely large teach us about the intimately small and personal? Conversely, what does the intimately small teach us about the infinite?
In this conversation, Kendra Krueger says the infinite is the singular, and mathematics can prove it. Math also has something to say about understanding both ourselves and the vast nature of the universe, which means it might even help us heal our deepest, most polarizing worldviews without completely letting go of our boundaries or falling into some sort of “kumbaya” unity that erases our individual needs or beliefs. In other words, math can show us how to hold more reality while maintaining our individual difference.
Episode Details
About Kendra (she/her)
Kendra Krueger is an intersectional scientist, educator, creator and woman of color on many edges. Raised by artists, educated as an electrical engineer (BS Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, MS CU Boulder) and trained in anti-oppression facilitation, theater, mindfulness, and permaculture. Her work and research is a convergence of these many waters. Fueled by divine curiosity, she seeks to inspire deeper exploration of ourselves and our universe. Her pedagogy advocates that science can be a transformative tool for our external and internal world if analytical and intuitive skills can be combined. She founded 4LoveandScience in 2014 as a platform to teach transformative science at universities, in K12 schools, and in community spaces/gardens throughout the country. She has also curated and produced multi-media installations, exhibitions, and performances. She currently works at CUNY's Advanced Science Research Center, where she founded The Community Sensor Lab as a space for DIY community science and advocacy. She works to bring science to the people, but also the voices of the people into the scientific community.
What We Discuss
Applying to others the same level of nuance and subtlety we afford to ourselves.
Integrating bits and pieces of our beliefs and experiences, even from seemingly contradictory places, in order to create a deeper understanding of ourselves and nature.
What Kendra felt was missing, or what was limited, in the sciences and the “scientific paradigm.”
How several mathematical constructs, including the idea of “infinity,” help her hold nuance and complexity, but how boundaries help keep us from insanity when complexity becomes too much.
The tensions between action and radical acceptance and how “following a path of resonance” or what feels good helps us determine our capacity to engage.
What history, the ouroboros, and the solar system say about “spirals” of change and progress.
Technology not as all good or all evil, but learning to look at technology more generatively.
What different “zones” of love and intimacy might be.
And, Kendra’s work to bring science into the hands of more people, and the voices of more people into science, as well as how her parents’ work continues to influence her.
Sources Mentioned
Gloria Anzaldúa and her book, Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza
Christopher Alexander and “pattern languages”
Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, by Edwin A. Abbott
The text of Texas Senate Bill (SB) 8, if you really want to read it. Or, to cleanse your palette, here’s a New Yorker piece called, “Mexico’s Historic Step Toward Legalizing Abortion.”
I couldn’t find the exact instance of adrienne maree brown that Kendra referenced, where brown speaks on “loving from a distance,” but a very close quote brown often employs is in this piece. It’s a quote from Prentis Hemphill, which says, “Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.”
Here’s one of many resources to read about the principle of “Zones” and “Sectors” from permaculture, as well as “Accelerating Succession and Evolution.”
The Advanced Science Research Center at CUNY, and The Community Sensor Lab.
Wendell Berry, who I’ve mentioned before on the podcast, but this time in reference to how he sometimes makes me consider being a Luddite.
Arrival, my favorite movie, duh.
Asia Dorsey, Eutimia Cruz Montoya, and Adam Brock, as well as Bayo Akomolafe, who Kendra mentioned as inspirations to her in holding more complexity.
Donna J. Haraway and her book, Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene.
Kendra’s father, the photographer and artist, Alex Harsley.
Alex Gorodinski and his different “Types of Thought” (.docx download).
Here’s a link to Kendra’s YouTube channel, where you can find more of her brilliance, including the music she’s now sharing. Here’s a link directly to the song “Catalysts,” which relates to our discussion. And, pre-order the next Black Quantum Futurism anthology, in which Kendra has an essay titled, "The Wild Truth: Casting Spells with Entropy and Lasers."
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Find Kendra Online
Website
YouTube
Instagram
Pre-order the next Black Quantum Futurism anthology, in which Kendra has an essay titled, "The Wild Truth: Casting Spells with Entropy and Lasers."
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Credits
Audio engineering by the team at Upfire Digital.
All of my music is provided by the in-house musicians at Slip.stream.
Episode Transcript
Coming soon, hopefully! Would you be willing to help? Email me at brandi@thisplusthat.com!
