ROMANTİK OLARAK BIRAKANLAR: MY ISHMAEL'DE BİR MEDENİYET ELEŞTİRİSİ

Daniel Quinn’s My Ishmael presents a scathing critique of modern civilization through the contrasting lenses of the “Takers” and the “Leavers.” The Takers, representing industrialized societies, are characterized by their insatiable consumption, their domination of nature, and their pursuit of endless growth. The Leavers, embodying Indigenous cultures, offer a stark contrast, prioritizing ecological balance, intergenerational wisdom, and a harmonious relationship with the natural world. This article argues that the Leavers, with their emphasis on community, interconnectedness, and reverence for the Earth, embody many of the core tenets of the Romantic movement. Like the Romantics, they critique the alienation and dehumanization of industrial society, celebrate the power of nature, and seek a more authentic and meaningful existence. While the Leaver model may represent an idealized vision, it serves as a powerful critique of the Taker worldview and offers a valuable framework for rethinking our relationship with the environment and with each other. My Ishmael ultimately serves as a call to action, urging readers to question the prevailing paradigms of progress and to seek more sustainable and equitable ways of living.