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Public Books ·For the curious

To Reach Beyond Ourselves is Key to Our Survival

by Megan Cummins

Published 2026-06-05 15:00:00+00:00

How do we cultivate the kind of attention that allows us to reach beyond ourselves?

0:00 / 24:18 · Narrator Sulafat

Context

I've been thinking about how much we need to connect right now, and this piece on Muriel Rukeyser truly resonates. It's a conversation between two editors exploring Rukeyser's radical idea that "reaching beyond ourselves" isn't just a poetic notion, but essential for survival. They delve into how her work offers a framework for collaboration and understanding, urging us to bridge distances and find common ground, even in our most challenging moments. It's a beautiful, timely reminder of art's power.

Show notes

An introduction to a collaboratively edited collection, this piece explores the enduring legacy of Muriel Rukeyser's multifaceted work and "poetics of relation." It examines her emphasis on collaboration, connection, and reaching beyond the self as vital for addressing contemporary crises. The article, presented as an editorial dialogue, discusses how the collection's contributing poets engage with Rukeyser's spirit of inquiry and collective engagement.

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