Honoring the Illustrious Jim Rutt
R.I.P to the complexity theorist exploring the future of civilization
I still can’t believe he’s gone.
I’m talking about the illustrious Jim Rutt — one of the most original thinkers on what comes after civilization as we know it, who passed away on May 27th.
I’m fortunate to have called him a mentor and a friend, so I’d love to honor him. Or rather — Jim, I’d love to honor you. I know the word “metaphysics” made you reach for your pistol, but according to my metaphysics, you can hear me on some level, so — hey Jim! This one’s for you 😉
Thank you for your brilliance, honesty, spicy sense of humor, and ever-present sense of awe. I’m convinced that you cursed frequently and accentuated your drawl to throw us off, but nice try, we all knew you were a genius.
Thank you for the treasure trove you left behind with the Jim Rutt Show — a masterclass in genuine curiosity. Listening to you interview someone felt like watching a person turn an unfamiliar 3D object around in their hands. By the end of the episode, we all had an intimate sense of the whole. Thank you for having me on to interview me, and having me on to interview you!
Thank you for mentoring me, supporting my work, and always giving me generous and incisive feedback. You were the most consistent attendee of our monthly producer mastermind — even though you were the one with the most to teach and least to gain.
Thank you for remaining remarkably joyful — despite your deep understanding of how dire this moment is. You smiled often! And laughed! You were intimate with the planetary boundaries humanity is swiftly overshooting, yet you genuinely enjoyed the miracle of your life.
Ultimately, thank you for your extraordinary body of work helping humanity imagine a wiser, more omni-considerate civilization. If we build such a civilization, you will be largely to thank.
I confess I’m tormented by what you had yet to create. The book (or books!) you had yet to write. The ventures you had yet to launch. For me, The Anti-Debates you had yet to participate in. But you left an abundant legacy, so we must now take the baton. In your honor, may we bring your Game B vision to life! 💫💫💫💫
Please remove the personal, private details regarding my father's health diagnosis. He leaves behind a family who is grieving, & part of that grief process is honoring his wishes: He ultimately did not go public with his condition & it should be noted that it was not the cause of death. I have also sent you an email. Thank you.