Chapter 1: The Unlikely Scholar

Reflecting on the past can often provide valuable insights.

On a sweltering evening in Bahrain, Taliban Tom reclined in his chair, beer in hand, little did we know he would soon be making an unexpected mark on the history of copper, at least on this platform. Tom had worked in Saudi Arabia alongside me, though he was far removed from actual Taliban affiliations; in fact, he considered them among his adversaries. In a curious twist of fate, this staunch Christian and confirmed Zionist navigated the 'belly of the beast'—the Arabian sands—alongside me. Despite being a fervent supporter of the Tea Party and now a neo-MAGA Republican, he opted for a Korean vehicle in a region that held American cars in high esteem. Yet, he ticked many boxes for his role: a Filipino wife two decades younger, a background as a trucker for Halliburton, and a Vietnam War posting he often claimed qualified him as a veteran. Thus, when Taliban Tom leaned back to dispense his fundamentalist insights, he did so with a peculiar kind of authority.

“Progress is a disaster,” he proclaimed, following his usual nod to George W. Bush’s administration and a few jabs at Trump.

“But you embody 'white-bread' progress,” I countered. “That’s progress.”

He had a point, though.

The concepts of progress and utopia may seem at odds. Progress is often perceived as limitless, while utopia suggests a state of unchanging perfection. In truth, both concepts focus on the potential of what could be rather than examining the reality of what is. When colonial powers invaded India and Latin America, ancient medical practices such as Ayurveda and the healing knowledge of the Aztecs and Incas were largely ignored. Ayurvedic practices, for instance, often utilized copper tools, which were revered for their healing properties—similar to how they were used by the Aztecs, Incas, and Ancient Egyptians to treat ailments like ulcers and joint pain.

In 1939, Dr. Werner Hangarter made a remarkable observation: Finnish copper miners exhibited no signs of arthritis. He conducted a study involving 1,500 arthritis patients treated with a copper infusion, and most experienced significant relief. Given the wealth of knowledge from ancient civilizations, one might expect this discovery to have been made sooner. Nevertheless, Hangarter’s pivotal findings were overshadowed by the advent of cortisone, despite its numerous drawbacks. This serves as a prime example of how progress can sometimes overshadow effective, time-honored remedies.

The 2002 decision in Stockholm to prohibit copper in public infrastructure was later reversed in 2006, following a comprehensive seven-year EU study that revealed a serious global copper deficiency. Perhaps now we can embrace copper for its numerous health benefits.

When applied correctly, copper is unparalleled in tissue repair. There simply isn't a superior cream available than one that incorporates copper derivatives, especially for reducing swelling. Animal studies have conclusively shown that the presence of copper around injuries indicates the body’s intrinsic healing capabilities. Furthermore, wearing copper may enhance absorption similar to how gold does, as this process occurs directly through the skin rather than via the liver. In 1954, Dr. Linus Pauling earned a Nobel Prize for his discovery regarding the bio-magnetic circulation of iron and electrolytic salts in our blood. While the research surrounding the impact of magnets in copper bracelets remains limited, anecdotal evidence suggests a compelling case.

"Progress," when it involves disregarding the knowledge of ancient civilizations—as illustrated by the widespread use of cortisone in spite of compelling evidence from Finnish miners—can be detrimental. This relentless pursuit of a “might be” could benefit from a renewed focus on the ancient remedies and practices of bygone cultures.

Chapter 2: Revisiting Ancient Wisdom

This TEDx talk by Kaustav Mukherjee delves into the concept of utopia and whether it can ever be achieved, encouraging critical thought about progress and societal ideals.

Chapter 3: The Philosophy of Nature

This video explores the philosophical reflections of Ted Kaczynski on progress versus wilderness, offering a rare perspective on the implications of technological advancement.