The more I reflect on the prologue of this book, the more I realize the masterpiece of web created by matsutake rather than the fungi itself. Although the mushroom takes place with the most emphasis on the cover as the main character, there is much more to learn from this organism than its scientific makeup.
Just in the beginning parts of the book, Tsing outlines the intertwining complexity of the matsutake. In every aspect of the world, whether it be capitalism or ecological relationships, this mushroom leads to emotion, curiosity, and a challenge of human place and role. This especially reminded me of the essence of ethnography in trying to understand the social world in relation to culture. In examining every characteristic of matsutake, from history to present, we can gain valuable insight on phenomena and relations from a refreshing and new perspective. Beginning at the very base level of the ecosystem, I am curious to see what observations and conclusions Tsing will explore.
Question
– It is interesting how Tsing challenges the very essence of precarity belongs in our longing for systematicity. Although it may be true, I wonder if man can ever be completely satisfied with unpredictability or if precarity will always be something we associate negative means with.