Seth Peabody writes to Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, praising his environmental efforts but challenging his pessimistic outlook on the future of the natural world. While Chouinard expresses guilt about the environmental impact of business, Peabody argues this view is conventional and contradicts Patagonia’s innovative spirit. He contrasts Chouinard’s approach with Douglas Tompkins’, founder of The North Face, who sold his company for conservation efforts, viewing Chouinard’s continued leadership as having the potential to undertake a more transformative change in the business world. Peabody draws on Jonathan Lear’s concept of “radical hope.” He urges Chouinard to push beyond reducing environmental impact and to envision radical change within Patagonia’s business model, leveraging its influence to pioneer a sustainable, postconsumer world. As a fellow pessimist seeking hope, Peabody encourages bold, transformative leadership.
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