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A review by readingood
The Ascent of Humanity: Civilization and the Human Sense of Self by Charles Eisenstein
5.0
Trippy book. But just because it's trippy doesn't mean it's false.
Main idea: Humanity's obsession/belief that we are separate from the world, separate from nature, is the cause of all of civilization's problems. We believe technology and science will allow us to explain, predict, control, and transcend nature. We believe we can create a world free disease, hunger, and suffering. But that isn't the case. Things are actually getting worse. We have new diseases. Climate change is devastating the world. We are still as violent and suicidal as ever. The problems we've caused - depletion of Earth's resources, mass pollution, economic inequality - are quickly coming to a head, and civilization as we know it will collapse because of it. I know it. You know it. The process is already in motion. You can feel it.
Our current way of life is untenable and hollow. Instead of living as if we're separate or above nature, we must embrace and cherish nature. The Earth has supplied all of life with everything we'll ever need. We are nature. Nature is us. Instead of accumulating and hoarding resources, let's share and be thankful for this world of plenty.
This book touches on so many topics, from physics, to economics, to biology, to agriculture. It's a great read, and makes too much sense.
It's never too late to change.
Main idea: Humanity's obsession/belief that we are separate from the world, separate from nature, is the cause of all of civilization's problems. We believe technology and science will allow us to explain, predict, control, and transcend nature. We believe we can create a world free disease, hunger, and suffering. But that isn't the case. Things are actually getting worse. We have new diseases. Climate change is devastating the world. We are still as violent and suicidal as ever. The problems we've caused - depletion of Earth's resources, mass pollution, economic inequality - are quickly coming to a head, and civilization as we know it will collapse because of it. I know it. You know it. The process is already in motion. You can feel it.
Our current way of life is untenable and hollow. Instead of living as if we're separate or above nature, we must embrace and cherish nature. The Earth has supplied all of life with everything we'll ever need. We are nature. Nature is us. Instead of accumulating and hoarding resources, let's share and be thankful for this world of plenty.
This book touches on so many topics, from physics, to economics, to biology, to agriculture. It's a great read, and makes too much sense.
It's never too late to change.