A Glimmer of Hope
Written: Apr 30 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Close examination of a global movement
Cons: No objections
The Bottom Line: Philosophical look at social justice and environmentalism, entwined
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| pambo's Full Review: Paul Hawken - Blessed Unrest |
Paul Hawken's latest book is both a little frightening and vastly reassuring at the same time.
The author-activist/businessman points to the science of global warming and catastrophic change and says we should be worried. But then he tallks with the many grassroots activists around the world and sees hope.
"Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Social Movement in History Is Restoring Grace, Justice and Beauty to the World" believes that two formerly discrete movements, one focusing on the environment and the other on social justice, are finally merging into what Hawken believes is the largest movement in global history.
Like Al Gore and many other environmentalists, Hawken spends considerable time talking with organizations and individuals around the world, both lecturing and learning from audiences. He cites a Native American, who, he said, taught him that "the division between ecology and human rights is an artificial one, that the environmental and social justice movements addressed two sides of a single larger dilemma."
He sees a new kind of movement, one different from those in the past in that there's no designated leader. The new movement toward global justice is disparate and thoroughly independent, with groups and individuals acting on their own even as they unite on common topics. And while the movement is relatively new, he sees its roots in much earlier structures and cultures, to priestesses, rabbis, healers, who "speak for the planet, for other species, for interdependence, a life that courses under and through and around empires."
The chapters of this carefully organized and really well thought out book go like this:
After describing the roots of this movement, Hawken explains how and why it is different from those of the past.
Next, he examines the roots of this inclusive movement, pausing to note that though the United States has been the home of many progressive movements, you wouldn't know it from the way we teach our own history.
He traces the origins and development of movements in a variety of countries and explains why they took the shape that they did. For example, environmentalism in England traces back to public health issues growing out of the Industrial Revolution. In Latin America, it grows from land-use issues.
And he believes in the idea that small, seemingly inconsequential actions can have long-ranging and deep impact later on. It is, he says, important that people recognize the history of altruism, because it reveals the "power of helpful and humble acts,a reminder that constructive changes in human affairs arise from intention, not coercion."
Hawken moves on to examine globalization, collective action and the sense of restoration of the human spirit.
It is the latter that is most striking to me. There is an underlying sense of spirituality--not one that we would readily identify with any single religion or belief system as we know it--but rather deep compassion, love and respect. He writes, "To salve the world's wounds demands a response from the heart...making amends is the beginning of the healing of the world."
This is not a book that guides you on a simple 1-2-3 path to sustainable living. Rather, it provides a framework for new thinking, a way of living as a gentler and more understanding human being in order to save the planet from our misdeeds.
Hawken is a curious, creative and highly successful person on any level of measurement. His words provoke, though not in the in-your-face manner to which we've become so accustomed. His business world success (Smith and Hawken, Whole Earth Catalog) gives him credibility in one world; his ecological credentials, in another.
It's a very interesting book, not one easily picked up and then set aside.
In addition to his philosophical explanations, the book includes a very lengthy appendix that moves from botanical terms to affordable housing, from ecosystem explanations to peace-keeping.
This is a book with a very different feel, well worth the time needed to digest and assess and absorb what he is saying.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
pambo
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Member: Pam
Location: Long Island
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