Across the globe, individuals and
organizations are taking a deeper look at the human species and
its relationship to the Earth and all other life. There is a
growing sense that humans are bringing life on Earth to an
evolutionary "tipping point" that will lead to our
transformation—or our extinction.
This recognition crosses all disciplinary,
social, political, and religious boundaries, making it clear
that these traditional boundaries no longer serve a maturing
humanity. At the brink of adulthood as a species, we must
understand our past and consider our future. We are charting a
new course into unknown territory. We are primordial stardust
come to consciousness, aware of our evolutionary past in deep
time. Will we treasure and nurture this precious gift of
awareness? Can it guide us as we attempt to chart our future
course?
Scientists, philosophers, economists,
educators, activists, artists, and business people consider such
vital questions and in their deliberations provide a broad vista
of the human and planetary conditions. Several important themes
emerge from these pages:
• Our impact on the living systems and
resources of our planet
• Our interconnectedness with everything
• The importance of community, relationships,
and wisdom
• The urgent need to address our daunting
reality and our future
• Our scientific cosmology’s capacity to
inform and guide us
While the chapters illuminate and explain the multitude of
challenges that face us, the book is full of hope, vision...and
solutions. It illuminates how we can draw on both science and
wisdom to create a sustainable future on a flourishing Earth.
