Animate Earth
Science, Intuition and Gaia
2nd Edition
Published on 5. March 2009
288 pages
978-1-907448-24-9 (ISBN)
Description
An exciting exploration into how Gaian science can help us to develop a sense of connectedness with the 'more-than-human' world.
Written by ecologist Stephan Harding, Animate Earth argues that we need to establish the right relationship with the planet as a living entity in which we are indissolubly embedded - and to which we are all accountable. Now in its second edition, this fascinating book includes a new chapter on fungi, contemplative exercises and an update on the global climate situation.
Stephan's work is based on careful integration of rational scientific analysis with our intuition, sensing and feeling - a vitally important task at this time of severe ecological and climate crisis. He replaces the cold, objectifying language of science with a way of speaking of our planet as a sentient, living being rather than as a dead, inert mechanism. Chemical reactions, for instance, are described using human metaphors, such as marriage, to bring personality back into the world of rocks, atmosphere, water and living things. In this sense, the book is a contemporary attempt to rediscover anima mundi (the soul of the world) through Gaian science, whilst assuming no prior knowledge of science.
Discover what it means to live as harmoniously as possible within a sentient creature of planetary proportions with this inspiring read.
Written by ecologist Stephan Harding, Animate Earth argues that we need to establish the right relationship with the planet as a living entity in which we are indissolubly embedded - and to which we are all accountable. Now in its second edition, this fascinating book includes a new chapter on fungi, contemplative exercises and an update on the global climate situation.
Stephan's work is based on careful integration of rational scientific analysis with our intuition, sensing and feeling - a vitally important task at this time of severe ecological and climate crisis. He replaces the cold, objectifying language of science with a way of speaking of our planet as a sentient, living being rather than as a dead, inert mechanism. Chemical reactions, for instance, are described using human metaphors, such as marriage, to bring personality back into the world of rocks, atmosphere, water and living things. In this sense, the book is a contemporary attempt to rediscover anima mundi (the soul of the world) through Gaian science, whilst assuming no prior knowledge of science.
Discover what it means to live as harmoniously as possible within a sentient creature of planetary proportions with this inspiring read.
Reviews / Votes
A wonderful and beautiful book. * James Lovelock, theorist behind the Gaia hypothesis * Animate Earth represents systems science at its best ... Harding brings the concept of Gaia to life, not just in terms of the science, but philosophically and personally - giving a whole new dimension to what 'environment-friendly' really means. * Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission * Scientifically sophisticated, yet easy to understand and captivating. Harding writes about Gaia with great passion, and he eloquently discusses the theory's philosophical, social and political implications. I recommend Animate Earth to everyone concerned about the fate of our planet. * Fritjof Capra, author of The Web of Life and The Hidden Connections * Stephan Harding is one of the few people who knows how to link the science of Gaia with the spirit of Gaia ... A brave book which may upset people from both sides of the divide he seeks to bridge - which makes it all the more essential reading for those seeking to respond to the challenges of our times. * Peter Reason, Professor of Action Research Practice at University of Bath * For depth of understanding of Earth functioning and our human role in the process, Stephan Harding's Animate Earth is the finest of recent studies. It should be read, meditated on, and adopted as a guide to our human course of action if we would avoid the disaster of an ecological collapse of life on Earth. * Thomas Berry, author of The Great Work and The Dream of the Earth * To read Animate Earth is to be taken on an incredible journey as Stephan invokes myth and storytelling to bring the living systems of Gaia to life. * transitionconsciousness.wordpress.com *More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Small black and white chapter illustrations and some diagrams
ISBN-13
978-1-907448-24-9 (9781907448249)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
03/2009
2nd Edition
Green Books
€21.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Person
Dr. Stephan Harding holds a doctorate in ecology from the University of Oxford. He is the Co-ordinator of the MSc in Holistic Science at Schumacher College, where he is also Resident Ecologist and a teacher on the short course programme.
Content
Acknowledgements
A note on the second edition
Preface by Lynn Margulis
Foreword by Brian Goodwin
Introduction
Anima Mundi
Encountering Gaia
From Gaia Hypothesis to Gaia Theory
Life and the Elements
Carbon Journeys
Life, Clouds and Gaia
From Microbes to Cell Giants
The Forgotten Kingdom
Desperate Earth
Gaia and Biodiversity
In Service to Gaia
Bibliography
Index
A note on the second edition
Preface by Lynn Margulis
Foreword by Brian Goodwin
Introduction
Anima Mundi
Encountering Gaia
From Gaia Hypothesis to Gaia Theory
Life and the Elements
Carbon Journeys
Life, Clouds and Gaia
From Microbes to Cell Giants
The Forgotten Kingdom
Desperate Earth
Gaia and Biodiversity
In Service to Gaia
Bibliography
Index
