Animate Earth: Science, Intuition and Gaia - Softcover

Harding, Stephan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1903998751 ISBN 13: 9781903998755

Publisher: Green Books, 2006

Synopsis

In Animate Earth Stephan Harding explores how Gaian science can help us to develop a sense of connectedness with the 'more-than-human' world. His 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. Stephan Harding 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. For example, chemical reactions are described using metaphors from human life, such as marriage, attraction, repulsion etc., so as 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.

Animate Earth argues that we need to establish a right relationship with the planet as a living entity in which we are indissolubly embedded - and to which, in the final analysis, we are all accountable. The book inspires the reader to connect with a profound sense of the intrinsic value of the Earth, and to discover what it means to live as harmoniously as possible within a sentient creature of planetary proportions. This expanded second edition includes a new chapter on fungi, new contemplative exercises and an update on the global climate situation.

The DVD of the Animate Earth film is available through animateearth.com. Presented by Dr Stephan Harding, it features interviews with leading environmentalists, scientists and spiritual leaders, including Brian Goodwin, Iain McGilchrist, Fritjof Capra, Vandana Shiva, Jules Cashford and Satish Kumar.

About this title

About the Author

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. He lives in Dartington, Devon, where the college is based.

From the Inside Flap

A wonderful and beautiful book James Lovelock

Animate Earth represents systems science at its best. I defy you not to be swept along by Stephan Harding's account of how the Earth's natural systems (particularly the carbon cycle) have evolved and of our part in them. In the process, he 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

The conception of the Earth as a living, self-organising system, known today as Gaia theory, is an ancient idea and yet one of the most radical and far-reaching scientific theories of the 20th century. In this remarkable book, Stephan Harding, who has worked closely with James Lovelock, tells the story in a way that is 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. He shows us that we must understand Gaia not just as an idea in our heads; we must also experience ourselves as part of her living being. . . . 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, School of Management, 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

Edition details

• Publisher: Green Books
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1903998751
• ISBN 13: 9781903998755
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256