Charles Eisenstein explores the history and potential future of civilization; tracing the converging crises of our age to the illusion of the separate self. In this landmark book; Eisenstein explains how a disconnection from the natural world and one another is built into the foundations of civilization: into science; religion; money; technology; medicine; and education as we know them. As a result; each of these institutions faces a grave and growing crisis; fueling our near-pathological pursuit of technological fixes even as we push our planet to the brink of collapse.Fortunately; an Age of Reunion is emerging out of the birth pangs of an earth in crisis. As our old constructs of self and world dissolve in crisis; we are entering a new narrative of interbeing; a more expansive sense of self; and a more ecological relationship to nature. Our darkest hour bears the possibility of a more beautiful world—not through the extension of millennia-old methods of management and control but by fundamentally reimagining ourselves and our systems. Breathtaking in its scope and intelligence; The Ascent of Humanity is a remarkable book showing what it truly means to be human.
#527520 in Books 1998Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.08 x .97 x 6.13l; 1.43 #File Name: 1580800696488 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Book About an Excellent ManBy JGarBurke Davis presents his mastery of research and history with Gray Fox; a book detailing General Robert E. Lee's endeavors throughout the American Civil War. Gray Fox is flooded with immense detail and numerous accounts of people who existed alongside Lee; from journal entries to letters. The book is able to connect with the reader in such a way that one actually feels as though they have entered the 1860s; emotions are conveyed strongly as well.But more than simply an example of excellent writing; Gray Fox brings to the reader someone that all Americans should revere: the man of Robert E. Lee. Though written objectively; the reader cannot help but gain extreme respect for the bearded general; his humility; loyalty; and faith demonstrated by Lee are prime examples of what all men nowadays should strive to be. After reading this book; I have a great deal of admiration for not only Lee; but the whole of the Confederate States of America; believe me when I say that there was a lot more there than racist rednecks. Davis also examines Lee's views on race and the CSA; as well.In short--get this book. Not just because you are a Civil War buff; or a CSA sympathizer; or love Robert E. Lee; but because you owe it to yourself; as an American; to entertain yourself with one of the greatest men in history; and to learn from his wisdom.Thank you Burke Davis!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very good read.By JayI've long been an admirer of Lee; believing him to be a great man with true Christian values caught--like many in that era--in a most a unfortunate circumstance. Davis' book does an excellent job of weaving a readable narrative around excerpts from period diaries and letters. The result is a very fine treatment of Lee's war years. I previously read Freeman's biography which was enjoyable; however; were I to choose but one to read; it would be Davis. While Freeman's book is more expansive; covering the whole of Lee's life; Davis' work was a nice; tight; concise and enjoyable read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. General of the Confederacy.By CustomerGen. Robert E. Lee; was the most successful of the confederate generals; But it should be remembered that much of his success came in the state of Virginia. When Gen. Lee ventured outside his home state; military success seemed to elude him. At the battle of Antietem; he fought against a general who should have beaten him. But Gen. Mcclellan defeated himself; nonetheless Gen. Lee did not win the battle. At Gettysburg ; he sacrificed Gen. Pickett's division to try to win the day. It was all for naught; after Gettysburg the Civil War went in only one direction; south. Gen. Lee did his best when back on familiar groud; but it was no longer enough. He was a gentleman to the end; but the confederacy still went down to defeat. He is definitely one of the great american commanders; but he did fight for a lost cause. JRV
