Ecocivilization - by Jeremy Lent (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"One of the greatest thinkers of our age" (The Guardian) presents a new way of living--one modeled on nature's design instead of capitalism's--for fans of Guns, Germs, and Steel and Doughnut Economics

It has often been said that it is easier to imagine the end of the world than it is to imagine the end of capitalism--and yet that is what the historical moment urgently calls for. As climate chaos, inequality, and social fragmentation intensify, humanity faces an imminent choice: continue with a system built on extraction and endless growth, or reimagine civilization itself. Incremental policy improvements are no longer enough--we need a deep transformation of our current civilization to continue to survive.

In Ecocivilization, leading thinker Jeremy Lent offers that reimagination, grounded in proven design principles of ecosystems and in humankind's evolved inclination toward justice, mutuality, and dignity.

What unfolds is a robust framework incorporating Lent's own expertise, and the lived experiences of those on the ground already putting ecological civilization's core tenets into practice--justice, mutuality, diversity, and symbiosis.

From the global economy to universal housing and income, from infrastructure to agriculture, every major aspect of our society could be redesigned to work together as a coherent whole, setting the conditions for all people to flourish. Ecocivilization shows how this future on a regenerated Earth is not only desirable, but entirely feasible.

Review Quotes

"Ecocivilization offers an inspiring, thought-provoking road map for policymakers, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens, encouraging them to imagine and actively participate in building a future based on the "key principles of collaboration, solidarity, respect for the inherent dignity of others, and reverence for the intrinsic value of life." --Booklist STARRED review

"A cogent case for a bold alternative to capitalism." -- Kirkus Reviews

"According to complexity theory, new order may emerge spontaneously in all complex systems in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. In this beautifully written volume, Jeremy Lent applies this scientific insight to the current state of the world, describing in eloquent detail the emergence of a new ecological civilization. This is an inspiring and tremendously hopeful book, needed more than ever in our current dark times." --Fritjof Capra, author of The Tao of Physics

"We need to think big--the crisis we're in demands nothing less. And this book does just that, understanding the climate crisis as both a symptom of a degraded system, and a possible entry into building something fresh and new. It will fire your imagination." --Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future

"A passionate book that takes us though our past, present, and most importantly, the future we can, and must, create." --Riane Eisler, author of The Real Wealth of Nations

"Lent's Ecocivilization is a magnificent undertaking, a brilliantly informed guide through the past and into radically different futures. He shows that humanity is indeed at a turning point in its story, and he summons us to a great project. A must-read." --James Gustave Speth, co-founder, Natural Resources Defense Council

"Jeremy Lent's book is not only an insightful analysis of our present social, political, economic, and ecological challenges, it is a vital call toward transformation of our Earth community. It highlights a major paradigm shift toward a viable future in the aspirations of ecological civilization. This book will be a critical compass in leading the way toward a generative movement of movements." --Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-director, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology; co-author of Journey of the Universe

"We are stuck in a morass of our own making--a violence-prone civilization intent on destroying its life support systems. Jeremy Lent has been to the mountaintop and here describes a far better, more human and humane civilization on the horizon. The primary impediment to better possibilities is vision without which we will surely perish. Ecocivilization is about visionary imagination that builds on our inherently social disposition and our affinity for justice. It is, however, a compass, not an itinerary that points toward practical possibilities: an ecological civilization calibrated to a planet with an ecosphere. This is an important book and deserves close reading, debate, and action." --David Orr, author of Ecological Literacy: Education and the Transition to a Postmodern World

"Our civilization is coming to an end. And thus: It is high time we aimed at co-creating or returning to eco-civilization ... I see there as being no higher calling than following this aim. This book is an intellectually impressive and impassioned guide to what it actually could look like." --Rupert Read, co-director, Climate Majority Project; author of Why Climate Breakdown Matters

"Jeremy Lent is a radical thinker and an eco-activist. His book Ecocivilization is a constructive critique of current predicament of humanity and an inspiring vision for a new paradigm. The book makes a compelling case to make a shift from the industrial and commercial civilization to an ecological civilization in which humanity can live at ease with itself and also live in harmony with our precious planet Earth. This life-affirming worldview presented by Jeremy Lent in this book is urgently needed to insure the well-being of present as well as the future generations." --Satish Kumar, founder, Schumacher College

About the Author

Jeremy Lent described by Guardian journalist George Monbiot as "one of the greatest thinkers of our age," is a speaker and author of the award-winning The Patterning Instinct and The Web of Meaning. He is the founder of the Deep Transformation Network and the nonprofit Liology Institute. He lives with his partner in Berkeley, California.