The Dream of the EarthRevolutionary advances in physics during the first three decades of this century shattered the view of reality that has prevailed in the Western mind since the seventeenth century. In place of the static, mechanical world that was hypothesized by Descartes and Newton, twentieth century researchers are discovering a universe that is dynamically alive: a whole system, fluid and interconnected. The implications are profound. The insights of particle physics are beginning to resonate through other branches of science. In fact, science is discovering a new version of the "enchanted" world that was part of the natural mind for most of human history. Since the loss of this world view in the last three hundred years is arguably at the heart of our current environmental crisis, its rediscovery may be the key to an eventual solution. But we are just beginning to explore what it means to be part of a universe that is alive. For most people, the emerging view of nature remains in a real separate from the emotions and textures of daily experiences. This missing link between scientific breakthroughs and the general consciousness is the focus of the Sierra Club Nature and Natural Philosophy Library. |
Contents
Returning to Our Native Place | 1 |
Human Presence | 13 |
Creative Energy | 24 |
Copyright | |
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achieved activities anthropocentric aspect Barry Lopez basic life systems become billion biocentric biological bioregional Brian Swimme CALIFORNIA/SANTA CRUZ centuries Charlene Spretnak civilizational civilizations concerned context cosmic cosmology creative CRUZ The University cultural coding divine dream earth community earth process ecological age economic emerged energy entire established evolutionary existence experience expression fulfillment functioning future Gary Snyder genetic coding Green movement historical human community human-earth Indian industrial integral land larger lifeforms living forms Marija Gimbutas ment mode movement mutually enhancing mystery mystique mythic nations natural world Neolithic numinous order of magnitude ourselves patriarchy patterns period Permaculture phase physical planet Earth present primary primordial programs psychic region religious renewal ritual role sacred scientific sense sequence significant situation social society species spiritual spontaneities story structure survival sustainable technologies Thomas Berry tion traditions ultimate understanding University Library UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA/SANTA valley vision Western wonderworld York