The Web of Meaning

Integrating Science and Traditional Wisdom to Find Our Place in the Universe

De: Jeremy Lent

Narrado por: Adam Henderson

A compelling foundation for a new story of interconnectedness, showing how, as our civilization unravels, another world is possible.

Award-winning author, Jeremy Lent, investigates humanity's age-old questions - Who am I? Why am I? How should I live? - from a fresh perspective, weaving together findings from modern systems thinking, evolutionary biology, and cognitive neuroscience with insights from Buddhism, Taoism, and Indigenous wisdom.

The result is a breathtaking accomplishment: a rich, coherent worldview based on a deep recognition of connectedness within ourselves, between each other, and with the entire natural world.

As our civilization careens toward a precipice of climate breakdown, ecological destruction, and gaping inequality, people are losing their existential moorings. Our dominant worldview of disconnection - which tells us we are split between mind and body, separate from each other, and at odds with the natural world - has passed its expiration date.

Yet another world is possible.

The Web of Meaning offers a compelling foundation for the new story that could enable humanity to thrive sustainably on a flourishing Earth. It's a book for everyone looking for deep and coherent answers to the crisis of civilization.

©2021 Jeremy Lent (P)2021 New Society Publishers

Challenge your thinking!

I loved how Lent curated all the philosophies of the world to help us make sense of the chaos we are facing. In spite of the overwhelming challenges we face, he sees a “Web of Meaning” for a way forward.

Worthwhile listen

Overall a worthwhile listen, although there’s so much here that it might take two or three times for it all to sink in.

Vision for the future everyone should read

Explains major cultural issues preventing our species' progress, and what needs to be done to move forward.

Extraordinary

My hope is that this awesome book should become a text for serious practitioners and activists alike. I can’t wait to read it again and to share with other thoughtful friends. Impeccably written and passionately narrated. It is a living teaching.

Essential reading

This is such a broad spectrum view of how we relate to the world, each other, and ourselves, encompassing science, sociology, spirituality, an ecology. So many of the people, views, and systems I have been studying were all brought together here into a wonderful blend. Jeremy is truly a Renaissance man. It is people like this that I truly hope will lead the way into the “Symbiocene”, an ecological civilization.

Important clear presentation of our predicament

Powerful. I am changed having listed to Jeremy Lent. I'm not sure that he presented any information I was entirely unaware of, but he did a masterful job of weaving together and explaining the relationships between and among many territories, such that my understanding of our world is greater than is was before reading his book.

Fantastic!

Definitely a must read or listen. Just what we need at this time. I really enjoyed this presenter’s cadence.

The most important book I’ve heard, possibly ever

Meaning has never been more important to consider for humanity as it is right now. Stunning; hits so many important areas of experience and society such as spirituality, all manner of science, industry, and social organization. Connects common threads of truth underlying the self organization of all levels of intelligence, with a special focus on (but not limited to) human realms. The more alarming calls to action created strong emotions in me, but they are emotions I already feel about imbalance I already see. To have it addressed at all, with values I can get behind, is beyond satisfying and helpful. Reminds one of the power and possibility of interconnected consciousness symbiotic with rather than dominating of the rest of nature. Hopes for the beneficial power of inevitable change as well as the intelligence of the spirit of life (including human), despite clear barriers to planetary health. Invites us to enact needed empowerment.

Almost walked away - glad I didn't

The author does bang on (and on) about the negatives in our world, even after agreement has been reached. It got so depressing that twice I nearly deleted the book. I'm glad I didn't. I think he has some very important things to say and in the end there is hope. Learning about Neg-entropy made it worth much of the downside. The Narrator unfortunately wasn't told how to pronounce Jill Bolte Taylor (NOT Bolt!!!) and that was annoying as she, rightly, popped up now and then.

Comprehensive

The book provides a comprehensive view on what it means to be human and part of this planet.