The Ascent of Humanity

Civilization and the Human Sense of Self

By: Charles Eisenstein

Narrated by: Steve Wojtas

Charles Eisenstein explores the history and potential future of civilization, tracing the converging crises of our age to the illusion of the separate self. He argues that our disconnection from one another and the natural world has mislaid the foundations of science, religion, money, technology, economics, medicine, and education as we know them. It has fired our near-pathological pursuit of technological Utopias even as we push ourselves and our planet to the brink of collapse.

Fortunately, an Age of Reunion is emerging out of the birth pangs of an earth in crisis. Our journey of separation hasn't been a terrible mistake but an evolutionary process and an adventure in self-discovery. Even in our darkest hour, Eisenstein sees 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. We must shift away from our Babelian efforts to build ever-higher towers to heaven and, instead, turn our attention to creating a new kind of civilization - one designed for beauty rather than height. Breathtaking in its scope and intelligence, The Ascent of Humanity is a landmark book showing what it truly means to be human.

©2007, 2013 Charles Eisenstein (P)2017 North Atlantic Books

Critic reviews

"Yale graduate, professor, speaker, and author, remove the letters 'se' from his surname and you have an idea just how brilliant a thinker Eisenstein is considered to be." ( Montreal Gazette)

"This is an extraordinary book. Eisenstein has put his finger on the core problem facing humanity - namely: separation. All the crises that humanity now faces are grounded in the belief that we are separate - separate from each other, separate from the biosphere that sustains us, separate from the universe that has brought us forth. This is a tour-de-force filled with astounding insight, wit, wisdom and heart." (Christopher Uhl, author of Developing Ecological Consciousness: Paths to a Sustainable Future)

Phenomenal

Everyone should read/listen to this book. Life changing to hear such an intelligent and well thought out perspective on humanity and the predicament we find ourselves in. A bit like someone pointing out to the fish that it’s swimming in the ocean and explaining what that ocean is

Amazing teachings!

How ever long this work of our story may seem, it feels very complete. Eisenstein has taken off the mask and brought social connection to humanity. Imagine this being taught in school.

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK

Packed from cover to cover with insights, information, as well as historical, cultural and theoretical applications of humanity's progress. It gives a no-nonsense synopsis of our current situation as a species and the effects we have on our planetary home, as well as the path of ascent we have taken to arrive here. Yet, the conclusion of the book and the arguments for the age of reunion shines new light our dire state of existence, providing hope and practical applications for a better future for all.

Deeper Reality

Helps me understand why I'm so discontented with this world on a deeper level. Amazing insights and lots of new ideas to ponder.

Mind expanding

Thought provoking. A must read for those looking to expand how they think about our world.

must read

I'm continually impressed by Charles' overarching knowledge of his subject matter. Many times I was enlightened by hos viewpoint and also many times my heart was touched with hope for the future of our planet.

Challenging in the Best of Ways

At first I wasn't sure if I would like that it isn't read by the author since I have heard Charles speak before, but the narrator does a good job at moving the author's words along efficiently. One needs to approach this book with an open mind and heart. Some of the ideas are challenging or even confusing but I think anyone can get out of it what they put in and what they are ready to receive.

Extremely eye opening and challenging

"The Ascent of Man" offers a thought-provoking exploration of Western society's impact on humanity. While it provides insightful observations, the book's length and occasional repetition can be tiresome. Nevertheless, it effectively challenges readers to recognize the harmful aspects of our Western culture and prompts critical self-reflection.

Life Changing

The perspective Eisenstein elucidates puts into words feelings I have known for a long time. To hear them put them into a clear coherent and intellectual conception was liberating.

Everyone

This should be required reading/listening for freshmen in college and seniors in college.
Required reading/listening for fellow humans everywhere.