Awakening Earth: Exploring the Evolution of Human Culture and Consciousness - Hardcover

Elgin, Duane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688116213 ISBN 13: 9780688116217

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1993

Synopsis

Balances science with spirituality in a study of human evolution, from the appearance of reflective consciousness to modern communications, and proposes three additional stages to be realized

About this title

From the Author:

There are a number of unique features to this book: First, the span of evolution considered is uncommon. Only a handful of books cover both the historical past and the deep future in one evolutionary sweep. Second, the cosmology or theory is distinctiveit presents a systems view of the cosmos that is congruent with both modern science and the perennial wisdom. This cosmology is neither materialistic nor transcendental, but integrative as it describes a co-evolutionary view of culture and consciousness. Third, the meditative or intuitive origins are unusualwhile the particulars of this book are based on two decades of research, the organizing pattern emerged as the culmination of a half-year of self-directed meditation.

From the Back Cover:

"Here's the meta-vision we have been waiting for; the story of the evolution of consciousness, the history of the spirit. An ingenious meditation that will stretch your mind and fill you with informed hope." --Sam Keen, author of Fire in the Belly, Faces of the Enemy, and other books.

Awakening Earth is a landmark book that provides vitally important perspectives on humanity's evolutionary journey. This is a book of remarkable breadth and depth that joins practical and spiritual insights into a comprehensive picture of humanity's origins and possible future. Awakening Earth has elements of genius. --Michael Murphy, author of The Future of the Body, co-founder of Esalen Institute

A brilliant vision of human destiny that illuminates the past and inspires hope for the future. An extraordinary book--a rare combination of clear vision, deep wisdom, and heartfelt compassion. --Frances Vaughan, author of Shadows of the Sacred, and Awakening Intuition, and other books.

This book is a remarkable synthesis of old and new knowledge, with a large dash of creativity. It is ambitious in scope, yet it is extremely readable and the central thesis is easily absorbed. Whether or not the reader agrees with every detail of Elgin's grand theory: whoever contemplates it seriously is bound to be inspired by it and, more importantly, to be changed by it. --Willis Harman, past president of the Institute of Noetic Sciences; author of Global Mind Change and other books

What I found especially exciting was Elgin's ability to synthesize the more radical insights of contemporary science with perspectives that are grounded in ancient wisdom traditions. --Brian Swimme, author of The Universe Is a Green Dragon; director, Center for the Story of the Universe, San Francisco

As to the value of this work, there is nothing more important in the world today than serious consideration of our situation as a species in the midst of both biological and cultural evolution. An accurate recounting of where we've been, coupled with a visionary but realistic assessment of the paths that lead to the future, is vital to the business of making effective decisions while we still have the option to do so. --Allan Combs, author of Synchronicity and The Radiance of Being; professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0688116213
• ISBN 13: 9780688116217
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 382