Science, Soul, and the Spirit of Nature : Leading Thinkers on the Restoration of Man and Creation

NEW SCIENCE / ECOLOGY "Irene's understanding reaches to the deepest layers of the human psyche--the depths where we not only think but actually feel our oneness with nature."--(Ervin Laszlo, author of _Science and the Akashic Field_) Society's attitude toward nature has changed considerably over the years. Terms such as _caretaker_ or _trustee_ have replaced anthropocentric, "humankind in charge" terms such as _supervisor_ or _owner_. This approach, although more appropriate, still indicates a complete separation of humankind from the natural world. Yet increasing numbers of people have begun to feel that they are intrinsically part of nature. This concept of unity with the natural world--that we are nature--is gaining momentum among many innovative social reformers from many diverse fields. In _Science, Soul, and the Spirit of Nature_, Irene van Lippe-Biesterfeld interviews twelve respected visionary thinkers, representing all continents, about their deep connection with Earth and their views on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Presented as a series of thought-provoking conversations, this book delves deeply into the many conceptions we hold about nature, showing that while we have made great strides in the area of its preservation, we must now take the next step toward ensuring its survival. Each contributor adds insights into the urgent change in consciousness that we must adopt in order to heal and restore the holistic relationship between humans and Earth that was emblematic of the first peoples. Together these voices remind us that separation from and destruction of nature is a destruction of ourselves. IRENE VAN LIPPE-BIESTERFELD, princess of the Netherlands, is a social reformer, honorary member of the international think-tank The Club of Budapest, and founder and president of the Lippe-Biesterfeld Nature College Foundation. She manages a nature reserve in South Africa and is the author of several books, including _Dialogue with Nature_. JESSICA VAN TIJN is a journalist who lives in both Mexico and the Netherlands.