The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature (Paperback)

~ (Author), Amanda Connell (Author), Amanda McConnell (Author) "Like any other species, human beings have survived because we possess certain traits that have helped us secure a place on Earth..." (more)
Key Phrases: putting economic goals, biophilia hypothesis, United States, North America, Earth Summit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the most complete expression to date of an environmental ethic from one of the world's leading conservation writers, combining science, theology, poetry and philosophy to express a world view towards which the human species must shift in the twenty-first century." -- E.O. Wilson, author of "The Diversity of Life"

Product Description

A new paradigm for a way of life that is ecologically sustainable, fulfilling and just, by one of the world's leading environmentalists.

Every day we are bombarded with the message that the bottom line for society and governments must be the economy and global competitiveness. But in this seminal work, David Suzuki argues that the real bottom line, and our true challenge today, is not debts and deficits but the need to find a way to live full and meaningful lives without destroying the earth's biosphere, which supports all life.

Suzuki explores the physical, social and spiritual needs that should form the basis of any society that aspires to a sustainable future and a high quality of life for its citizens. "Those fundamental requirements are rooted in the Earth and its life-support systems. They are worthy of reverence and respect; that is, they are sacred."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 259 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898866456
• ISBN-13: 978-0898866452
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,477,525 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, enlightening and a "should read", March 24, 2005

By	Myles Delta Freeman "Myles" (Halifax, NS CANADA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature (Paperback)

This is an excellent and enlightening work about the general state of the planet, humanity as a species, where we belong on the planet and what it means to us in terms of sustaining us as a species for the long run. Well-written and divided into chapters which could be summarized as humanity, air, earth, water, fire, community, love, spirituality and balance, this book paints an accurate state of the world picture with facts as well as metaphors. It always presents its concern about the greater picture without losing sight of the details. A great balance of general science and spirituality, with just enough facts and personal stories of many to make the points convincing, this book also is threaded with impacting and eye-opening quotes and poetry from a variety of sources and people. A superb book, overall, from someone who has seen a lot of what he wrote about. This book should be on the curriculum for senior year high school so that the future generations can get a good grasp of the world as they become contributing adults in that world which they will own and determine, more impacting than ever, for future generations. No matter how much or how little they will get from it, every bit helps at a time when that is truer than ever in the past from every one of us living today. Don't get me wrong, though, it's not the book that's profound. It's what you do with what you learn from it which will be.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A challenge to look at the world and our place in it., July 2, 1998

By	Julian Kelsey ([e-mail]) (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature (Hardcover)

An oddly structured book, a collage of information rather than a single thread (it would make a good basis for a hypertext/multi-media presentation). It covers a lot of ground and some readers may find it lacks depth, though it is very readable and has extensive bibliographical references.

The first chapters each contain a combination of traditional scientific information, artistic views, personnal anecdotes and views from various cultural perspectives of the value of and the human impact upon this planet. Each of the first five chapters uses a classical element (air, water, fire/energy, earth, spirit/life) as a theme.

He goes on to present an opinion of sensible human needs and values; personal liberty, community, diversity and similar ideas that can be attended to in ways that are both humanly satisfying and environmentally beneficial.

His last chapters bring in a profoundly personal note; we are in the midst of and party to the harm being caused to this planet, which can be a crushing realisation. He offers hope that small deeds are better than no deeds, and that moving on to more wholesome lifestyles, even if they're not perfect, is needed and acheivable now. He gives example stories and suggestions that make sense for city living people.

It doesn't require deep, complex thinking. It's not lost in a new age fairyland. It's pragmatic, and sound, engaging both intellect and emotions. For me it offered affirmation of my belief that finding a place in the world that is both emotionally right and rational with a lifetimes long pespective is achievable and important.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Opens your eyes and your mind, November 4, 1999

By A Customer

"The Sacred Balance" is the most significant book I've ever read. Before having read it I knew little about the environment and how it's being affected by humans. I'm now in an Environmental Studies major. It is very well written, not hard to read, covers a large area of environmental issues and also goes into human sprituality and human nature. It became disturbing at times because of my previous ignorance and relative indifference towards the environment, but I am all the more enlightened now. This is a life-changing book and I would strongly recommend it to everyone.