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Touching the Jaguar: Transforming Fear into Action to Change Your Life and the World Hardcover – June 16, 2020
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When New York Times–bestselling author John Perkins was a young Peace Corps volunteer, his life was saved by an Amazonian shaman who taught him to “touch the jaguar”—to transform his fears into positive action. He went on to become an “economic hit man” (EHM), convincing developing countries to build huge infrastructure projects that put them perpetually in debt to the World Bank and other US-controlled institutions. Although he sincerely believed this was the best model for economic development, he came to realize it was really a new form of colonialism. Returning to the Amazon, he saw the destructive impact of his EHM work. But he also was inspired by a previously uncontacted tribe that touched its jaguar by uniting with its enemies to defend its territory against invading oil and mining companies.
For the first time, Perkins details how shamanism converted him from an EHM to a crusader for transforming a failing Death Economy (exploiting resources that are declining at accelerating rates) into a Life Economy (cleaning up pollution, recycling, and developing green technologies). He discusses the power our perceptions have for molding reality. And he provides a strategy for each of us to change our lives and defend our territory—the earth—against current destructive policies and systems.
“This eloquent book inspires us to create a new reality of what it means to be humans on this magnificent planet.” —Deepak Chopra
“Touching the Jaguar is a heartfelt exploration into the powers to change ourselves, transform businesses, and renew society—powers indigenous shamans have cultivated for millennia and we must embrace to dream the world in a new way.” —Alberto Villoldo, PhD, bestselling author of One Spirit Medicine and Shaman, Healer, Sage
“Perkins is a master storyteller. In this story of deceit, divided loyalties, and ultimate redemption, he draws us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the possibilities of a human rebirth and brings us together on the path to a future that works for the whole of life.” —David Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World
- Print length264 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBerrett-Koehler Publishers
- Publication dateJune 16, 2020
- Dimensions6.38 x 0.85 x 9.56 inches
- ISBN-101523089865
- ISBN-13978-1523089864
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The riveting third edition of this New York Times bestselling title expands its focus to China, exposes corruption on an international scale, and offers much-needed solutions. Extensively updated, this edition features twelve new chapters, including a new introduction, preface, and study guide. The book brings the story of economic hit men (EHMs) up-to-date and focuses on China’s EHM strategy.
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| Price | $26.95$26.95 | $16.49$16.49 |
| More from John Perkins | Transforming Fear into Action to Change Your Life and the World | Includes 12 explosive new chapters! |
John Perkins has written eleven books, including the first edition of Confessions of an Economic Hitman, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than seventy weeks and was translated into over thirty languages. As a former chief economist, he advised the World Bank, the United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, and governments around the world.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"The best kind of non-fiction is told in story form, right? Touching the Jaguar is just such a book….Very entertaining, the book is filled with humor and told from a self-deprecating point of view. Together, the stories become a series of lessons in an ‘evolving education about the US government work and the way we abuse our privileges.’” —Clean Technica
“Touching the Jaguar connects the dots between Amazonian shamans and the modern world of materialistic overconsumption. This eloquent book inspires us to create a new reality of what it means to be human on this magnificent planet.”
—Deepak Chopra
“Because of John’s work, I traveled deep into the Amazon. The Achuar taught us about altering reality by changing perceptions. This marvelous book transports you on a similar journey and empowers all of us to transform failing systems into successful ones.”
—John Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
“John is a brilliant storyteller. Touching the Jaguar chronicles one of the greatest and most fascinating true stories of our time. It will touch you, lift your spirit, engage you, and deepen your heart. It is magical, riveting, and true. John’s masterwork.”
—Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money and cofounder of the Pachamama Alliance
“Once again, John Perkins takes us on an extraordinary voyage that includes issues that not only shake the world but transform ourselves in the process.”
—Thom Hartmann, America’s #1 progressive talk show host and author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight
“Touching the Jaguar is a heartfelt exploration into the powers to change ourselves, transform businesses, and renew society—powers indigenous shamans have cultivated for millennia and we must embrace to dream the world in a new way.”
—Alberto Villoldo, PhD, bestselling author of One Spirit Medicine and Shaman, Healer, Sage
“Perkins is a master storyteller. In this story of deceit, divided loyalties, and ultimate redemption, he draws us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the possibilities of a human rebirth and brings us together on the path to a future that works for the whole of life.”
—David Korten, author of Change the Story, Change the Future; The Great Turning; and When Corporations Rule the World
“How do we transform a destructive Death Economy into a sustainable Life Economy? What actions can you take to be your best you? These questions John answers in this powerful, fun-to-read, and groundbreaking book.”
—Marci Shimoff, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Happy for No Reason and coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul
“Perkins is an amazing writer, storyteller, and adventurer who has written a really great read, another provocative bestseller.”
—Stephan Rechtschaffen, MD, founder of Blue Spirit Costa Rica and Omega Institute
“John’s life story is an important lesson for those embedded in the malfunctioning mainstream economy. Johnempowers us to shift the economic hit man/growth metrics into those that focus on a Life Economy.”
—Hazel Henderson, author of Building a Win-Win World and Paradigms in Progress and CEO, Ethical Markets Media
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Berrett-Koehler Publishers (June 16, 2020)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 264 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1523089865
- ISBN-13 : 978-1523089864
- Item Weight : 1.05 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.38 x 0.85 x 9.56 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #902,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #466 in Government & Business
- #779 in International Economics (Books)
- #26,520 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

John Perkins is an author and activist whose 10 books on global intrigue, shamanism, and transformation including "Touching the Jaguar," "Shapeshifting" and the classic "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" have been on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 70 weeks, sold over 2 million copies and are published in at least 35 languages.
As chief economist at a major consulting firm, John advised the World Bank, United Nations, Fortune 500 corporations, US and other governments. He regularly speaks at universities, economic forums, and shamanic gatherings around the world and is a founder and board member of the Pachamama Alliance and Dream Change, nonprofit organizations that partner with indigenous people to protect environments and that offer global programs to change the destructive ways of industrial societies.
John advises corporations, executives, and entrepreneurs on ways to make the transition from a Death Economy (exploiting resources that are declining at accelerating rates) to a Life Economy (cleaning up pollution, recycling, and other technologies that create regenerative life-styles and economies) -- a subject that is detailed in "Touching the Jaguar."
John has lived four lives: as an economic hit man (EHM); as the CEO of a successful alternative energy company, who was rewarded for not disclosing his EHM past; as an expert on indigenous cultures and shamanism, a teacher and writer who used this expertise to promote ecology and sustainability while continuing to honor his vow of silence about his life as an EHM; and as a writer who, in telling the real-life story about his extraordinary dealings as an EHM, has exposed the world of international intrigue and corruption that is turning the American republic into a global empire despised by increasing numbers of people around the planet.
John's Books:
Touching the Jaguar: Transforming Fear into Actions to Change Your Life and the World
The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
Hoodwinked
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
The Secret History of the American Empire
Shapeshifting
The World Is As You Dream It
Psychonavigation
The Stress-Free Habit
Spirit of the Shuar
To learn more about John and his work and subscribe to his newsletter: www.johnperkins.org
Connect with him online at: facebook.com/johnperkinsauthor; at instagram.com/johnperkinsauthor; at twitter.com/economic_hitman
For further information about events where John Perkins is speaking or teaching visit: http://johnperkins.org/events
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Customers find the book inspirational, empowering, and meaningful. They describe the pacing as engaging and more personal than the author's previous books. Readers also find the writing enjoyable and say it's an excellent read.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book inspirational, empowering, meaningful, and rich. They say it's captivating and educational. Readers also mention the book is hopeful and uplifting.
"...Perkins hits it out of the park again with this incredibly engaging, empowering, disturbing, moving, empowering, and timely book...." Read more
"...Talk about getting real...these are really meaningful stories that are not being told enough -- both his experience with indigenous cultures and his..." Read more
"I found John's writing both inspirational and educational; I appreciate the weaving of indigenous and western wisdom for contemplation of how to..." Read more
"...Touching the Jaguar is a story of redemption & regeneration. You will not want to put it down." Read more
Customers find the pacing of the book captivating, engaging, and inspiring. They also love all the messages the author conveys. Readers mention the book is more personal than his previous books, providing realistic and actionable processes, systems, and beliefs. They say it's honest and hopeful, helping one navigate complex issues facing our planet.
"John Perkins hits it out of the park again with this incredibly engaging, empowering, disturbing, moving, empowering, and timely book...." Read more
"...Very honest and worthwhile read, giving me things to think about and act on for years to come." Read more
"...the world and here in the U.S., but it thankfully provides realistic and actionable processes, systems, and beliefs to guide our path...." Read more
"...I loved all the messages the author conveyed and was truly inspired to continue to "touch the jaguar" in my personal life and do my part to help..." Read more
Customers find the book excellent, eye-opening, and a joy to read. They also say the writing is enjoyable and the author is a brilliant storyteller.
"...Very honest and worthwhile read, giving me things to think about and act on for years to come." Read more
"...Highly recommended reading." Read more
"Fantastically brilliant and eye opening while being a joy to read...." Read more
"...John is eloquent, captivating, and courageous. He is a brilliant writer and a brilliant storyteller and what a story!..." Read more
Customers find the book timely.
"...engaging, empowering, disturbing, moving, empowering, and timely book...." Read more
"We are living in perilous times & John’s book is very timely as we navigate through COVID, loss of jobs and societal unrest...." Read more
"Inspirational and timely book...." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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John's metaphor for Touching the Jaguar has become a term of art, a phrase that has it's own universal meaning, with color and energy that no other phrase seems to capture. Touching the Jaguar is the perfect compliment and integration of all of John's work and I HIGHLY recommend you read and 'do' this book!
Thank you John for creating, stirring and catalyzing people across the world with your important stories, strategies and messages of hope!
Stephanie Trager
-April Kelly-
Climb for Conservation
Top reviews from other countries
Highly recommended!
Le livre, "touching the jaguar" est une belle combinaison des deux aspects, qui par son exemple autobiographique nous pousse à faire face à nos peurs et à aller de l'avant, vers un monde plus beau, plus respectueux, vers une "économie de la vie". Je recommande fortement, tout comme je recommande les deux autres livres du même auteur que je viens de mentionner.





