The Poised Century: On Living Today as if Tomorrow Mattered - Softcover

Robinson, David A

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1466338830 ISBN 13: 9781466338838

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011

Synopsis

In The Poised Century, David A. Robinson shows us what a century “on the brink” looks like and what each of us can do about it. From oil depletion and climate change to growing inequity and mounting debt he presents persuasive reasons why each of us must live today as if tomorrow mattered. Advocating a future that grows from the sum of our own conscious choices and informed citizen action, he points to a common abundance we can all live with, one that brings well-being to all Americans. Robinson gives us tools for creating a future that will not only require, but demand, our attention and presents an optimistic, if not easy, way to secure our collective life. Focusing on the United States in particular, he invites and challenges his readers to find a way of living and consuming that does not diminish either the planet or its people. Filled with practical remedies, The Poised Century offers abundance over inequity and hope over despair. Kirkus Review A wide-ranging appeal for a saner way of living. With a background that spans science, philosophy and humanitarian service, Robinson has the ability to grasp some of the country’s most pressing problems, filter them through observant, objective eyes and make recommendations for ways to set things right. Robinson focuses on America’s materialism as a root cause of malaise, which is hardly new territory, but he expands the palette to include a discussion of our changing workplace, the growth and importance of nonprofits (the “third sector”), our consumptive attitude toward energy and the weakness of political leaders who focus more on raising money for re-election than on serving their constituents. Robinson acknowledges widespread societal unrest but, with a hint of cockeyed optimism, writes that “suffering is not all bad, because it tells us that something is wrong, and if we just listen, it will direct our lives in new ways.” The most intriguing, provocative section of Robinson’s book is the final chapter, in which the author details “ten remedies” that could move the United States forward in a radically new direction. His first remedy, “Sing a New Song: Craft a singable national anthem,” seems a bit trivial, if only because it lobbies for replacing “The Star-Spangled Banner” with a tune that “would have all of America singing not only better, but all together.” This, writes Robinson, might lead to Americans “cooperating on even more things, such as sane driving or going to school meetings.” Subsequent remedies are to be taken more seriously. The author proposes, for example, a “high-exemption flat tax,” changing the gross domestic product (GDP) to the “GDWB” (gross domestic well-being), taxing waste and not work, imposing public funding of political campaigns and living by the rules of a “civil economy” that brings equity to inequality. Robinson writes well and thoughtfully; his impassioned argument has spiritual overtones that can be inspirational at times, even if some of his ideas stretch the boundary of realism. In an era when both the U.S. and the world are witnessing unprecedented upheaval, Robinson’s innovative, thoughtful treatise may be on to something. Kirkus Indie Book Review

About this title

About the Author

With a lifetime of experience teaching physics, directing and implementing energy research, providing nonprofit governance, plus living according to his own recommendations, David A. Robinson brings a wealth of practical experience and passion to the work of sensible living on a finite planet.  His recognition years ago that more than the technology of science, the programs of government, or the miracles of faith were required to promote sustainable living led to the present book.  Robinson lives in St. Paul, where he eats local food in season, heats his 1,000-square-foot home with a water heater, and gets double smiley faces from his local energy company.

From the Back Cover

"This powerful and thought-provoking book will change the way you look at the world and your place within it. It calls us to our most conscious selves and asks us to look deeply into new ways of being in everything we do. Robinson's words and stories as a physicist point to options for our lives that are remarkably congruent with those I have found as an architect and writer. It's an extraordinary book, and one worth reading slowly and with mind and heart wide open."
Sarah Susanka, architect and author of The Not So Big House series and The Not So Big Life

"When a physicist looks at his world, he has no choice but to begin with the plain facts of the matter. Our circumstances are dire. From there, Robinson suggests how we can renew the world, doing what he calls 'the new work' in our public institutions, our communities, and our own lives. Is there enough time? Yes, just barely - beginning now. In this hopeful book, it's the plain fact of the matter."
Michael Noble, Executive Director, Fresh Energy

"David Robinson's The Poised Century, growing out of years of reflection on his involvements in congregational and community life, embodies the values of hard work, civility, and commonwealth. In a time of bitter divisions and widespread fears about the future, Robinson's book is a clarion call for urgent conversation about how we might renew hope and revitalize these values for a new century."
Harry C. Boyte, Director, Center for Democracy and Citizenship, Augsburg College

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1466338830
• ISBN 13: 9781466338838
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264