Among the array of global crises facing humanity, the author points out the historic opportunity as we enter the 21st Century - the opportunity to evolve to a new and higher order of consciousness which will allow us to transcend current trends that threaten our humanity. He calls this a "choicepoint" and explains how we are in a window of opportunity presently so we can either continue heading for the "inevitable future" or create a "future of possibility" - the better future.
He demonstrates how paradigms change and how people often respond to these changes, which can be seen as incredibly chaotic and lead to public uncertainty. He then points out the global paradigm shift presently underway throughout the industrialized world and the ways people are reacting to it.
The author contends that the business community dominates society's values and priorities in today's economically-driven world. He also points out that business people are people first; they are human beings who happen to belong to a group or system that operates with certain rules and traditions. But, he emphasizes, they are also have feelings, concerns and a sense of higher destiny that can transcend the conditions in the world and the influences they are subject to as a result of belonging to the business community.
He cites prominent authorities who join him in his call for transformation, including MIT's Lester Thurow, London's Charles Handy, Abraham Maslow, Peter Drucker, sociologist Paul Ray, VISA founder Dee Hock, Interface CEO Ray Anderson, Stanford's Michael Ray, and many others with business credentials. The Body Shop's founder Anita Roddick authored the book's Foreword.
The "better future" is possible with a shift in consciousness, the author writes. He goes further to write that, once they see this possibility, business people will lead the way toward it with enthusiasm - dropping their cynicism and skepticism. As a result of this shift, the most dominant institution on the planet today will become a force for sustainability, economic justice and compassion.
John E. Renesch is a San Francisco writer, futurist, and business philosopher. From 1990 to 1997 he served as Editor-in-Chief of
The New Leaders business newsletter. From 1990 to early 1992 he also was Managing Director of the World Business Academy, an international association focused on new paradigms for commerce. Prior to these positions, he was a founder or co-founder of several businesses, including a real estate investment company and two securities broker-dealers where he served as Managing Director and President respectively. He currently serves on the editorial board for Berrett-Koehler Publishers, the World 2000 project advisory board for the World Future Society, and the board of trustees for The Club of Budapest Foundation, dedicated to the advancement of planetary consciousness. John is a radio commentator for Whole News, a division of Wisdom Radio, an affiliate of the Wisdom Networks which broadcast uplifting programs via satellite and the Internet.
He has created a dozen business anthologies on progressive subjects, including consciousness, intuition and leadership. He is the creator of "The ARC Masters Series with John Renesch" - a monthly series of book excerpts for business leaders who are interested in personal development and introspection.
Over three hundred authors have contributed to twelve anthologies which he has compiled since 1990. John is also an international keynote speaker, having addressed audiences in Tokyo, Seoul, London, Brussels, Budapest as well as many cities throughout the U.S. He spends some of his time delivering keynotes to groups who are interested in his ideas.
For a free subscription to his electronic newsletter - Aha!: the E-Newsletter for the Awakening Workplace - or for more information about his work, visit his homepage or contact him by email: John@Renesch.com.
