The Great Cultural Awakening: Key to an Equitable, Sustainable, and Harmonious Age

"[Schafer's] overall argument is an important one.... There is no doubt that [it] should be widely discussed." ---David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

In this remarkable book, noted cultural scholar D. Paul Schafer examines the great cultural awakening that is taking place all across the world—an awakening that is opening the doors to a cultural age. Schafer begins by considering the importance of culture, as well as discussing how culture has been defined by a variety of thinkers. He then turns to an examination of the vast constellation of cultures that exist in the world before moving progressively “up the ladder,” from the cultures of individuals, children, parents, homes, families, communities, and schools to those of towns, cities, regions, countries, the entire human world, and finally the cultures of other species. This is followed by an assessment of several foundational requirements for the creation of a cultural age, such as the cultural interpretation of history and the centrality of cultural development and policy. The author concludes by discussing various ways of opening the doors to a cultural age, strategies to harmonize crucial relationships and cultivate spirituality and compassion, the prerequisites for living in a cultural age, and, finally, an exploration of why it is so essential to make the transition from the present economic age to a future cultural age.

The Great Cultural Awakening represents the culmination of a lifetime of research, analysis, and advocacy in the cultural field. In the words of the reviewers, it is truly a “masterpiece” as well as a “beacon of light,” urging us on toward a better future.

ADVANCE PRAISE FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE GREAT CULTURAL AWAKENING
Amazing! Schafer diligently chronicles the evolution of the cultural realm, imagining a world where harmony, sustainability, and well-being for all people, countries, and species are the ultimate goal. ---Mira Sartika, founder and director, Chakra Cultural Foundation, Indonesia

Schafer guides us with erudition, authority, and conviction toward a clear and positive vision of a cultural age. His inexhaustible range of references, depth of insight and analysis, and trust in what he terms “the great cultural awakening” make this book essential reading. ---Max Wyman, author of The Compassionate Imagination, Canada

A much needed, comprehensive, and insightful map to find our way out of the global crisis and make the transition to a cultural age. Schafer, an acknowledged expert in the field, offers an enlightening perspective on how to develop culture and cultures in theory and practice, drawing on a wealth of inspiring references and compelling examples. ---Thomas Legrand, author of Politics of Being, France

Schafer … succeeds in depicting the changing nature of culture and [how] its systemic and complex nature as a whole or way of life will help to open the doors to a cultural age. ---Olimpia Niglio, president, RWYC International, University of Pavia, Italy

A beacon of light in the emergence of the age of culture. ---Rana P.B. Singh, Banaras Hindu University, India

Schafer highlights the transformative power of culture in reshaping our world, emphasizing its pivotal role in addressing global challenges and ensuring the future well-being of humanity and the environment. ---Susan Magsamen, executive director, International Arts + Mind Lab, Johns Hopkins University, United States

While some may believe that “politics is everything” and “it’s the economy, stupid,” this lucid and insightful book makes you realize why culture matters far more, [addressing] the crucial requirements for entering a cultural age and enabling it to flourish. ---Ashfaq Ishaq, Ph.D., founder and chair, International Child Art Foundation, United States

D. Paul Schafer has worked in the cultural field for more than fifty years as an author, advisor, educator, and administrator. He was assistant director of the Ontario Arts Council from 1967 to 1970, taught arts administration and cultural policy at York University and the University of Toronto, has undertaken many projects for UNESCO, and is founder and director of the World Culture Project. He has written many books on culture, including Culture: Beacon of the Future, Revolution or Renaissance: Making the Transition from an Economic Age to a Cultural Age, The Age of Culture, The Arts: Gateway to a Fulfilling Life and Cultural Age, and, more recently, The World as Culture: Cultivation of the Soul to the Cosmic Whole. He lives in Markham, Ontario, Canada.