Animate Earth: Science, Intuition and Gaia

Explores how Gaian science can help us to develop a sense of connectedness with the 'more-than-human' world. This book attempts to rediscover anima mundi (the soul of the world) through Gaian science, whilst assuming no prior knowledge of science. It inspires the reader to connect with a profound sense of the intrinsic value of the Earth.

"For depth of understanding of Earth functioning and our human role in the process, Stephan Harding's Animate Earth is the finest of recent studies. It should be read, meditated on, and adopted as a guide to our human course of action if we would avoid the disaster of an ecological collapse of life on Earth." --Thomas Berry, author of The Great Work

"Animate Earth represents systems science at its best. . . gives a whole new dimension to what `environment-friendly' really means." --Jonathon Porritt

"This is a wonderful and beautiful book, a teacher's treasure." --James Lovelock, author of The Revenge of Gaia

"This book offers a brilliant new approach - at once rigorous, experiential, and intuitive--to the most up-to-date research within planetary ecology." --David Abram, author of The Spell of the Sensuous

"The conception of the Earth as a living, self-organising system, known today as Gaia theory, is an ancient idea and yet one of the most radical and far-reaching scientific theories of the 20th century. In this remarkable book, Stephan Harding, who has worked closely with James Lovelock, tells the story in a way that is scientifically sophisticated, yet easy to understand and captivating. Harding writes about Gaia with great passion, and he eloquently discusses the theory's philosophical, social and political implications. I recommend Animate Earth to everyone concerned about the fate of our planet." --Fritjof Capra, author of The Hidden Connections, The Web of Life, and The Tao of Physics