Written By: Emily Osborne
I recently enjoyed reading Paul Hawken’s latest bestseller, Blessed Unrest published in 2007. Hawken is an acclaimed environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author. He has founded several companies and organizations, traveled the world giving speeches on his work, and written three other bestselling books including The Next Economy (1983), Growing a Business (1987), and The Ecology of Commerce (1993). Essentially, he’s an inspiring, intelligent, down-to-earth individual who cares an awful lot about our Earth and its inhabitants.
http://youtu.be/N1fiubmOqH4
Blessed Unrest draws the inextricable link between environmental preservation and social justice by bringing the two together in one active, global, unnamed movement. He gives the reader good reason to remain hopeful considering the vast scope of this movement, whose millions of participants include teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, volunteers, students, politicians, scientists, religious leaders, etc. Although many of them go unnoticed by the mainstream media, all of them are committed to the betterment of the planet and humanity in hugely important ways. While his book does outline some of the critical issues currently facing the world, he doesn’t leave the reader without positive and practical solutions. In his own words, Hawken states, “If you look at the science that describes what is happening on earth today and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t have the correct data. If you meet the people in this unnamed movement and aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a heart.”
Using one giant organism as a metaphor for the Earth, Hawken describes how the largest social movement in history functions as the immune system’s response. It seeks to save, protect, help, heal, and nurture all forms of life. It is without leader or creed but thrives on diversity, bottom-up democracy, local solutions, and shared values. It challenges corporations, governments, and other powerful leaders who ignorantly or intentionally exploit the environment and disadvantaged people. Its goal is not to crush these formidable forces, but rather, to fulfill the Golden Rule and amplify the force for good.
Hawken’s book is a quick and compelling read with his hopeful and approachable style. He also provides an appendix packed with resources and tools for the various kinds of activism he encourages. Be sure to add this one to your summer reading list and enjoy!