Outposts of Change - Wiener, Benjamin R

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Résumé :
Outposts of Change is an environmental and social justice masterpiece. It is unique, in that it provides guidance on how to accomplish fundamental, systemic level social change. Within it you will be asked to envision Earth as a living organism composed of sophisticated, interdependent life support systems similar to those within your own body. Unfortunately, we are quite literally destroying Earth's ability to support life. Climate change, environmental destruction, pollution, social inequality, and extreme poverty all exist because we have failed to responsibly manage how we do most things. The consequences of these failures are supported by analysis of a broad spectrum of scientific reports which conclude that we humans have ignited a mass extinction event unparalleled in history. That event will define our future and endanger our very existence. To avoid that future, we need to rapidly and fundamentally change how we do almost everything. Fundamental change will require us to re-imagine and then redefine how our capitalistic systems of governance, commerce, finance, and religion operate. Outposts of Change suggests a new way. It conveys a vision of how to refine our relationship with nature, eliminate inequalities, rebuild local economies, and respond to the climate crisis. It describes how to fundamentally change our social institutions to enable the evolution of a morally just, ethically driven, global community whose practices are progressive, environmentally sound, and humane. Consider it a self-help book for humanity. To further our understanding of how to change the world, your attention is drawn to the most fundamental components of our structural institutions of governance, commerce, finance, and religion. This knowledge is a necessary precursor to establishing a movement from which fundamental social change can emanate. In recognition of the fact that the drivers of this level of social change can only be the goals held in common, Outposts suggests a new set of foundational goals capable of guiding us into a future that you would be proud to send your children into. With those goals firmly established as the focus of our collective efforts, an effective movement to change the very fabric of the human life experience becomes possible. Outposts discusses the formation of such a movement. Hope is a necessary ingredient of every movement of fundamental change. The last part of Outposts provides a vision of what life can be within an Outpost; and in a very real sense, we are each an Outpost of Change. Outposts calls out to those among us who know that things are not right and are looking for a plan to put humanity on a better pathway than the one currently traveled. It is written for everyone who cares enough about our collective future to do something about it. With clearly defined goals, an intense desire to achieve them coupled with courage and dedication to the process, we can in fact, change our ways.

Biographie:
Benjamin R. Wiener is a naturalist, a humanist, an environmentalist, an adventurer, and a retired attorney. He majored in environmental science before that was a thing and became corporate counsel to an alternative energy company before that was a thing. He has studied earth processes, as well as how our societies function and their associated impacts on the natural world for over 50 years. Those studies resulted in countless hours of deep thought considering how to fundamentally change our ways to enable humanity to not just survive, but to thrive. Outposts of Change is the culmination of his life's work. Ben lives in California with his wife and golden retriever.