Nature and the Human Soul

Today there is a growing awareness that our planet has entered a time of crisis. The damage to our ecosystems, and the pollution we create, are consequences of our self-centred and irresponsible cultures. It is now undeniable that significant change is required. According to wilderness guide and former psychology professor Bill Plotkin, the changes we need will only flow once we progress from egocentric, competitive consumer societies to ecocentric, soul-based ones that are sustainable, cooperative and compassionate. Bill Plotkin profiles eight maturation stages in the human life cycle from child to elder and depicts the qualities and challenges of each. He offers a practical integration of personal and spiritual understandings (from nature and the journey of the human soul) that will allow us to transform our culture. This landmark book – the result of 25 years' work – encourages us to connect personally with the natural world and reassess our place in it. In this way we can create a more responsible and fulfilling way to live. Given the perilous state of our planet, the optimism and guidance contained in Nature and the Human Soul are an inspiring breath of fresh air!  

‘Bill Plotkin enhances our grasp of the stages of life we are born to pass through by weaving into them themes of meaning, soul, and spirituality. This is a rich offering not only to the field of psychology but to a world torn from its roots.’ Chellis Glendinning, PhD, author of My Name Is Chellis and I’m in Recovery from Western Civilization.

 
‘This is an important book that all concerned Australians need to read. Our present ecological crisis calls for a response which is larger that rational science and good intentions. It calls for a new understanding of the world and our place in it, for vision as well as action. Bill Plotkin helps us along this road, showing why our repair of damage done to the environment must be based on a new vision of spiritual interconnectedness and ecological imagination.’ David Tacey, Professor of Literature, La Trobe University and author of Re-Enchantment: The New Australian Spirituality.