A Sacred Unity: Further Steps to an Ecology of Mind

Gregory Bateson's work is increasingly relevant, exploring how to describe a living system without killing it. He discusses the sacred and its relationship to ecology, the puzzles of being an individual in culture, and the question of what is the world. He also talks about coevolution, the way system changes to stay in relationship, and the basis of continuing to be alive in an ecology. This book is a forest of ideas explored through many careful visits, with each chapter full of the rigor of someone who does not want to underestimate the lifeforms in view. There is not an agreed-upon way to understand this work, each reader will find their own way through within their own experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Triarchy Press

1980, Gregory Bateson left this world, yet his work continues to gain increasing relevance with each passing year. Through his expansive and insightful thinking, he shed light on numerous aspects of human interaction and our interconnectedness with the broader biological realm. One of the central questions that permeates this book is the challenge of describing a living system without inadvertently extinguishing its vitality. This inquiry begins with Bateson's anthropological exploration of culture and extends into ecology, identity, change, evolution, and learning. How can we discuss these topics and the organisms experiencing them without resorting to typological categorizations? The sacred and its relationship to the description of ecology take center stage, as do the complexities of being an individual within a vast network of biological relationships and cultural idea-relationships. The question of how to integrate all of these into the field of ecology becomes paramount. The answer to the question "what is the world?" is subjective and individualized, with each person perceiving it differently. However, when we delve deeper and ask, "Are you perceiving the world, or are you perceiving your perception?" we begin to unlock the possibility of loosening the rigid matrix that governs our understanding. In his discussions of coevolution, Bateson highlights the dynamic interplay between organisms, where changes occur to maintain their relationships. However, for these relationships to persist, all organisms must adapt and undergo perceptual shifts. It may seem impossible, as the essence of each organism remains fixed. Nevertheless, life continues to demonstrate that change is a fundamental aspect of existence. A horse remains a horse, and grass remains grass, but the world around us evolves and transforms. Through his work, Gregory Bateson invites us to embrace the fluidity of life and recognize the interconnectedness of all things. He reminds us that our perception shapes our world, and that by expanding our awareness and embracing change, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the vast tapestry of life.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913743796
Edition number: 2nd ed.