Small World, Big Ideas: Eco-Activists for Change

Small World, Big Ideas is a collection of inspiring stories from twelve activists who share their visions for a better world. The book includes contributions from figures such as Deepak Chopra, Jane Goodall, Franny Armstrong, Bob Brown, Tim Flannery, Polly Higgins, Caroline Lucas, Bill McKibben, Carlo Petrini, and Vandana Shiva, who have made significant contributions to various causes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Aurum Press

Small World, Big Ideas is a captivating collection that brings together twelve remarkable activists, each sharing their inspiring stories and offering a visionary perspective on how we can create a better world today. This powerful book showcases the incredible diversity of activism and the incredible impact that individuals can have when they come together to drive positive change.

The book opens with a thought-provoking introduction by life-long campaigner and former Jain monk Satish Kumar, who believes that there is an activist within each of us, waiting to be awakened. He invites twelve of his most admired activists to share their own stories, revealing the personal journeys and motivations that led them to dedicate their lives to changing the world.

Through their narratives, the activists paint a vivid picture of the challenges we face as a planet and the opportunities we have to create a more compassionate and sustainable future. They discuss the importance of empathy, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity, and how these qualities can inspire us to take action and make a difference in the lives of others.

One of the standout activists in the book is Deepak Chopra, a renowned mind-body healing pioneer who has dedicated his life to promoting spiritual knowledge and working for world peace. In his chapter, he shares his journey from growing up in post-war India to learning about Ayurvedic medicine, and how he has used his knowledge to help people around the world find healing and inner peace.

Another inspiring figure is Jane Goodall, a renowned scientist and conservationist who has spent decades studying and protecting animals and their habitats. In her chapter, she shares stories of the people who have inspired her in her work, and the reasons she has for hope in the future. She emphasizes the importance of human-wildlife interaction and the need to protect our natural world for the benefit of both humans and animals.

Franny Armstrong, a filmmaker and activist known for her work on the McLibel case, shares her politicization as a teenager and her involvement with the Greenpeace movement. She discusses the next steps in the fight against climate change and the importance of grassroots activism and community engagement in driving change.

Bob Brown, an Australian Green politician, shares stories from his time as an ecologist and lawmaker, and his belief in how democracy can be used to bring people together to fight the looming crises facing Planet Earth. He emphasizes the need for systemic change and the importance of working towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Tim Flannery, an explorer and ecologist, tells of watching the ecosystems around him disappear, and his travels to remote areas around the world to witness the impact of human activity on the environment. He emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect our planet's natural resources for future generations.

In addition to these remarkable activists, Small World, Big Ideas also features contributions from other notable figures in the global fight for a better and more compassionate world. These include renowned author and environmentalist Bill McKibben, social entrepreneur and founder of the Barefoot College Rajendra Singh, and human rights activist and founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation Peter Bergen.

The book concludes with a call to action, urging readers to recognize the activist within themselves and to take steps to create a better world. The activists offer practical advice on how we can reduce our carbon footprint, support sustainable agriculture, promote social justice, and engage in grassroots activism. They also emphasize the importance of building a global community of activists who can work together to create a more just and sustainable world.

In conclusion, Small World, Big Ideas is a powerful and inspiring book that brings together twelve remarkable activists, each sharing their own unique stories and offering a visionary perspective on how we can create a better world today. Through their narratives, the activists paint a vivid picture of the challenges we face as a planet and the opportunities we have to create a more compassionate and sustainable future. The book concludes with a call to action, urging readers to recognize the activist within themselves and to take steps to create a better world. This is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of individual action and the potential for collective change.

Weight: 154g
Dimension: 185 x 267 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780711275379