The New York Times bestselling examination of the worldwide movement for social and environmental change
Paul Hawken has spent more than a decade researching organizations dedicated to restoring the environment and fostering social justice. From billion-dollar nonprofits to single-person dot.causes, these groups collectively comprise the largest movement on earth, a movement that has no name, leader, or location and that has gone largely ignored by politicians and the media.
Blessed Unrest explores the diversity of the movement, its brilliant ideas, innovative strategies, and centuries of hidden history. A culmination of Hawken's many years of leadership in the environmental and social justice fields, it will inspire all who despair of the world's fate, and its conclusions will surprise even those within the movement itself.
Download and start listening now!
"A very informative read on the history and current state of environmental and social movements/organizations. I read with a laptop, typing up quotes and quotes of quotes (one of my fav.s: "One of the beauties of biology is that its facts become our metaphors." -Kenny Ausubel) and writing down vocab. I studied this book because some of the facts and stories felt too important not to. For example, the fact that the World Bank only gives loans to developing countries IF they agree to privatize their water. This is shocking, appalling, and important to know. Though I enjoyed this book, it did take me quite awhile to read and process and type up. But it's worth the effort. Also, the overall positivity of this book helps goad you through the more terrible facts and stories. Bad, unbelievable shit is happening all the time, but there are MANY people, more than you'd think, doing something about it."
— Nicola (4 out of 5 stars)
" an inspiring book about the growing unrest of people taking action against the violation of their rights by multinational government and business. "
— Drew, 2/16/2014" Very dry read, almost like a textbook, but not very informative. Not at all what I expected from such an inspiring public speaker. "
— Julie, 1/24/2014" I was surprised and impressed with BU. Since reading this, I've definitely approached social and environmental justice with a new outlook. NB: a large chunk of this text is a list of relevant organizations that works better on the web. "
— Kohl, 1/16/2014" Good overview of different organizations and their efforts around the world. "
— David, 1/11/2014" Great message, great inspirational quotations, but loses a little steam toward the end. The first 100 pages are definitely worth reading for anyone in the environmental/social change movement. "
— Carinabarnettloro, 1/8/2014" Very important book for anyone working for environmental/human betterment and development progress. Amazing insights to the connections between the necessities for preserving diversity in all facets of life and culture. "
— Rebecca, 1/7/2014" This is the best book on the developing world and a growing number of people creating small projects to end injustice and inequality. "
— Priscilla, 1/5/2014" i really like this book so far, even though paul talks about whats going wrong in the world, he also gives a message of hope about whats going right in the world, a breath of fresh air from all the doom and gloom out there right now. "
— Dawn, 1/5/2014" It was inspiring and informative, but depressing sometimes. Almost half of the book is appendices with information about non-profits and NGOs working for good in the world. "
— April, 1/2/2014" Anyone with concerns for our planet and concerns about the adaptation and response from humans should read this book. One third frightening and depressing, two thirds inspiring, this book will motivate you to join the greatest movement in human history. "
— Gregory, 12/21/2013" Poetic account of the environmental movement from it's history to the current networked tide. Optimistic but real and with a lot of good information about what has been achieved and what work is being done. "
— stinaz, 12/21/2013Paul Hawken is an environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist, and bestselling author of several books. He is the architect and leading proponent of reform with respect to ecological practices. He currently operates a nonprofit organization.
Will Damron has won several Earphones Awards and been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He has had acting roles off-Broadway and on stage and screen throughout the country.