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.
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"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, 12/21/2013" A moving, inspiring book. There's just one flaw in his reasoning. He defines all these social justice movements as part of a greater whole. But is the Tea Party included in his criteria? What ARE the criteria? Another book preaching to the choir. "
— Kevin, 11/29/2013" The importance of not only social justice but economic justice as well. Realizing that this earth is created by God with which we need to be conscious of. Our sustainability is within the make up of this planet and i'm realizing that it is the heart of God to take care of that which is His. "
— Spencer, 10/10/2013" Uplifting! read it and get self actualized! "
— John, 9/22/2013" Brilliant work! Hawken's writing is refreshingly beautiful and intelligent. This book has inspired me. "
— Absurdnerd, 9/12/2013" Perhaps the thing I liked best about this book was the sense of hope it imparts to those of us who are overwhelmed by all that "needs to be done" in this world. "
— Denise, 10/24/2012" So far, so good! Paul Hawken reminds readers of why we should have hope for our future, and what organizations are out there doing good things. It's nice to feel inspired. "
— Michelle, 8/24/2012" Disappointing overall. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't different or inspiring as I thought it would be. "
— Amelia, 5/23/2012" Uplifting and inspiring and helped me to understand that just by being a piece of the movement for positive change is powerful. Was reading this as we fought hard for the battle against T-Mobile's antenna farm 40 feet from our home. It was is a balm for the bad days "
— Robin, 4/21/2012" How the environmental came to be and where it might take us. Interesting, but I learned a lot more for Natural Capitalism "
— Greggo, 12/5/2011" I'm not sure that I buy all of Hawken's assessment of "a new movement" But, as one expects of Hawken, the information is great and the analysis is compelling. "
— Hugh, 12/4/2011" Though enlightening, the book is about as vague as its title. "
— Ryan, 11/11/2011" Very hopeful and promising book about people and organizations that are working to promote change and not waiting for governments to get around to leading. "
— Jeff, 11/7/2011" This book is so inspiring - a life changing read. "
— tara, 10/29/2011" Comes across as one big sound bite, but it's good to hear some optimism and passion. "
— Adam, 8/29/2011" I think this wasn't as good as The Ecology of Commerce in terms of vision or originality, but it's a handy reference guide. "
— Mohan, 8/9/2011" Strengthens hope for the future "
— Ken, 4/22/2011" A convincing overview of environmental and social justice groups acting as a planetary immune system. Similar to Joshua Cooper Ramo, but less certain in this immune system being able to heal the extensive damage. "
— Rachel, 4/2/2011" I'm not sure that I buy all of Hawken's assessment of "a new movement" But, as one expects of Hawken, the information is great and the analysis is compelling. "
— Hugh, 12/21/2010" A manifesto about how all the little orgs are fighting the good fight. Really fast read, huge appendix. If you're feeling bad about the apocalypse, it will make you feel better. "
— Emily, 11/11/2010" 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, 8/25/2010" For people who are trying to make the world a better place, this book give you hope about your efforts and ease those pessimistic phases. "
— Jeansni, 7/19/2010" The Movement of Movements - the self-organizing, powerful and natural force of mankind forming a new paradigm of conscious co-creation! "
— Nathan, 4/23/2010" <br/> I ranked this a bit on the high side for the hope and optimism it <br/>inspired in me during the dark days at the end of this winter. <br/>The pure number and variety of organizations at work around the world was reassuring. Great writing, not so much. "
— Ann, 4/16/2010" Paul Hawken delves into attempting to qualify the "movement of movements" in this uplifting book. Strongly recommended. "
— Benoît, 4/7/2010" This should be required reading. "
— Floyd, 2/15/2010Paul 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.