The Living Universe - Duane Elgin [3]
Because our view of the universe creates the context within which we understand and choose our future, it is critically important that we have an accurate understanding of our cosmic home. Where a dead-universe perspective generates alienation and despair, a living-universe perspective generates inspiring and resilient visions of a higher pathway for humanity. Is this affirming view of the future justified?
Three core questions run through this book. The Introduction sets the stage and focuses the inquiry. We explore the first question—Where are we?—in the next two chapters. In Chapter 1, we expand our thinking about the universe and ourselves. In Chapter 2, we consider the universe through the lens of science and ask whether it has the basic characteristics of a living entity. Because the science of life is at an early stage, it is premature to declare that science can prove the universe is a living system. Instead we ask, does this evidence point in the direction of a living or a non-living universe? If so, how does this matter?
We then explore the second question—Who are we?—in Chapters 3, 4, and 5. In Chapter 3, we explore who we are in relation to the universe through the eyes of the world’s major religious and wisdom traditions. In Chapter 4, we consider how a “Mother Universe” can contain countless daughter universes, including our own. Chapter 5 explores our soulful nature as cosmic beings learning to live in a living universe.
We explore the third question—Where are we going?—in Chapters 6 and 7. In Chapter 6, we ask where is the universe going? Does it have an evolutionary direction that is apparent? If so, how does our journey fit with it? Are we “going with the flow,” or not? In Chapter 7, we look at where we are on our journey and focus on the unprecedented pivot we are making as a species—moving from a path of separation and differentiation to a path of connection and communion.
In closing, Chapter 8 presents six tasks that are vital for our journey home and Chapter 9 offers suggestions for personal meditation and group conversation that explore the theme of a living universe.
Acknowledgments
I am grateful for the support of the many people whose unique contributions helped bring this book into the world. First, I appreciate those who, through their financial support, enabled me to complete this lifetime project. I especially want to acknowledge two individuals who were initial supporters, Ted Mallon and John Levy; thank you for your trust in me and in this work. Three foundations stepped forward with important grants: the Kalliopeia Foundation in California (thank you, Barbara Sargent and Barbara Cushing), the Fetzer Institute in Michigan (thank you, Frances Vaughan), and the Foundation for Global Community in California (thank you, Richard Rathbun). I am grateful to other individuals who provided important support along the way: Kimberly and Foster Gamble, John Steiner and Mar-go King, and Charles Silverstein. The president of the RSF Social Finance organization, Mark Finser, was an invaluable ally who provided a fiscal home for the living universe project.
Second, I want to express my great appreciation to those whose feedback helped to shape this work. Deepak Chopra, I am deeply grateful for your Foreword. Profound thanks also to the community of friends and scholars who critiqued earlier versions of this book: Chris Bache, Bill Barnard, Coleen LeDrew Elgin, Dave Ellis, Scott Elrod, Kimberly and Foster Gamble, Roger Housden, Jean Houston, John Levy, Joel Levey, Nipun Mehta, Carter Phipps, Frank Poletti, Richard Rathbun, Charles Silverstein, Bill Veltrop, and Roger Walsh. Your feedback was invaluable in moving the work toward its greatest potential. I am also grateful to Colleen Mauro for her expert editing of the initial draft.
Third, my great appreciation goes to the superb publishing team at Berrett-Koehler, who were so helpful, transparent, and professional throughout the