The Ecology of Wisdom: Writings by Arne Naess

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Modern environmentalism owes a great debt to philosopher, professor, and writer Arne Naess, cofounder of the Deep Ecology movement. Here, editors Alan Drengson and Bill Devall provide a comprehensive yet accessible volume of Naesss most groundbreaking and seminal essays, which have remained influential among environmentalists to this day.
Drawing from influences as diverse as Eastern religious practices, Gandhian nonviolent direct action, and Spinozan unity systems, Naesss writing calls for cooperative action to protect the earth on which we dwell, encouraging individuals and communities to develop their own distinctive ecosophies.
These writings, full of Naesss characteristic enthusiasm, wit, and spiritual fascination with nature, provide a look into the remarkable philosophical underpinnings of his own social and ecological activism, as well as an inspiration for all those looking to follow in his footsteps. This is an essential anthology from one of modern environmentalisms most important and relevant voices.

Reviews

"A wellwritten, thought provoking set of works from a man who is a national hero of sorts in Norway, but has yet to really make his mark here in the United States. With luck, this collection will help to change that . . . The essays written with a particularly lighthearted, even playful, tone still manage to get their point across and are a cause for reflection by the reader." Elephant Journal

"The Ecology of Wisdom only hints at the breadth and power of [Naess's] thought . . . At a time when the environment hangs in the balance and it's tempting to give in to despair, these sturdy, hopeful writings from an ecological philosopher and peace activist are more necessary than ever." Orion

Author Bio

Arne Naess is a widely celebrated Norwegian philosopher and activist whose long career includes a prestigious professorship in the University of Oslo's philosophy department, continuing activism in social and ecological issues, and major contributions to the development of the Deep Ecology Movement. His many books include Ecology, Community, and Lifestyle, Life's Philosophy , and Four Modern Philosophers . He is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Oslo and a Fellow of their Center for Development and Environment.

Bill Devall is emeritus professor of sociology at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. He is the author of numerous books on deep ecology, including Deep Ecology: Living as if Nature Mattered and Simple in Means, Rich in Ends: Practicing Deep Ecology. He is also the editorinchief of Clearcut: The Tragedy of Industrial Forestry.

Alan Drengson is emeritus professor of philosophy and adjunct professor of environmental studies at the University of Victoria in Canada. He is the founding editor of The Trumpeter: Journal of Ecosophy and Ecoforestry, as well as coeditor of three anthologies, The Philosophy of Society, The Deep Ecology Movement, and Ecoforestry. Most recently, he oversaw the completion of the Selected Works of Arne Naess, a tenvolume collection of Naess's writings.