The Web of Meaning

Integrating Science and Traditional Wisdom to Find Our Place in the Universe

By: Jeremy Lent

Narrated by: Adam Henderson

Length: 15 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A compelling foundation for a new story of interconnectedness, showing how, as our civilization unravels, another world is possible.

Award-winning author, Jeremy Lent, investigates humanity's age-old questions - Who am I? Why am I? How should I live? - from a fresh perspective, weaving together findings from modern systems thinking, evolutionary biology, and cognitive neuroscience with insights from Buddhism, Taoism, and Indigenous wisdom.

The result is a breathtaking accomplishment: a rich, coherent worldview based on a deep recognition of connectedness within ourselves, between each other, and with the entire natural world.

As our civilization careens toward a precipice of climate breakdown, ecological destruction, and gaping inequality, people are losing their existential moorings. Our dominant worldview of disconnection - which tells us we are split between mind and body, separate from each other, and at odds with the natural world - has passed its expiration date.

Yet another world is possible.

The Web of Meaning offers a compelling foundation for the new story that could enable humanity to thrive sustainably on a flourishing Earth. It's a book for everyone looking for deep and coherent answers to the crisis of civilization.

©2021 Jeremy Lent (P)2021 New Society Publishers

Challenge your thinking!

I loved how Lent curated all the philosophies of the world to help us make sense of the chaos we are facing. In spite of the overwhelming challenges we face, he sees a “Web of Meaning” for a way forward.

The most important book I’ve heard, possibly ever

Meaning has never been more important to consider for humanity as it is right now. Stunning; hits so many important areas of experience and society such as spirituality, all manner of science, industry, and social organization. Connects common threads of truth underlying the self organization of all levels of intelligence, with a special focus on (but not limited to) human realms. The more alarming calls to action created strong emotions in me, but they are emotions I already feel about imbalance I already see. To have it addressed at all, with values I can get behind, is beyond satisfying and helpful. Reminds one of the power and possibility of interconnected consciousness symbiotic with rather than dominating of the rest of nature. Hopes for the beneficial power of inevitable change as well as the intelligence of the spirit of life (including human), despite clear barriers to planetary health. Invites us to enact needed empowerment.

Vision for the future everyone should read

Explains major cultural issues preventing our species' progress, and what needs to be done to move forward.

Somethings are hard to hear, but need to be heard.

This is a very thought provoking bit of information to absorb. It is my hope that all the people who need to hear this do so and further the paradigm shift in our world view.

Important clear presentation of our predicament

Powerful. I am changed having listed to Jeremy Lent. I'm not sure that he presented any information I was entirely unaware of, but he did a masterful job of weaving together and explaining the relationships between and among many territories, such that my understanding of our world is greater than is was before reading his book.

Extraordinary

My hope is that this awesome book should become a text for serious practitioners and activists alike. I can’t wait to read it again and to share with other thoughtful friends. Impeccably written and passionately narrated. It is a living teaching.

Essential reading

This is such a broad spectrum view of how we relate to the world, each other, and ourselves, encompassing science, sociology, spirituality, an ecology. So many of the people, views, and systems I have been studying were all brought together here into a wonderful blend. Jeremy is truly a Renaissance man. It is people like this that I truly hope will lead the way into the “Symbiocene”, an ecological civilization.

Fantastic!

Definitely a must read or listen. Just what we need at this time. I really enjoyed this presenter’s cadence.

Interesting Daoist introduction, then just goes New Age BS

This book gets a two star instead of a one star simply because of the introduction to Daoist thought in the first 3 hours. The next 12 hours are filled with pseudoscience utopia ideas that mistake the fundamental nature of human beings at a basic level. Ultimate conclusion is I’ve been down this line of thought and came back from it, and I can tell you it’s dressed up communism “done the right way,” in the mind of the author. Do yourself a favor and save yourself the audible credit and 12 hours of your life. Depending on how valuable you view time you could lose a fortune on this book.