You Belong to the Universe

Buckminster Fuller and the Future

By: Jonathon Keats

Narrated by: Josh Bloomberg

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A compelling call to apply Buckminster Fuller's creative problem solving to present-day problems.

A self-professed "comprehensive anticipatory design scientist", the inventor Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) was undoubtedly a visionary. Fuller's creations often bordered on the realm of science fiction, ranging from the freestanding geodesic dome to the three-wheel Dymaxion car to a bathroom requiring neither plumbing nor sewage. Yet in spite of his brilliant mind and lifelong devotion to serving mankind, Fuller's expansive ideas were often dismissed, and have faded from public memory since his death.

You Belong to the Universe documents Fuller's six-decade quest to "make the world work for 100 percent of humanity". Critic and experimental philosopher Jonathon Keats sets out to revive Fuller's unconventional practice of comprehensive anticipatory design, placing Fuller's philosophy in a modern context and dispelling much of the mythology surrounding Fuller's life. Keats argues that Fuller's life and ideas, namely doing "the most with the least", are now more relevant than ever, as humanity struggles to meet the demands of an exploding world population with finite resources. Delving deeply into Buckminster Fuller's colorful world, Keats applies Fuller's most important concepts to present-day issues, arguing that his ideas are now not only feasible, but necessary.

From transportation to climate change, urban design to education, You Belong to the Universe demonstrates that Fuller's holistic problem-solving techniques may be the only means of addressing some of the world's most pressing issues. Keats' timely book challenges each of us to become comprehensive anticipatory design scientists, providing the necessary tools for continuing Fuller's legacy of improving the world.

©2016 Jonathon Keats (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Too Much Nonsense

The book had interesting stories about Fuller but too much of the book are the rantings of the author, and it’s hard to tell where some of the way out ideas of Fuller end and the wacky proselytizing of the author begins...
A good quick listen to give some background on Fuller but not a must listen.

Bucky, Bucky, Bucky

Having been one of four students assigned to Fuller’s visiting professorship in 1959, each turn of a page in his life was so “Bucky-like”. This book captures the fun of Bucky as he approached turn turn in events He routinely snd calmly placed both hands to his head gathering the wisdom for the “next step”.

This book brought tears of joy to my wonderful semester bathed in Geodesics and Dymaxion!!!

Pleasantly surprised

I stumbled upon this book by Jonathan Keats while looking for works by the poet John Keats of the same name. The title jumped out at me and after reading what the book was about I just had to give it a read. The author did a great job of writing an inspirational book about an inspirational person. There was nothing extraordinary about the book, but it was certainly an enjoyable read learning about Bucky.

great

lovely book with interesting ideas. consise and explains ideas by buckminster that have evolved. great great

first time I heard the name

I dont know where or who suggested this book to me but I'd never heard the name Buckmister Fuller until I'd read this book. strange and fascinating I am intrigued and need to learn more. great book and overview of the life's work of buck fuller

Great combo of history x contemporary

A brief overview of key Fuller bio and theories tied to their contemporary applications--what was expanded upon, and what was rejected or refined. Neither clouded by veneration nor disdain so often enshrouding Fuller.

An out of the box thinker

A nice life story about the original out of the box thinker. I was surprised to see it wasn't all about engineering. There was more than a bit of salesmanship involved. A good read if you like to see how people can get around there struggles and move past the things that go wrong in there lives.

That one book . . .

If you only have headspace right now for one non-fiction book, make it this one. A crisp, tightly written, thoroughly researched overview of R. Buckminster Fuller in social context of his time, a excellent critical flection on the legacy of his work.

great perspective of the man and myth

highly recommend this book for a balanced approach to understanding buckminster fuller and his legacy

A Balanced View

A balanced view of Buckminster Fuller, looking at both successes and failures, weaknesses and strengths. He also compares him with other designers.

The pace is a bit fast and requires that I get myself a reading copy later.