Gaia
Gaia
James Lovelock
Stewart Brand
Stewart Brand recommended this book on his "Selected Books for the Manual for Civilization" blog post.
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Gaia

Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth

James Lovelock
By
James Lovelock
3.8
2179
ratings on Goodreads

In "Gaia," James Lovelock presents an audacious and revolutionary perspective on our planet, proposing that Earth itself behaves as a single, self-regulating organism. This seminal work, intended for the layperson, embarks on an enthralling expedition across epochs and ecosystems to marshal support for a theory that stands in stark contrast to the traditional view of life as a passive player on the global stage. Lovelock weaves a compelling narrative, arguing that the myriad forms of life on Earth—its atmospheres, oceans, and landmasses—are intricately connected components of a complex system. This system, he suggests, possesses the extraordinary capability to maintain conditions conducive to life, challenging us to fundamentally rethink our understanding of Earth's biosphere. Since its initial publication, "Gaia" has not only sparked widespread debate within scientific communities but has also seen many of Lovelock's prognostications come to fruition, underscoring the prescience and impact of his work. In a newly penned preface, Lovelock revisits his groundbreaking hypothesis, reflecting on the current state of the discourse and the empirical evidence that has emerged since. "Gaia" remains a pivotal and enlightening read, compelling us to consider the intricate interdependencies that define our living planet. Through its visionary lens, we are invited to recognize Earth's unique system of life as a profound testament to the resilience and ingenuity of life itself.

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Released
1979
1 Jan
Length
176
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Stewart Brand recommended this book on his "Selected Books for the Manual for Civilization" blog post.
City wisdom became almost entirely centered on the problems of human relationships, in contrast to the wisdom of any natural tribal group, where relationships with the rest of the animate and inanimate world are still given due place.
— James Lovelock, Gaia

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