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The Ecology of Wisdom: Writings by Arne Naess
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A founder of the Deep Ecology Movement, Arne Naess' has produced articles on environmentalism that have provided unmatched inspiration for ecologists, philosophers, and activists worldwide. This collection amasses a definitive group of Naess' most important works in which he calls for nonviolent, cooperative action to protect the Earth. Rich with observations, insights, an
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Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
June 28th 2008
by Counterpoint
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Preface, by Alan Drengson and Bill Devall
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Life and Work of Arne Naess: An Appreciative Overview, by Alan Drengson
Section 1: Places in the Real World
--An Example of a Place: Tvergastein
--Modesty and the Conquest of Mountains
--Avalanches as Social Constructions
--The World of Concrete Contents
--Self-Realization: An Ecological Approach to Being in the World
Section 2: The Long-Range Deep Ecology Movement
--The Three Great Movements
--The Basics of the Deep Ecolog ...more
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Life and Work of Arne Naess: An Appreciative Overview, by Alan Drengson
Section 1: Places in the Real World
--An Example of a Place: Tvergastein
--Modesty and the Conquest of Mountains
--Avalanches as Social Constructions
--The World of Concrete Contents
--Self-Realization: An Ecological Approach to Being in the World
Section 2: The Long-Range Deep Ecology Movement
--The Three Great Movements
--The Basics of the Deep Ecolog ...more

My first encounter with the writings of Naess, one of the founders of what he called the long-range deep ecology movement. As a snapshot of his extensive writings, this book perhaps does a some justice, by culling out relevant pieces and placing them in 'thematic gestalts' to present some essential aspects of his 'ecosophy'.
Some chapters have interesting titles related to the philosophical concepts he expounds, about 'beautiful action', about 'the place of joy in a world of fact', the need for ' ...more
Some chapters have interesting titles related to the philosophical concepts he expounds, about 'beautiful action', about 'the place of joy in a world of fact', the need for ' ...more

This collection of essays is quite good. Not all of them are great but some have managed to leave a lasting impression on me. Especially Naess' emphasis on the idea of having a "place". Definitely recommended.
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As someone with a new interest in the philosophy of deep ecology, I was looking for a lay persons introduction. I found some of these essays too theoretical and at a more academic level than I could cope with, sadly. My favourite was describing the microcosm around and living in the hut at Tvergastein.

I first heard of Arne Naess when I was hitchhiking round Norway back in 2009. I was instantly attracted to the idea of this philosopher of the wilderness, and I purchased this volume soon after I came home. I didn't manage to make much progress with it, though; I enjoyed the first of Naess's essays in the volume, a leisurely, light-hearted description of his mountain retreat at Tvergastein, but I could never get through the dense, philosophical text that followed.
Now a few years wiser and with a ...more
Now a few years wiser and with a ...more

As a complete newcomer to Naess, Ecology of Wisdom is a deep introduction to both the man and his work. Alan Drengson's introductory overview covers the life of Arne Naess, as well as touching on his work and the deep ecology movement in general. From there we proceed on to the first of the five sections: 'Places in the Real World'. The essays in this section are definitely the most accessible entryway into the essays as a whole, as they are all about tangible places. From there the book moves o
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Incidentally absorbing: it's not compelling while I read it, but I revisit repeatedly. The translation is not always great I think (where there is translation, Naes wrote in English too. Unfortunately the introductory essay is awful.
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Jan 07, 2009
Kathy
marked it as to-read
Saw a good review of this in Ode Magazine. He is a mentor of mine, from one of his first widely read books, Deep Ecology.
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Næss was a Norwegian philosopher, known foremost as the founder of the concept Deep Ecology
Næss combined his ecological vision with Gandhian nonviolence and on several occasions participated in direct action events. He was the youngest person to ever be promoted to professor at Oslo University (27), a position he inhabited from 1939 to 1970.
Næss' main philosophical work from the 1950s was entitled ...more
Næss combined his ecological vision with Gandhian nonviolence and on several occasions participated in direct action events. He was the youngest person to ever be promoted to professor at Oslo University (27), a position he inhabited from 1939 to 1970.
Næss' main philosophical work from the 1950s was entitled ...more
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“Most recently, Naess articulated the platform principles as the following eight points: 1. All living beings have intrinsic value. 2. The richness and diversity of life has intrinsic value. 3. Except to satisfy vital needs, humans do not have the right to reduce this diversity and richness. 4. It would be better for humans if there were fewer of them, and much better for other living creatures. 5. Today the extent and nature of human interference in the various ecosystems is not sustainable, and the lack of sustainability is rising. 6. Decisive improvement requires considerable changes: social, economic, technological, and ideological. 7. An ideological change would essentially entail seeking a better quality of life rather than a raised standard of living. 8. Those who accept the aforementioned points are responsible for trying to contribute directly or indirectly to the necessary changes.26”
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