Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
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1.3.
Conclusion
Suzukis central idea is that todays dominant way of producing, consuming and living
is not sustainable and has consequences that will unavoidably impact future generations. The
lack of profound values connecting man and nature is one of the authors concerns. He also
suggests solutions to minimize humankinds impact on the biosphere and to reach a
sustainable future. His main purpose for writing the book seems to be to call upon those who
agree with him on building the world we would like to have in one generation.
2. Evaluation.
Besides dealing with many scientific issues and data, this is not a science book in the
usual sense. More than that, it is a book about values. It is a calling to a change in the
perspective that currently dominates economy and governments around the world. Suzukis
purpose was to transmit his understanding on how humanity shall live in order to have a
happy, meaningful, prosperous, sustainable and harmonious relation with our planet. As a
calling, it is a very enjoyable book for those who agree with that message, but can also be
criticized in many ways by those who do not.
To set his starting point, he had to set some premises, giving some context about
humanitys history on how we got where we are today. He made good points on his
arguments about the increasing changes in parameters of human population, use of natural
resources and pollution. His reasoning makes much sense, as the change in our environment
to our current cities is very recent when considering the history of the human species and the
history of the universe. Other point that is worth mentioning is that he stated and gave
examples on the current inability of science to predict the consequences of changes in
complex natural systems.
Another important aspect on Suzukis idiosyncrasy, as shown in the book, is the
meaningful relation that Aboriginal peoples have with nature, which other cultures do not.
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This is the keystone of his legacy: the ability of having meaningful relation with otherwise
unevaluated elements. The very same characteristic that makes this book so appealing to
some will be used by those who consider it unscientific, emotional, and inadequate.
Suzuki dares to expose himself, writing how it would be the future he desires for the
planet. He describes some of the features that our cities should have in order to make that
future feasible, and sustains the achievability of that change, depending only on willing to do
so. He used the episode of the American victory on the race to moon as an example of how,
when committed and united to do so, people can achieve extraordinary goals.
The passion and optimism of David Suzuki are remarkable. The book is almost poetic
in some parts, and addresses some subjects we usually do not expect from a scientist: love,
spirituality, personal history. It is partially biographic too, as he tells some histories about his
life and his family, including some pictures of them.
David Suzukis legacy is not a scientific treaty. He had the opportunity to write many
scientific papers and now he is retired from that function. We have many capable scientists to
maintain the progress of science. His legacy is an elders clear vision on what really matters
to have a meaningful, happy existence. We definitely could benefit having more elders like
him to advise us, and people able to listen and make his dream come true, so that the
humanity will have the guarantee of a healthy and sustainable future. His legacy is the ability
to see the beauty of the butterflies in the schoolyards.
Reference
Suzuki, D., Canadian Electronic Library (Firm), & David Suzuki Foundation. (2010). The
legacy: An elder's vision for our sustainable future. Vancouver [B.C.]: Greystone
Books.