A question often asked of authors, is where does inspiration for the book come from? A collage of life, the past, the future, our experiences, problems solved, problems yet to be solved… Invariably it leads me to think about the difference between lives that inspire books, and books that inspire lives. Perhaps the two categories are interwoven in a cycle of inspiration. In either case, I’m currently reading a book which offers up much needed inspiration for the times we are in: The Tao of Revolution by Chris Taylor.
The Tao of Revolution by Chris Taylor
I first heard about this book primarily because we are both published by Stairwell Books. And with the world as it currently is, the launch event was virtual which meant that people could attend from literally all over the place. I admit, when I signed up, I didn’t entirely know what to expect. A book about climate and societal change that purports to discuss how we learn to live with the future – it’s a tall order.
As the launch got underway and readings and discussions flowed, I was glad I had decided to attend. The author was instantly personable, oozing with down to earth humility as he ventured to tell of the life and aspirations that had led himself and his wife to make the move to communal living – common labour on common land. It was quickly apparent that this book is more than a discussion of ideas, it is also a lived experiment that adds so much soul to the text.
From the start of the book, I was instantly fascinated by the depth of understanding of this world view, explained in an accessible way. The author takes a giant step back, ruminating on ideas gone before, observing the cycles of our global society, discussing predictions and factors affecting those trajectories. It is a global crisis, but it is not over. We still have choices to make, and those choices are well within our grasp. This is what I loved the most. Taking an honest look at the big picture whilst being left with a feeling not of despair, but of hope. Nature heals nature.
Create communities, grow food, plant trees, stand still and silent and listen to the land.
Read this book if you want answers into how to live peacefully alongside the powerful, intelligent system that is nature. Like I said, it’s an inspiring, and oddly comforting, read.
What are you reading?
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