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Radical Nature: Rediscovering the Soul of Matter
Radical Nature Rediscovering the Soul of Matter Author:Christian De Quincey "One of the most important books on consciousness and cosmology to appear in decades. Anyone interested in questions about soul and nature, about the relationship between consciousness and the world of matter, about meaning in the universe, needs to read it." Brian Swimme, Ph.D., coauthor of The Universe Story "Radical Nature exposes the bigge... more »st con job in the history of human thought-that matter and nature are dead, mindless, unfeeling, and disconnected from ourselves. De Quincey gives us an image that is as hopeful and fulfilling as the old view was empty and depressing. Never have we needed such a view as now." Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Beyond the Body Do animals have souls? Do worms and insects feel pain or pleasure? Can trees feel anything at all? Ever wondered where in the great unfolding of evolution consciousness first appeared? If questions like these intrigue you, you are in good company because they touch on the deepest mystery in modern philosophy and science: How are minds and bodies related? How does consciousness fit into the physical world? These are not just idle speculations. How we answer such questions can dramatically affect the way we live our lives, treat the natural world and other people, and even how we relate to our own bodies. In Radical Nature, philosopher Christian de Quincey explores how mind and matter are related, and he proposes a radical and surprising answer: Consciousness goes all the way down! Through animals, plants, even single cells . . . in fact, all the way down the great chain of being to molecules, atoms, and beyond. Drawing on both ancient and modern knowledge, de Quincey shows us that the universe teems with consciousness through and through. "Matter itself tingles with the spark of spirit," he says. "And therefore nature, in all its forms and glory, is sacred to its deepest roots." Radical Nature takes you on a mind-stretching journey in this remarkable story of philosophy and science in search of a soul. Christian de Quincey, Ph.D., is professor of philosophy and consciousness studies at John F. Kennedy University and managing editor of the IONS Review from the Institute of Noetic Sciences. His work on consciousness has appeared in both popular and academic journals, including Journal of Consciousness Studies, ReVision, Network, Cerebrum, and Journal of Transpersonal Psychology. He lives in Half Moon Bay, California.« less