Martin Hawes' text is engaging in its simplicity and covers principles of relationships, awareness and action. It is complemented by photographs evoking the beauty, diversity and interconnectedness of our world and its peoples.
Each of the twelve sections includes a profile of a person whose work puts the principles into practice. These individuals, in countries around the world, devote themselves to issues such as sustainability, peace, social justice, spiritual awareness and environmental responsibility. By showing us what is possible, they inspire us.
The book promotes twelve principles for living responsibly in the modern world:
- One People: Humanity is one people. There is not "them"; there's only "us".
- One Planet: The Earth is our home. When we disrespect it, we endanger all life including our own.
- Responsibility: Each of us bears a share of responsibility for our communities, and hence the world as a whole.
- Making a Difference: Each of us can contribute to making the world a safer, happier place to live.
- Learning: Living requires constant learning, and questioning frees our minds to learn.
- Seeing: Being aware means seeing with our hearts as well as our minds.
- Self Awareness: Self-awareness helps free us from the fear and ignorance that obstruct relationship.
- Global Awareness: To live responsibly we need to understand the global consequences of our actions.
- Respect: To respect is to acknowledge the sacredness of the Earth and in all living things.
- Simplicity: When we are inwardly rich, outwardly we need very little.
- Love: When we feel a sense of communion with the universe, we can act from love.
- Integrity: Integrity is the clarity intention that comes with understanding and love.
