Max "Duramunmun" Harrison, an elder of the Yuin Nation of Southeast Australia, explains fundamental differences between Aboriginal and Euro-Australian worldviews. Unity and cooperation must involve understanding and respect for one another's lifestyle. But the basic Aboriginal understanding of the earth as Mother and source is undermined by a culture of consumerism, passively teaching that vegetables come from a store. Max asks, if the Mother is not understood, how can She be respected?
Shot over three years in the USA, India and Mexico, Garbage Warrior is a feature-length documentary film telling the epic story of maverick architect Michael Reynolds and his fight to introduce radically sustainable housing. An inspirational tale of triumph over bureaucracy, Garbage Warrior is above all an intimate portrait of an extraordinary individual and his dream of changing the world.
Vandana Shiva argues that certain ideas or ‘meta-narratives’ block our understanding of the impact that humanity is having on the planet. Foremost is the false notion that industrial urbanization reduces poverty. Inefficiencies inherent in industrial design often result in toxicity and pollution. Industrial expansion can also compound social problems by exacerbating urban poverty. This can in turn lead to religious extremism and, ultimately, terrorism. Greater social equality can be attained by the establishment of fair and equitable access to land, water and clean air. Both environmental disaster and war may then be averted.
Everyone has a purpose in life...a unique or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals. * Discover the Higher Self - beyond and above ego - spend time in silence * List Your Unique Talents - that lead to state of bliss * Serve Others - ask yourself how can I help? Rather tham what's in it for me - share more, treat people like your brother's and sister's
TERRY TEMPEST WILLIAMS Speaking to a small audience at the 2004 Bioneers Conference in California, Tempest Williams talks about what fundamentally motivates her as an activist. In response to a question about patience, she speaks about endurance and the need to keep active in the defence of nature. She describes her recent visit to the Artic National Wildlife Refuge with husband Brooke Williams and closes with an inspiring passage from one of her poems.
What if the world embodied our highest potential? What would it look like? As the structures of modern society crumble, is it enough to respond with the same tired solutions? Or are we being called to question a set of unexamined assumptions that form the very basis of our civilization? This 25-minute retrospective asks us to reflect on the state of the world and ourselves, and to listen more closely to what is being asked of us at this time of unprecedented global transformation.
Major "Muggi" Sumner, an elder and cultural ambassador of the Ngarrindjeri Nation of South Australia, sees many of his people following a way of self-interest and forgetfulness of Aboriginal values. Muggi tells us that Australia is a land big enough for a lot of people, but only if they are considerate to one another.
Environmental and social justice activist Julia Butterfly Hill explains that fear and our addiction to comfort are key problems of modern society.