introduction
I want to introduce you to exquisite creatures, human and non-human. The challenges they face reveal the immensity of the threat facing each one of us — and its urgency.
More and more of us are realizing we are now facing humanity’s greatest challenge. Together, we are entering the fight of our lives — a fight for our lives. And we may not prevail. Over just the next two decades, the global warming climate crisis threatens to bring about the end of our Anthropocene Epoch — of us and virtually every multicellular life form.
Widespread awareness is essential. Most of us don’t realize who our Arch-Villain is — the main cause of our predicament. We all need to. And we can’t win this fight without a clear understanding of the one solution we have. One which has been in existence since the beginning of time. Five Compassions — for Animals, for Self, for the Land, for Community, and for Democracy — are the path to achieving this solution rapidly and at necessary scale.
This is a “save-the-planet” book. Compassionate activism can create THE GREAT HEALING: the healing of our planet, the halting of Earth’s ongoing sixth great extinction, and the preservation of as many species and living creatures as possible. More than a “call-to-action” book, more than a book of compelling stories… this is a book with a plan.
Four esteemed thought leaders have joined me, contributing three new short essays, photos, and a poem:
Wendell Berry - essayist, novelist, poet, farmer, national treasure
Joel Fuhrman, MD - author of 7 New York Times bestsellers including Eat to Live, Super Immunity and The End of Diabetes
Jo-Anne McArthur - We Animals, investigative photojournalist whose images are as heartbreaking as they are beautiful
Alan Lewis - guides Food and Agriculture Policy for Natural Grocers
There is a reason you were born here in human form at this very special time. You matter. You are part of a special generation. This book will explain why. You can create the future you want to see. Find your voice, use it. Join us in what will become the most important cause of all of humanity’s endeavors to date.
You have the power. More than you realize. You’ll see.
AWARDS
2021 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist
2021 Barry Lopez Creative Nonfiction Prize Honorable Mention
2020 Readers Favorite International Book Award Finalist
2020 Top Shelf Book Award Finalist
““Erickson’s ability to connect climate science, copious data, and public policies with the lived experiences of people and other creatures sets this book apart. His emphasis on humane and caring methods reminds readers that winning hearts and minds is a prerequisite to capturing carbon. An inspired synthesis of environmental, cultural, economic, and political calls to action.” ”
““The ambitious book’s five chapters highlight compassionate approaches toward animals, self, the land, community, and democracy. Erickson’s writing displays passion, clarity, and a grasp of every topic he tackles.” ”
““An exceptionally well and persuasively written clarion call to personal and collective action, ‘The Great Healing - Five Compassions That Can Save Our World’ is unreservedly and urgently recommended.””
““A comprehensive entreaty to save a rapidly dying Earth with compassionate activism… Emotional descriptions (often illustrated by vivid photos) of animal cruelty, oceanic dead zones, and Farm Bill subsidies for ‘Big Ag’ elicit compassion, outrage, and shame. Erickson takes care to balance his concerns with suggestions for solutions… This alarming but not alarmist work provides purposeful, accessible, and concrete ways to counter and prevent ecological damage.””
““I wanted to know more about this forward-looking, insightful, and highly inspirational work. Gladly, Erickson was able to answer a few questions about his landmark book.””
