An Intimate History of Humanity
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By Theodore Zeldin
This book is an experience - of turning the way we view the history of humanity on its head.
It is an extraordinarily brave encounter of reviewing our past with the intention of building a strengthened bond of humanity in the future. Zeldin's premise is founded on the idea that by revising the way we look at history, we will be able to find the common elements of human beings that can live in a world that is compassionate and connected.
It is a moving reflection of history through the eyes of modern-day women, what their backgrounds, experiences and views on life are. Each chapter begins with a conversation with one of these women - from a dancer to a factory worker. Zeldin looks deeper into the events in history that may have shaped their predicaments: their self-image and views of the exterior world. Through these stories, he claims that certain events and cultures in history have had a profound effect on individuals; on modern civilization. Experiences including slavery, relationships between men and women, power struggles, the suppression of love, and more, all contribute to the challenges and visions of gloom we project.
But Zeldin also artfully highlights all those consistent historic undercurrents of humanity that we are not paying enough attention to - "For most of history, love has been considered a threat to the stability of the individual and of society, because stability was usually valued more highly than freedom." He continuously circles back to people's view of themselves and their relationships with others through the ages. Time and again, he shows how compassion, curiosity and a common concern and love for fellow humans are waiting to emerge. The possibilities of our future are endless if only we tap deeper into identifying and acknowledging the connections and similarities we have with the diversity of people on this planet.
He boldly concludes that humanity's cause is to further humanity, and that these days, that is about spreading kindness and care to fellow living beings. He sees humanity as a family that has hardly met. What a fitting metaphor for looking at our future! This book leaves the reader uplifted, blown away by the possibilities of our common future if we follow the path of our essence as humans.
"Look upon yourself as a collection of electric bulbs: do not put all of your energy into one bulb, or it will explode, allow your energy to circulate freely through the many sides of yourself. The looser, the more open and limitless your identity, the better. Treat your emotions as a garden that needs to be kept tidy. Be generous and that will stimulate more resources within yourself, new ideas. Follow the laws of nature."
A must-read for anyone who has an inkling of hope for a new humanity.
- Reviewed by Colleen Bowker
News from Pioneers of Change - SEPTEMBER 2007
Warriors Without Weapons 2009
