An unprecedented human justice “movement of movements” is sweeping the globe, according to environmentalist, entrepreneur and author Paul Hawken. Hawken probes economic and social justice in an extraordinary interview from The Global Oneness Project.
A tsunami of money
“A wave of money, like a tsunami” always precedes environmental and social damage in the world, says Hawken.
Rather than measure consumption, economics should gauge “the fulfillment of people’s needs, and the fulfillment of their aspirations to grow, develop and become everything that is latent and potential in each one of us.”
“We have to be connected to each other, to be in community, and that’s the greatest security,” he adds. Reconnecting with nature and one another is vital as we accept and look past our differences.
“A movement of movements”
Economic and social justice movements circle the globe today, says Hawken. Naomi Klein calls this “a movement of movements.” Hawken compares them to the body’s own immune system.
Hundreds of lymph nodes work to isolate and destroy invaders in the human body. Like human justice movements, they have no central governing body.
Protecting the world
When governments do not work on behalf of their citizens, Hawken says, “non-profits are acting in lieu of governments.”
The movements are “identifying and parsing the activity of the world, whether it be by business or by governments or institutions like religion,” says Hawken. Activities are found to be humane nor not.
“When a ‘toxin’ is identified,” he explains, “people are gathering around that policy or issue and try to contain it, arrest the rate of damage or damage, then create the means to prevent it in the future.”
Peace begins within
“War is the greatest inhumane thing we do,” Hawken believes. The peace movement itself is being redefined.
“It’s not just about the prevention or the absence of war,” Hawken notes. “It’s about the cultivation of peace within oneself, within one’s heart, everything that one does.” How we think, speak with others, and relate to nature, soil and other animals is key.
“Peace is every step,” Thich Nhat Hanh teaches. “Our future lies in making peace with everything we touch,” Hawken adds. When we recognize our essential oneness, we won’t demonize corporations, groups and individuals who represent our collective shadow.
Blessed unrest
Hawken’s book Blessed Unrest depicts how we can “fall in love with the world.” Humanity’s separation from nature is a collective wound that needs healing.
“You could say that it’s just perfect the way it is,” Hawken explains. “We created this amazing moment in time.” (5 out of 5 stars)
If you like The Paul Hawken Interview, you might enjoy: Thrive; 3 Magic Words; Anima Mundi; Dirt! The Movie.
