Ecological Identity: Becoming a Reflective Environmentalist

Rating:
Summary: Reflections of a Thoughtful Environmentalist
Review: Author Mitchell Thomashow,Professor of Environmental Studies at Antioch New England Graduate School present a a scholarly perspective of what it really means to be a "Reflective Environmentalist." In presenting his case, he provides the reader with a solid historical foundation for Environmental Studies, including colorful biographical sketches of ecological pioneers such as Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Rachael Carson,and David Brower. Thomashow integrates his own personal observations and revelations of the Natural World with his extensive teaching experiences, thus providing a varied and thoughtful perspective of what is means to establish, and re-create a unique "Ecological Identity."
Anyone who reads this book can not help but be inspired to delve further into the ecological literature...and especially to expand their knowledge to establish a deeper relationship with Nature. Well researched, interesting, and intellectualy stimulating! Elliott Maynard, Ph.D., President, Arcos Cielos Research Center, Sedona, Arizona.

Rating:
Summary: Reflections of a Thoughtful Environmentalist
Review: Author Mitchell Thomashow,Professor of Environmental Studies at Antioch New England Graduate School present a a scholarly perspective of what it really means to be a "Reflective Environmentalist." In presenting his case, he provides the reader with a solid historical foundation for Environmental Studies, including colorful biographical sketches of ecological pioneers such as Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Rachael Carson,and David Brower. Thomashow integrates his own personal observations and revelations of the Natural World with his extensive teaching experiences, thus providing a varied and thoughtful perspective of what is means to establish, and re-create a unique "Ecological Identity."
Anyone who reads this book can not help but be inspired to delve further into the ecological literature...and especially to expand their knowledge to establish a deeper relationship with Nature. Well researched, interesting, and intellectualy stimulating! Elliott Maynard, Ph.D., President, Arcos Cielos Research Center, Sedona, Arizona.

Rating:
Summary: Ecological Identity: Becoming a Reflective Environmentalist
Review: Clearly and concisely written, the author deftly probes psychology, sociology, and the multifaceted history of environmental thought, activism, and theory.

The book is a deeply compassionate, insightful discussion that helps environmentalists reflect upon their motivations and resolve internal struggles. A "must read" for all trying to balance realism and the accompanying pain of loss (when viewing the ecological destruction happening around us) with the optimism necessary to keep on fighting positively for societal change.

This book could serve as a guiding text for an environmental discussion group, or for opening communications and building community understanding and consensus in the face of conflict.

Rating:
Summary: Eco-Awakenings
Review: Thoughtfully written, and carefully capturing the wonder of his learners --- and their nurturing teacher --- "Ecological Identity" is a superb book. Although the prose can be a little slow at times, the arguments are cogently presented and the style is generally helpful and lucid.

Beginners will enjoy this journey that Thomashow leads, and find the exercise well worthwhile. But this book is by no means only for the neophyte. Long-time environmentalists, eco-activists, or simply environmentally concerned readers will find a wealth of new insights each and every time they return. This is a book you will read again and still find small treasures and new directions to explore.

It's not easy being concerned for the environment or keeping a sustainable outlook life in a consumption-prone, techno-rah-rah society. Yet this is exactly the kind of contradiction swirling around and festering within each and every one of us. Learning to identify these contradictions, embrace them, and move beyond them is a formidable task. Explored so well in these chapters, Thomashow again and again strives to break through these contradictions. He leads the reader along on the quest to develop wider and wider circles of identification while simultaneously exploring one's individuality. The journey is a long one, but with guides like the author, it is a path well worth taking.

Rating:
Summary: Eco-Awakenings
Review: Thoughtfully written, and carefully capturing the wonder of his learners --- and their nurturing teacher --- "Ecological Identity" is a superb book. Although the prose can be a little slow at times, the arguments are cogently presented and the style is generally helpful and lucid.

Beginners will enjoy this journey that Thomashow leads, and find the exercise well worthwhile. But this book is by no means only for the neophyte. Long-time environmentalists, eco-activists, or simply environmentally concerned readers will find a wealth of new insights each and every time they return. This is a book you will read again and still find small treasures and new directions to explore.

It's not easy being concerned for the environment or keeping a sustainable outlook life in a consumption-prone, techno-rah-rah society. Yet this is exactly the kind of contradiction swirling around and festering within each and every one of us. Learning to identify these contradictions, embrace them, and move beyond them is a formidable task. Explored so well in these chapters, Thomashow again and again strives to break through these contradictions. He leads the reader along on the quest to develop wider and wider circles of identification while simultaneously exploring one's individuality. The journey is a long one, but with guides like the author, it is a path well worth taking.