British philosopher John Gray visited the RSA to discuss his new book, 'The Silence of Animals.' Published on April 9, 2013, this much-anticipated work is the sequel to his best-selling 'Straw Dogs.'

To order 'The Silence of Animals,' please visit your local bookstore or purchase it online here.

In this lecture, author and professor Robert Jensen explores the realities of pornography. His analysis frames it as sexual violence, rather than an issue of expression or fantasy, placing it within the context of patriarchy.

This perspective aligns with his book, "Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity." The book is available for purchase on Amazon or at local bookstores.

On the 40th anniversary of the 'Blue Marble' photograph, Planetary Collective presents a short film. It documents astronauts' life-changing stories of seeing Earth from space—a perspective-altering experience known as the Overview Effect.

First described by Frank White in 1987, the Overview Effect transforms an astronaut's view of the planet and humanity's place. It commonly evokes awe for Earth, a profound understanding of life's interconnection, and a renewed sense of environmental responsibility.

Physicist Lee Smolin compares the scientific community's function to democracy. He explains that scientists "fight and argue as hard as we can," yet accept that the next generation will ultimately decide what is correct.

Smolin argues this process mirrors how democracy operates. More of his lectures are available on his website.

Lee Smolin, founder of the Perimeter Institute, challenges the notion of a fixed future in his new book, *Time Reborn*. He rethinks the nature of the universe in this thought-provoking work. Published on May 17, 2013.

Discover more about these ideas. Join Smolin for a discussion, possibly featuring Robert J. Sawyer, at the Toronto Public Library.

Order *Time Reborn* from Amazon or visit your local bookstore.

Clear Compass Media, a small team based in Soquel, CA, produces the documentary THRIVE: What on Earth Will It Take? and its accompanying website. These projects advocate ten personal actions for positive change, aiming to share THRIVE's message globally.

The mission of Clear Compass Media, LLC is to create compelling media that assists humanity in thriving through the evolutionary challenges threatening our survival.

David Meslin, a Community Catalyst, explores why more people don't engage in local politics, despite its direct impact on their lives through issues like schools, zoning, and elections.

Meslin argues that this lack of involvement isn't apathy. Instead, he identifies it as a complex "web of barriers" that actively reinforce disengagement. He advocates for collaborative efforts to dismantle these obstacles.

Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work, has dedicated over a decade to studying "Wholeheartedness." Her work explores how we engage in life from a place of authenticity and worthiness.

Brown's research emphasizes that the ability to feel connected is fundamental to human experience and purpose.

Doug Cohen's work with students and youth explores natural leadership, intergenerational community building, and lifelong learning. In this video, he discusses the "Call of the Time" teaching from the Brahma Kumaris organization and the importance of diverse "perception input."

Cohen was interviewed by Barry Heidt of Sustainability Action Media (SAM) at the SEED Graduate Institute's "Wisdom from the Origins" conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico (September 13-17, 2012). He also co-led the conference's Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program with Sabine Amend.

This excerpt, from a longer interview, was edited for Earthsayers.tv by Ruth Ann Barrett.

Quantum physicist, author, and professor Amit Goswami introduces "Quantum Activism," a concept bridging quantum theory with human potential. He posits that by combining awareness of God's causal efficacy with free will, individuals can become responsible creators. His book on Quantum Activism is available on Amazon.

This material is featured in a video from the Language of Spirit Conference, presented by the Foundation for Global Humanity and hosted by the SEED Graduate Institute. The conference brought together quantum physicists, Native American scholars, and linguists to discuss universal principles, fostering mutual respect for diverse worldviews. Its format was inspired by David Bohm's work, "On Dialogue."

Linda Neale of the Earth & Spirit Council, author of "Power of Ceremony," addressed the EarthDay Conference 2012. Co-sponsored by the Council and Portland Community College, the event also featured Ilarion (Larry) Merculieff. Born and raised on the Pribilof Islands, Merculieff's traditional name, Kuuyux, signifies "extension of ancient knowledge into modern times."

Neale's book, "Power of Ceremony," is available for purchase. Additionally, Michael TwoFeather's teaching on the same topic is featured on Earthsayers, presented by The Natural Way of the Earth & Spirit Council.

Peter Russell's award-winning 1983 video explores the Earth as an integrated, self-regulating living organism. It questions humanity's function within this planetary being.

The video suggests a significant evolutionary leap: inner spiritual evolution, as vital as life's emergence. Russell argues this shift in consciousness is crucial for successfully managing global crises.

Order books by Peter Russell by clicking the image, or visit his website for more information.

Kurt Hoelting, author of "The Circumference of Home: One Man's Yearlong Quest for a Radically Local Life," gave a talk on June 16, 2010, at East West Bookshop in Seattle, WA. He shared his adventure to achieve a more sustainable and local lifestyle, notably by not using a car for an entire year.

Hoelting's journey offers an excellent model for anyone seeking to embrace sustainability. You can purchase his book here or visit your local bookstore.

Barbara Ford of Gaiaworkshops.net was interviewed by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv at the Earth & Spirit Council's Earth Day ceremony (April 20-21, Portland, Oregon). During her *Active Hope* workshop, Ford stressed the importance of balancing societal disassociation with reconnection, belonging, and becoming—key tenets of her "Growing Awareness Into Action" teachings.

An activist, therapist, facilitator, singer, and artist, Ford brings over 25 years of experience working with diverse groups, including faith communities, activists, and non-profits. Learn more about her workshops at Gaiaworkshops.net/workshops/.

The film "The Known Universe" takes viewers from the Himalayas to the Big Bang's afterglow, featuring stars, planets, and quasars. This immersive journey is made possible by the Digital Universe Atlas, the world's most complete four-dimensional map of the cosmos.

Maintained and updated by astrophysicists at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), the Atlas underpins the film, which was also created by the Museum. "The Known Universe" was part of the 2010 "Visions of the Cosmos" exhibition at the Rubin Museum of Art in Manhattan.

This "short history of nearly everything" presents four facts revealing fundamental truths about our world and lives. The first highlights our improbable existence, a product of immense cosmic chance.

The subsequent three facts offer profound insights into how we should approach life on this planet. (2010)

Examined Life brings philosophy from academia to the streets. Filmmaker Astra Taylor joins influential thinkers like Peter Singer, Judith Butler, Cornel West, and Kwame Appiah on unique excursions. This segment features literary critic, philosopher, and feminist Avital Ronell.

The series explores places and spaces that resonate with their ideas, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary thought. This is a must-see exploration of philosophy in action.

In "WeThink," author Charles Leadbeater explores how web communities are evolving.

He specifically highlights their tendency to revisit and adopt older, more traditional forms of social order.

Jamal Rahman, a Muslim Sufi Interfaith minister, explores the meaning of "interfaith" as being open to the beauty and wisdom of diverse traditions. He emphasizes the directive to "get to know others."

His insights are available in his book, which can be ordered on Amazon.com.

For more videos featuring Jamal Rahman, visit the One World Films YouTube channel. You can also learn more at his official website: jamalrahman.com.

Louie Schwartzberg is an award-winning cinematographer, director, and producer whose notable career spans over three decades, providing breathtaking imagery for feature films, television, documentaries, and commercials.

His short film on Gratitude and Happiness is a stunning piece. Featuring Brother David Steindl's spoken words, Gary Malkin's musical compositions, and Schwartzberg's cinematography, it beautifully reminds us of life's precious gift and the beauty all around us.