Special Collections:
Culture and Consciousness
Join us for an Open Evening featuring Tim Kasser, who will present "The Real Cost of Consumerism: finding inspiring alternatives."
Kasser will explore the intricate connection between money and happiness, examining it from both psychological and systemic perspectives within our society. He will also discuss the critical roles of values and materialism in this dynamic.
Renee Lertzman, Ph.D., is a researcher, writer, and consultant focusing on sustainability's psychological dimensions. She lectured at Portland State University on February 4, 2010, discussing "The Myth of Apathy or Why People Don't Seem to Care About Sustainability."
With two decades in the sustainability sector, Dr. Lertzman's innovative research and consulting are widely recognized. She holds an MA from UNC Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. from Cardiff University, where she developed psychosocial research for sustainability. Her work has appeared in the New York Times "Dot Earth," KBOO Radio, and The Ecologist. More information is available on her Website.
Mary Evelyn Tucker connects the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. to the Earth Charter. She emphasizes humanity's capacity for radical, long-term change, asserting that recognizing our place in a unique, living Earth community is vital at this critical historical juncture.
Tucker further discusses the Earth Charter's relationship to Satyagraha, highlighting its foundational principles of nonviolence, democracy, and peace.
Stephen Dinan of the Shift Network presented "Vision 2012," a comprehensive roadmap for achieving a global shift. This vision synthesized dozens of interlocking strategies, designed to guide humanity toward a sustainable, peaceful, healthy, and prosperous planetary civilization.
Its aim was to set this trajectory within three years of its launch, with long-term benefits unfolding in the decades to follow.
Acclaimed journalist and author Barbara Ehrenreich explores the darker side of positive thinking.
She reminds us of our collective power, emphasizing that together, we can bring about change.
Dominique Conseil, President of Aveda Corporation, Inc., advocates for integrating environmental and societal wellness into daily decisions. He advises applying consciousness to consumption habits at home and work, always asking, "Do I need this?" There's no need to change professions; simply factor these considerations into existing routines.
Conseil's insights were shared during an interview with Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv.
Science and spirituality connect at the fundamental level of consciousness. This intersection is a key theme for Deepak Chopra, whom Time magazine recognized as one of the century's top 100 heroes and icons, calling him "the poet-prophet of alternative medicine."
Chopra is also widely known for his regular contributions to PBS. His notable works include "The Happiness Prescription" and "Body, Mind, and Soul: The Mystery and The Magic."
The Dalai Lama offers insights on inner peace, happiness, God, and money. These reflections are an excerpt from the film "Dalai Lama Renaissance."
Produced and directed by Khashyar Darvich, more information about the film is available at DalaiLamaFilm.com.
Economist Arthur Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute, offers insights on sustainability and culture. He contends that for most Americans, free enterprise is not merely an economic matter.
In his book, *The Battle*, Brooks argues that approximately 70 percent of the population views free enterprise as a fundamental lifestyle issue and the bedrock of American culture.
Charlie Rose interviewed Stephen Hawking, one of the world's foremost theoretical physicists. Despite being almost completely paralyzed by ALS, Hawking made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.
The full interview aired Friday, March 7, 2008.
Losang Monlam, an artist, monk, spiritual guide, teacher, painter, and writer, shares his unique journey. Ordained a Buddhist monk by HH Dalai Lama, he spent over a decade in monastic tradition and 20 years studying with masters in both the West and East.
Now based in the Bay Area, he teaches, paints, and writes, integrating Buddhist principles with global spiritual traditions. His work explores the spiritual dimension that unites us all.
Visit his site to view his work and listen to additional talks. He was interviewed by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, the voices of sustainability.
To prevent ineffective global programs, we must instill a new, heart-centered seed of connection, moving away from separation.
Nick Jankel, founder of the 1500+ member global community RadicalReinvention.org (formerly Disruptive Social Innovators), is a practical philosopher and "thinking man's life coach." He blends scientific insight, social thinking, and two decades of psychological and spiritual wisdom.
He was interviewed by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, the voices of sustainability.
Permaculture expert Penny Livingston-Stark demonstrates how natural systems offer superior design practices.
Learning to work with the earth not only creates a healthier environment but also nourishes its inhabitants.
Nick Jankel is a practical philosopher and life coach. He integrates scientific insight, sharp social thinking, and psychological and spiritual wisdom, drawing from over 20 years of exploration and commitment.
His personal journey began at 13, undergoing psychotherapy for obesity and anger. This experience ignited a profound fascination with the mind and inspired him towards social activism and community service.
While exploring mystical paths, he became an atheist, later accepting a Cambridge University medical offer. Before starting, a year teaching in rural Africa revealed travel's transformative power, inspiring The Ultimate Trip.
This animation is based on a talk given at The RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, a world-renowned expert in education and creativity. He is also a recipient of The RSA's Benjamin Franklin award.
The RSA is a charity dedicated to fostering a principled, prosperous society and unlocking human potential. Learn more about The RSA.
Dr. Elizabeth K. Lindsey, a National Geographic Fellow, shares profound insights into ancestral wisdom and the vital importance of collective action. She emphasizes that a global awakening requires everyone's participation.
Interview by Barry Heidt; Edited by Rob Russo.
John Fullerton, founder of the Capital Institute and former JPMorgan Managing Director, recently discussed sustainability with Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv. He highlighted how thinking about our children and the world we inhabit focuses the mind on these critical issues, asking, "Can you imagine being eighteen years old today and trying to make sense of this world?" Fullerton is writing a book for his children, exploring the context of our current sustainability crisis.
The Capital Institute's mission is to engage leaders, scholars, and society to harness capital and markets. It strives to advance a just, resilient, and sustainable economic system that improves lives and preserves the planet.
Rick Ridgeway, a National Geographic Lifetime Achievement in Adventure award winner, shares Patagonia's mission statement.
An accomplished author, photographer, and environmentalist, Ridgeway outlines five prescribed actions, starting with the directive to examine one's own life.
Current work culture, driven by the "more, bigger, faster" ethic, causes widespread burnout and disengagement, undermining energy, focus, creativity, and passion. "The Way We're Working Isn't Working" offers a groundbreaking approach to reenergize lives, enhancing satisfaction and productivity on and off the job.
Tony Schwartz, co-author of the #1 bestselling *The Power of Full Engagement*, integrates high-performance science to show we neglect four core needs: physical (sustainability), emotional (security), mental (self-expression), and spiritual (significance). He argues optimal performance comes from rhythmically renewing energy across these needs, not continuous high-speed work.
Duane Elgin, author of "Voluntary Simplicity" and other works, was recently interviewed at Global MindShift by Richard Rathbun, CEO of the Foundation for Global Community. The discussion centered on Elgin's new book, "The Living Universe," which explores themes of regeneration and the power of now.
You can order "The Living Universe" directly from Amazon.
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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection
“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.
Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.






















