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Nature and the Human Soul

Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World

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Nature and the Human Soul

By: Bill Plotkin PhD
Narrated by: Matthew Josdal
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About this listen

Addressing the pervasive longing for meaning and fulfillment in this time of crisis, Nature and the Human Soul introduces a visionary ecopsychology of human development that reveals how fully and creatively we can mature when soul and wild nature guide us. Depth psychologist and wilderness guide Bill Plotkin presents a model for a human life span rooted in the cycles and qualities of the natural world, a blueprint for individual development that ultimately yields a strategy for cultural transformation.

With evocative language and personal stories, including those of elders Thomas Berry and Joanna Macy, this book defines eight stages of human life - Innocent, Explorer, Thespian, Wanderer, Soul Apprentice, Artisan, Master, and Sage - and describes the challenges and benefits of each. Plotkin offers a way of progressing from our current egocentric, aggressively competitive, consumer society to an ecocentric, soul-based one that is sustainable, cooperative, and compassionate.

At once a primer on human development and a manifesto for change, Nature and the Human Soul fashions a template for a more mature, fulfilling, and purposeful life - and a better world.

©2008 Bill Plotkin (P)2017 Tantor
Developmental Psychology Nature & Ecology Parenting & Families Personal Success Relationships Young Adult Human Nature Psychology

Critic Reviews

"With Nature and the Human Soul, Bill Plotkin once again works miracles. This vital book provides a road map to help us remember how to be human - which means how to be a human being in relationship to the natural world, to our home. We owe Bill Plotkin a deep debt of gratitude for this important work." (Derrick Jensen, author of A Language Older than Words and coauthor of As the World Burns)

What listeners say about Nature and the Human Soul

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Hopeless narration

I really enjoyed the content of this book but it was marred by the most anmoying narration. Usually I can overcome this distraction but I was unable to finish it and will seek out a hard cppy.

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Understanding maturity better

I really enjoyed it giving an overview of growing up; covers a lot of similar things but a great overview. Particularly like the idea of justice coming first, then profit will follow

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epic

i loved the detail as well as the openness with which his model fits into other I know, or vice versa. the description of the soulcentric and ecocentric model of human development interspersed with anecdotes, takes and poetry, made for a captivating listen. I wish it was read by the author! I have a much greater understanding of myself, others in my life, and society as a whole after finishing this book.

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Why are the best books always narrated by the most annoying voices, beautiful book but easily the most painful 24h of listening I’ve ever endured

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