As we grow up, we meet people who have a profound impact on our development. Call them leaders, role models, even idols. Whatever their name, they inspire us, teach us, sometimes even scold us, but always leave a lasting and positive mark on our lives. RPI biology Professor Carl McDaniel profiles eight such leaders in his new book, Wisdom for a Livable Planet. As the title suggests, these remarkable individuals have influenced not only countless students, but also the very health of our environment and the people in it.
Wisdom explores the histories and efforts of men and women who are trying to create a more environmentally-sustainable world. Far more than short biographies, the book’s strength comes from the one-on-one interviews that McDaniel conducted with each of the leaders, allowing him to bring out the full depths of their character and passion for their causes. Readers will quickly get to know nurse Terri Swearingen, activist Dave Foreman, geneticist Wes Jackson, and local-living champion Helena Norberg-Hodge. Moving on in the book, they will soon meet population expert Werner Fornos, economist Herman Daly, climate researcher Stephen Schneider, and environmental studies professor David Orr.
Each fascinating crusader has their own chapter, and each chapter is readable. The chapters follow a fairly similar layout and are self-contained, making it easy to read out of order or pick out the people who interest you the most. The chapters open with a defining quote from the person profiled, then a history of where their interest in their particular environmental topic developed from. Next comes a well-researched summary of the environmental concern, followed by an update on that person’s work in their field, ending with a thoughtful summary of their contribution to a healthy environmental future.
With the addition of introductory and concluding chapters on the state and future of the natural world, the 10-chapter book comes to only 228 pages of text, plus another 36 pages of notes and further readings, making it an easy book to devour. McDaniel’s writing style makes reading his book all the more enjoyable. While not masterful in his prose, his sentences are nevertheless focused, informative, and hint of his own knowledge and passion for environmental sustainability. Readers will likely find these eight visionaries inspiring and thought provoking, much like the role models in our own lives.
In short, Wisdom is a short, enjoyable, and important book for anyone concerned about humanity’s future and the environment we live in. Those familiar with environmental topics will find all their favorites, from global warming to biodiversity loss, as well as stories of the people who are working to fix these problems and the methods of their success. For those with a more passing interest in the environment, especially anyone with little knowledge of the topic, Wisdom offers a compact read on the fate of our planet and the tremendous people working to make our future a bright one.
If you are interested in meeting McDaniel and talking about Wisdom for a Livable Planet, the bookstore will hold a book signing, discussion, and slideshow in Mother’s on Thursday, March 31, from 12-1:30 pm.
