Published in the Catalyst, Vol. 33, No. 1 – Summer 2010
The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community
By David Korten
Kumarian Press, Inc. and Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., 2006
Reviewed by Karri Munn-Venn
Since 2001 progressive individuals and civil society organizations from around the world have gathered under the banner “Another World is Possible” at the annual World Social Forum. Economist and development expert David Korten offers rich insights on how we may achieve this new world order.
Despite having been written before the global meltdown of 2008, Korten identifies the conjuncture of global crises as an opportunity for cultural, economic, and political “turning” based on reaching for higher levels of human consciousness.
Korten offers a vast historical perspective on social, economic and political organization, while simultaneously considering religion, philosophy, ecology, human development and psychology. As humans, we have been granted “the gift of choice.” Building on the “Great Turning” image of eco-philosopher Joanna Macy, Korten suggests we have the capacity to choose to turn towards a more just and responsible future path.
“If we succeed, future generations may look back on this as a time of profound transition and speak of it as the time of the Great Turning. If we fail, our time may instead be known simply as the tragic time of the Great Unraveling.”
Ultimately, “The Great Turning” is a call to humanity to reject a society based on domination, ecological destruction and unshared material wealth and to embrace a new way of living based on partnership, community, and respect for all of life’s richness.
Living examples of the strength and beauty of collaboration, Korten says, can be taken from the rain forest ecosystem and human body – there is no single leader, but millions of elements each essential to the healthy functioning of the whole. In the interconnectedness and interdependence of all Creation he finds lessons for a more holistic organization of human society.
While impressive in its breadth and clarity, the book probably falls short of providing an argument that will convince those in positions of power (or even those happy to keep up with Joneses) of the great mutual benefit of reimaging how we, as individuals, communities and nations, relate to one another and the magnificent ecosystem of the earth.
Still, Korten presents an inspiring vision of the possible for those with the will to hope and energy to work for change.
* David Korten will speak about The Great Turning in Ottawa on October 29, 2010 upon invitation of CPJ and other partners.
