Wisdom/Learning

There is both wisdom and foolishness on our present planet. On our future planet, will we be wiser?

"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it" - George Santayana

In 1992, over 1,500 scientists signed a Warning to Humanity. 17 years later, it is clear that humans have not used this wisdom. Are humans wise enough to use it during the next 17 years?

This warning included a majority of the Nobel laureates in the sciences. 69 nations from all parts of Earth were represented, including each of the 12 most populous nations and 19 of the largest economic powers.

They said "human beings and the natural world are on a collision course. Human activities inflict harsh and often irreversible damage on the environment and on critical resources. If not checked, many of our current practices put at serious risk the future that we wish for human society and the plant and animal kingdoms, and may so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know. Fundamental changes are urgent if we are to avoid the collision our present course will bring about."

View the World Scientists' Warning to Humanity

"There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking" - Alfred Korzybski

Resources:

Articles:
Giving our children the best start has never been more important. What can be done to better educate the global citizens of tomorrow?
Thursday 19 November 2009
Green Schools: Reconnecting the adults of tomorrow with nature
Tuesday 4 August 2009 
Our Planet's Future: Cooperation versus Competition
Monday 20 July 2009

Books we recommend: Getting a Grip 2 By Frances Moore Lappe

Videos:

12 year old Severn Suzuki speaking at the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil (06.41 mins)

We are the people we've been waiting for
This full-length feature film on education which was inspired and guided by Oscar-winning producer Lord Puttnam. The film is supported by various sponsors including independent education foundation, Edge. The film follows the experiences of five Swindon-based teenagers.