Title
The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity's Search for Meaning,Used
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Winner of the 2017 Nautilus Silver Award!This fresh perspective on crucial questions of history identifies the root metaphors that cultures have used to construct meaning in their world. It offers a glimpse into the minds of a vast range of different peoples: early huntergatherers and farmers, ancient Egyptians, traditional Chinese sages, the founders of Christianity, trailblazers of the Scientific Revolution, and those who constructed our modern consumer society.Taking the reader on an archaeological exploration of the mind, the author, an entrepreneur and sustainability leader, uses recent findings in cognitive science and systems theory to reveal the hidden layers of values that form today's cultural norms. Uprooting the tired cliches of the sciencereligion debate, he shows how medieval Christian rationalism acted as an incubator for scientific thought, which in turn shaped our modern vision of the conquest of nature. The author probes our current crisis of unsustainability and argues that it is not an inevitable result of human nature, but is culturally driven: a product of particular mental patterns that could conceivably be reshaped. By shining a light on our possible futures, the book foresees a coming struggle between two contrasting views of humanity: one driving to a technological endgame of artificially enhanced humans, the other enabling a sustainable future arising from our intrinsic connectedness with each other and the natural world. This struggle, it concludes, is one in which each of us will play a role through the meaning we choose to forge from the lives we lead.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Patterning Instinct'? A: The main theme of 'The Patterning Instinct' is the exploration of how different cultures have constructed meaning throughout history, examining the root metaphors that shape human understanding and societal values.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Patterning Instinct'? A: The author of 'The Patterning Instinct' is Jeremy Lent, who is an entrepreneur and sustainability leader.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in a hardcover binding, providing durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages are in 'The Patterning Instinct'? A: 'The Patterning Instinct' contains 576 pages, offering an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: When was 'The Patterning Instinct' published? A: 'The Patterning Instinct' was published on May 23, 2017.
- Q: Is 'The Patterning Instinct' suitable for readers interested in sustainability? A: Yes, 'The Patterning Instinct' addresses the current crisis of unsustainability and discusses cultural patterns that impact our relationship with the environment.
- Q: What awards has 'The Patterning Instinct' won? A: 'The Patterning Instinct' won the 2017 Nautilus Silver Award, recognizing its contribution to cultural and social insights.
- Q: Does the book discuss the relationship between science and religion? A: Yes, the book challenges traditional views of the science-religion debate and discusses how historical rationalism has influenced modern scientific thought.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from this book? A: Readers can expect to learn about the historical and cultural influences on human meaning-making and how these insights can inform a sustainable future.
- Q: Is the book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'The Patterning Instinct' is well-researched and provides valuable insights that can be beneficial for academic study in fields like history, sociology, and environmental science.