Ecology, Scarcity and The Gift Economy

15-19 July 2012

This course is open for bookings.

Visit: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/ecology-scarcity-and-the-gift-economy

Teachers: Charles Eisenstein and Toni Spencer

The myths that guide us exert extraordinary power, and understanding them can help us visualise other ways of living and being. In this course, Charles Eisenstein takes a long, hard look at our civilization’s basic mythology. He will explore its roots, how it has shaped the economic system we now have, and what it means for us as individuals and communities trying to build a more humane and sustainable society.

Our economy is predicated on the myth of the individual, our sense of separation from nature and the belief that we can conquer it. By contrast, ecology teaches us about interdependence, abundance and co-creativity. What if our economy was modelled on these concepts rather than competition, scarcity and individualism? Charles will reflect on these contrasting approaches and introduce the concept of the gift economy and ecology as a gift network.

“I consider Charles Eisenstein one of the up-and-coming great minds of our time. Rarely have I met a person who combines such philosophical and spiritual depth with such practical insights into the cultural and institutional origins of the potentially terminal dysfunctions of modern society – and the potential solutions.” – David Korten, author of The Great Turning

Having understood the theoretical basis of our crisis of separation, Toni Spencer will provide the space to work with practices for building connection to each other and the natural world. Drawing on her recent experiences with Occupy London, Toni will reflect on how a more connected world view can inform and influence social activism. Together you will unpack the notion of “financial independence”, reflecting on the role that money plays as a substitute for real needs, exploring non-hierarchical leadership models and spending time out in nature.

You will build and embody a vision of a healing planet guided by myths and stories that reflect the new understandings within science and economics.

Charles Eisenstein is a speaker, teacher, and the author of The Ascent of Humanity and Sacred Economics. A faculty member of Goddard College, he writes and speaks worldwide on themes of transition, money, consciousness, and social evolution.

Toni Spencer is an artist, educator and facilitator. Her career started within the design industry: as interior designer, maker, art director and trend forecaster and as part of the founding editorial team of international design and lifestyle magazine Wallpaper. During her years as design editor there, in the midst of success and the power to decide which designer, architect or material was ’in’, she followed a deep awakening to the urgent need for a more ecological culture. Having shifted her practice, recent work includes time as a lecturer and course leader in Eco Design, at Goldsmiths College; work as a freelance consultant and most recently was on the faculty at Schumacher College. She is an Associate of Embercombe, is involved in the Transition Towns movement and is an Associate of Encounters. As an avid forager, Toni brings her passion for the wild and the marginal in to all aspects of her work. She has a BA in Fine Art, and a MSc in Responsibility and Business Practice, a Permacultue Diploma.

Visit: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/ecology-scarcity-and-the-gift-economy

Course Fees

£750 All course fees include accommodation, food, field trips and all teaching sessions.

If you require assistance with booking this course please email: admin@schumachercollege.org.uk

For further information about Schumacher College please see About the College

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Email: admin@schumachercollege.org.uk