This One Wild and Precious Life: The Path Back to Connection in a Fractured World

Anxiety and disconnection are natural consequences of overconsumptive modern life, argues Australian journalist Wilson (First, We Make the Beast Beautiful) in this vibrant take on how to build a more joyful existence and sustainable world. After describing the crises of unfettered capitalism, Covid-19, and climate change, Wilson assures readers that happiness and peace are still possible even though “human-made clusterfucks of the Anthropocene are now fundamentally too big to wrap our heads around, control or fix.” To that end, she ponders axioms to live by, particularly Erich Fromm’s call to “live life as a study of love and work.” She outlines techniques to find spiritual connection and purpose, including small suggestions (avoid mindless scrolling on a phone, for instance) and more involved practices to incorporate into one’s life (such as exploring nature, which she illustrates through many anecdotes of her own hiking trips). The author ranges widely, interspersing personal stories with interviews, scientific research, and quotes from religious texts, making for a reading experience that has the feel of an impassioned conversation with a friend: “To be clear, I am not optimistic. Unlike pessimism and optimism, hope necessitates action.” Wilson’s engaging prose and timely advice will appeal to those who enjoyed Matt Haig’s Notes on a Nervous Planet. (Dec.)