Imagine: What America Could Be in the 21st Century

The 39 contributorsDJohn Bradshaw, Sarah Ban Breathnach and Deepak Chopra among themDto this inspirational essay collection edited by bestselling author Williamson (Healing the Soul of America, etc.) represent expertise across a spectrum of disciplines, including business, medicine, education and law. Although their approaches differ, these leaders all share a vision of an America 50 years from now that is more environmentally aware, spiritual and humane than the America of today because they view the small, hard-to-see changes taking place already that are the harbingers of greater change to come. Ecologist Paul Hawken sees strength in the 30,000 disparate citizens' groups fighting for social and environmental sustainability. Physician Dean Ornish envisions a health system that recognizes and reimburses ""good science,"" i.e., the growing alliance between traditional and alternative medicine based on the proven relationship between physical disease and emotional and spiritual well-being. David C. Korton (The Post-Corporate World) believes that the November 1999 protests against the World Trade Organization in Seattle marked a turning point for Americans to begin to challenge a corporate global order that rewards an elite few, and to work for a future in which corporate monoliths will be replaced by community-based economies. Certainly, the ideas expressed in these carefully thought out yet demanding essays will resonate most with those who already have a spiritual, expansive and liberal outlook. (Nov. 15)