A New Reality: A Vision of Hope for a World in Transition
A Discussion & Book Signing with Psychiatrist Jonathan Salk
Thursday, May 24 • 5:30-7 p.m.
Geisel Library, Seuss Room
Free admission, RSVP recommended.
In the new book, “A New Reality: Human Evolution for a Sustainable Future,” Jonathan Salk and co-author David Dewane take a look at the problems presented by population growth and changing human values. The book is a revised version of an earlier publication Jonathan wrote with his father, visionary scientist Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine.
More than 40 years ago, Jonas Salk understood that we are at a unique moment in the history of humankind. Population growth has begun to slow and is trending toward equilibrium. This change is accompanied by an equally significant change in human values — a shift from those based on the unlimited availability of resources, unremitting growth, excess, independence, competition and short-term thinking to those based on limits, balance, interdependence, cooperation and long-term thinking. This transition is the source of the far-reaching tension and conflict happening in the world today.
Salk argues the way through this difficult time is to understand its basis and to focus on new values that will be of the greatest benefit both to individuals and humankind. He adds with population equilibrium societies are more focused on cooperation rather than individual excesses and are in harmony with nature.
“A New Reality” delivers a message of both caution and hope. Readers across the social and political spectrum will find it a reasoned and balanced counterpoint to current social and political trends. Its elegant design and perspective will appeal to general readers, policymakers, millennials, baby boomers, teachers and students, filling a need for a work of positivity and wisdom in otherwise bleak times.
This event is free and open to the public.