The Great Cultural Awakening

In this remarkable book noted cultural scholar D. Paul Schafer examines the great cultural awakening that is taking place all across the world—an awakening that is opening the doors to a cultural age. Schafer begins by considering the importance of culture as well as discussing how culture has been defined by a variety of thinkers. He then turns to an examination of the vast constellation of cultures that exist in the world before moving progressively “up the ladder” from the cultures of individuals children parents homes families communities and schools to those of towns cities regions countries the entire human world and finally the cultures of other species. This is followed by an assessment of several foundational requirements for the creation of a cultural age such as the cultural interpretation of history and the centrality of cultural development and policy. The author concludes by discussing various ways of opening the doors to a cultural age strategies to harmonize crucial relationships and cultivate spirituality and compassion the prerequisites for living in a cultural age and finally an exploration of why it is so essential to make the transition from the present economic age to a future cultural age.. The Great Cultural Awakening represents the culmination of a lifetime of research analysis and advocacy in the cultural field. In the words of the reviewers it is truly a “masterpiece” as well as a “beacon of light” urging us on toward a better future.. ADVANCE PRAISE FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE GREAT CULTURAL AWAKENINGAmazing! Schafer diligently chronicles the evolution of the cultural realm imagining a world where harmony sustainability and well-being for all people countries and species are the ultimate goal. ---Mira Sartika founder and director Chakra Cultural Foundation Indonesia. Schafer guides us with erudition authority and conviction toward a clear and positive vision of a cultural age. His inexhaustible range of references depth of insight and analysis and trust in what he terms “the great cultural awakening” make this book essential reading. ---Max Wyman author of The Compassionate Imagination Canada. A much needed comprehensive and insightful map to find our way out of the global crisis and make the transition to a cultural age. Schafer an acknowledged expert in the field offers an enlightening perspective on how to develop culture and cultures in theory and practice drawing on a wealth of inspiring references and compelling examples. ---Thomas Legrand author of Politics of Being France. Another masterpiece! I read the whole book in only two sittings and enjoyed every page. ---Diane Dodd co-founder and president International Institute for Gastronomy Culture Arts and Tourism Spain. Schafer … succeeds in depicting the changing nature of culture and [how] its systemic and complex nature as a whole or way of life will help to open the doors to a cultural age. ---Olimpia Niglio president RWYC International University of Pavia Italy. A beacon of light in the emergence of the age of culture. ---Rana P.B. Singh Banaras Hindu University India. Schafer highlights the transformative power of culture in reshaping our world emphasizing its pivotal role in addressing global challenges and ensuring the future well-being of humanity and the environment. ---Susan Magsamen executive director International Arts + Mind Lab Johns Hopkins University United States. While some may believe that “politics is everything” and “it’s the economy stupid” this lucid and insightful book makes you realize why culture matters far more [addressing] the crucial requirements for entering a cultural age and enabling it to flourish. ---Ashfaq Ishaq Ph.D. founder and chair International Child Art Foundation United States