In this classic work that continues to inspire its many readers, Jim Lovelock puts forward his idea that life on earth functions as a single organism. Written for non-scientists, Gaia is a journey through time and space in search of evidence with which to support a new and radically different model of our planet. In contrast to conventional belief that living matter is passive in the face of threats to its existence, the book explores the hypothesis that the earth's living matter air, ocean, and land surfaces forms a complex system that has the capacity to keep the Earth a fit place for life. Since Gaia was first published, many of Jim Lovelock's predictions have come true and his theory has become a hotly argued topic in scientific circles. In a new Preface to this reissued title, he outlines his present state of the debate.
Gaia:A New Look at Life on Earth
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"This may turn out to be one of the epochal insights of the 20th century."--CoEvolution Quarterly
"The most fascinating book that I have read for a long time....Both original and well-written."--New Scientist
"Places a daring hypothesis before the general reader....[His book] is the exciting and personal argument of an original thinker caught up in wonder."--Philip Morrison, Scientific American
"A book that I have read with immense pleasure."--René Dubos, Nature
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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As I write, two Viking spacecraft are circling our fellow planet Mars, awaiting landfall instructions from the Earth. Read the first page
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As I write, two Viking spacecraft are circling our fellow planet Mars, awaiting landfall instructions from the Earth. Read the first page
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By sedgewick
Format:Paperback
An intriguing new look at our planet. Lovelock extols the need for a more holistic approach to science after its centuries of moving towards ever more specialization and reductionism. 'Gaia' is the metaphor for his top-down look at Earth - literally - and what makes it 'tick'. He makes the reader aware of the adaptability of life to whatever conditions prevail and the consequent near-impossibility of achieving lasting equilibrium (as of a dead planet). He describes the complex interaction of atmosphere and sea as well as the impact of life thereon both from organisms on land and in the sea, and he raises interesting questions about the nature of pollution. All this leads to his hypothesis (now known as the Gaia Theory) that Earth - through the life it spawned - is itself a self regulating living system, where planetary homeostasis is achieved and maintained by living organisms.
In 'Living with Gaia' he discusses two mainstream views: man as Earth's steward and man as Earth's tragedy or even its scourge, but avoids a direct answer by emphasizing the cybernetic qualities of Gaia. All he says is, that man being a part of that system, but also with the ability to influence it significantly, may play a role in it - for better or worse.
In contrast to Lovelock's later books 'The Revenge of Gaia' and 'Vanishing Gaia', which are dire warnings, 'Gaia' is simply the presentation of the original hypothesis, and in a very elegant way at that, to make it accessible to the non-scientist too.
In 'Living with Gaia' he discusses two mainstream views: man as Earth's steward and man as Earth's tragedy or even its scourge, but avoids a direct answer by emphasizing the cybernetic qualities of Gaia. All he says is, that man being a part of that system, but also with the ability to influence it significantly, may play a role in it - for better or worse.
In contrast to Lovelock's later books 'The Revenge of Gaia' and 'Vanishing Gaia', which are dire warnings, 'Gaia' is simply the presentation of the original hypothesis, and in a very elegant way at that, to make it accessible to the non-scientist too.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Simply written, mythically convincing, and conveying an idea--Gaia--so evident to the intuitive feel of life here that it's hard even to summon the will to question it.
Lovelock treads difficult ground. Apparently unaware of depth psychology's amplifications of the "anima mundi," the World Soul described by Plato and so many aboriginal socities, Lovelock seeks to move the proof into the realm of science without sounding--in this book--overly scientific.
One could wish he'd dreamed into the Gaia image more deeply and less literally. At the same time, empirical research could go a long way toward establishing the systemic, globe-regulating processes he envisions in this book. Whether such science would convince those who benefit financially from colonizing and exploiting the world's resources is open to question.
While I don't share the author's optimistic belief in Gaia's capacity to regulate herself despite our ever-increasing power to disrupt her systems, I admire the attempt to give current form to an ancient idea...an idea with tremendous archetypal punch and relevancy.
If you buy this book, use it as a point of departure--into biology, ecology, or ecopsychology, perhaps. Or into that state of humility that pauses to wonder what the world is thinking and feeling.
Format:Paperback
This book was originally published in 1979 - and it shows. A number of discussion items (salinity of oceans, ozone layer, etc.) are dated and it affects the readibility of the book.
However, the central theme (hypothesis/theory) remains every bit as valid and of such critical importance to humanity that it ensures this book remains a must read.
In a perfect world it would simply be updated, but the author is now approaching 92 and that is unlikely to happen; he needs a new pair of hands to carry the tourch.
However, the central theme (hypothesis/theory) remains every bit as valid and of such critical importance to humanity that it ensures this book remains a must read.
In a perfect world it would simply be updated, but the author is now approaching 92 and that is unlikely to happen; he needs a new pair of hands to carry the tourch.
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