Overview

Humans have faced urgent crises over the past two years, and in the midst of those we still have the threat of climate change and other big, systemic problems facing our world. In this time of chaos and crisis, how do activists find the strength to carry on? In answer to this question, environmental philosopher Kathleen Dean Moore has assembled a collection of short essays that offer courage, hope, and even some laughter to the people who have for years been working for environmental sanity and social justice. Earth’s weary lovers, as Moore calls them, are tired, perplexed, and battered from all directions. Their hearts have so often been broken; it’s hard to go on, but it is morally impossible to quit. To these weary activists, Moore brings encouragement to join or keep on with the struggle—not entertaining distractions, but deep and honest reasons to remember that the struggle matters, now and in the future. Moore’s essays are matched with drawings by Canadian artist Bob Haverluck; together, they invite readers to take heart. Taking heart is not hope exactly, but maybe it’s courage. Not reassurance, but reason to persevere. Not the promise of good results—it does not depend on winning odds—but a call to integrity. Not strength, but stubbornness, which might be just as good. Not solutions to the planetary crisis, but some modest advice for the inevitable crisis of the heart. Not good cheer entirely, but a chance to grin, and gladness to be part of this strange and necessary work for the endangered Earth.

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9780870711770

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Reviews

As our mechanistic worldview unravels, we need new foundations upon which to believe again in ourselves and to build hope for the future. This timely, insightful, beautiful book provides that foundation. --Robert William Sandford, Global Water Futures Chair in Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health Kathleen Dean Moore declares, 'Art flies with two wings, celebration and protest.' This book rises on its own set of wings: wisdom and practice--both born from the ceaseless conversation between head, heart and hand to turn challenge into change. It lifts off from her own heart-break over Earthly losses--past, present and future--and then soars on her passionate perseverance in the face of it. I, for one, 'take heart' from her example! --Susanne Moser, independent scholar and consultant, Susanne Moser Research & Consulting These brilliant essays and drawings will renew your strength to fight for Mother Earth. They will release your dammed-up tears. But mostly -- in their beauty and fierce wisdom -- they will bring you joy. --Donna Sinclair, author of Activist Alphabet I don't know who else needs this, but I sure did--and I suspect I'm not alone. It's crucial that we support and hearten each other along this hard course we're running, so this beautiful book arrives as a vital tool. --Bill McKibben, author of The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at his Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened Take Heart is a lyrical how-to guide for today's progressive citizen, particularly oriented at those whose faith is waning in the darkness of the world, in the ongoing and increasingly difficult work of preserving the natural world for future generations (let alone our own). --Simmons Buntin, author of Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy

Take Heart is a lyrical how-to guide for today's progressive citizen, particularly oriented at those whose faith is waning in the darkness of the world, in the ongoing and increasingly difficult work of preserving the natural world for future generations (let alone our own). --Simmons Buntin, author of Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy

Author Information

Kathleen Dean Moore is a philosopher, environmental advocate, and award-winning nature writer, best known for books that celebrate rivers and shores, like Riverwalking and Wild Comfort. Her concern about climate change and ecosystem collapse led her to turn her writing to the defense of the wild, reeling world she cares so much about. She writes from Corvallis, Oregon, and from a cabin in southeast Alaska. Bob Haverluck is an artist and storyteller who works with community groups using the arts to help engage issues of conflict and violence against the Earth and her creatures. His drawings have appeared in Harpers, New Statesman, and other publications. A former adjunct professor at the University of Winnipeg and a current mentor with the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation in Montreal, Bob teaches with an eye to the role of comedy in social change. His most recent book is When God Was Flesh and Wild: Stories in Defence of the Earth.

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