Overview

"""Love your neighbour as yourself"" resonates as law and practice in many if not all traditions world-wide, not only as (abstract) 'measure' but also as (existential) identification. It was coined as ""Golden Rule"" for human behaviour in 17th century England, symptomatic of the new consciousness of the time, conceptually and globally, enlightenment and colonialism. This book, a study and anthology, is a reflection on the historical and philosophical contexts in which this 'rule' originated, developed, in recent times became marginalised and how attempts are made to restore this rule as a universal guide for human beings to live together as individuals, communities, societies with one another and with our fellow creatures in nature and the earth. Henk Bak is a historian, philosopher, and activist for nature, reconciliation and peace. He moved to Australia from his native Netherlands in 1978 and taught history and philosophy of craft, art and design at Monash University until his retirement in 1996. He has promoted Steiner education in Australia and pioneered ethical investment as founding director, Victoria, of the 'Southern Cross Capital Exchange'. Since 2007 he has been conducting the meditative walks, at his property in Trentham, that form the basis for this text."

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9780975663127

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Reviews

"A book that feels ""outside the book"". An open invitation to meditate answers to premeditated questions, starting by the intriguing meaning of ""love thyself"". This is a pathfinder that maps out multiple ways of seeing and understanding the big questions that all human beings strive to respond to through their lives. More than a personal analysis, it is a dialogue between author, reader and those who have searched for meaning. Ecumenical in its embrace of humanity's deepest insights. Miguel Gil, Author, Bahai'i Scholar, Translator Immersive and Captivating, this anthology serves as a grounding exploration. While I personally found great satisfaction in exploring the spiritual essence of nature within its pages, but you may discover the same or equally enriching paths of exploration. Crafted with careful selection, it unfolds a rich array of voices, encouraging you to dive deep into thoughtful conversations at your own pace. To me, The book resembles a vast garden, where readers can wander freely, selecting their own paths to explore its hidden treasures. Much like strolling through a garden, readers can meander through its pages at their own pace, discovering new insights and perspectives with each step. Whether you read it in one sitting or pick it up for a leisurely browse, this anthology promises a rewarding and enjoyable experience, making it a must-have for anyone seeking wisdom and inspiration. Archie Patel, PhD Candidate, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University In our world today, we human beings are still clearly ""on the road"", with a fair way to go... The author has for many years widely observed and pondered human behaviours and actions, secular and religious influences, philosophies, and different cultural ways, for consideration. This anthology is a very thoughtful collection have alongside us as we endeavour to go forward. Judy Couch This book owes much of its inspiration to a walking meditation that 'spatially' orients participants to the ideas being examined; the effect of which is both illuminating and stimulating in unexpected ways. The 'study' portion of the book is contextualised in Henk Bak's life history as historian, philosopher and social activist. This includes his personal experiences of growing up in 1930's Holland, coming of age in the War years, contributing to reconstruction - particularly of education - in the post war period, emigrating to Australia, working as a lecturer in Craft and Design, and finally settling in his place of retirement, Trentham, Victoria - the site of his dialogic walking meditation. Key orienting themes are presented, along with the selected 'texts' that form the 'anthology' part of the book. This combination somehow allows the reader to step into the thoughts themselves, and through this be carried into the streams of dialogue in a sense as active participants. It can be read from cover-to-cover or perused. Either way it is a rich and unique read. If there is a central message it is that the Golden Rule has much to offer as a connecting thread among major, and not so major, worldviews. And that the more it is appreciated in historical, social and political context - including particularly the evolving nature of human consciousness - the richer and more helpful this offering becomes. The message is as much in the form as the content however, demonstrating through this that knowledge is something not just to be accumulated, but something to be 'felt', 'lived', and perhaps above all 'practiced'. It is a stimulating read. Tao Bak, Language and Learning Adviser, Deakin University."

Author Information

Henk Bak is a historian, philosopher, and activist for nature, reconciliation and peace. He moved to Australia from his native Netherlands in 1978 and taught history and philosophy of craft, art and design at Monash University until his retirement in 1996. He has promoted Steiner education in Australia and pioneered ethical investment as founding director, Victoria, of the 'Southern Cross Capital Exchange'. Since 2007 he has been conducting the meditative walks, at his property in Trentham, that form the basis for his text World-Views in Dialogue: Towards renewal of the Golden Rule, in understanding and in action - a Study and Anthology.

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