Book, Manifest Dream: ten urgent exercises in apocalyptic optimism[LS]

If the current course of life on Earth continues, the future is impossible. In his new book, the author of The Night Oracle shares knowledge from scientists, shamans, shamans, masters of popular knowledge, artists and inventors who remind us of the importance of dreaming collectively about the future of the planet. Around 100,000 years ago, a group of the Homo sapiens species founded the lineage that went on to conquer the entire planet. A violent breed in which the strongest often humiliate and oppress the weakest, but also capable of much altruism and extreme parental care. The realization of this paradox is Sidarta Ribeiro's starting point in his new book. In Manifest Dream, the renowned neuroscientist denounces the depth of the environmental and social crisis while celebrating the unique opportunity we have today to expand planetary consciousness. The path to this collective dream, says the author, is to rescue the best of our ancestry. A restless and omnivorous researcher, Ribeiro brings together dozens of stories from West African griôs, Capoeira masters, babalorixás, shamans and shamans from the original peoples, as well as data on recent scientific research and reports from the most diverse traditions such as Buddhism and Taoism. After all, “as long as there is life, there is still time to change”. “It is impossible not to be enchanted by Sidarta Ribeiro’s approach, as well as the depth of his knowledge and passion.” —Sarah Lyall, The New York Times