Joanna Macy Quotes
- Activist
- 1938
Joanna Macy is an American environmental activist, scholar, and Buddhist teacher. She is best known for her work on the Great Turning, a term she coined to describe the shift from an industrial growth society to a life-sustaining civilization. She is the author of several books, including Coming Bac…Read More
Joanna Macy is an American environmental activist, scholar, and Buddhist teacher. She is best known for her work on the Great Turning, a term she coined to describe the shift from an industrial growth society to a life-sustaining civilization. She is the author of several books, including Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World and World as Lover, World as Self. Macy is also the founder of the Work That Reconnects, a workshop that helps people explore their connection to the natural world and to each other.Read Less
Joanna Macy is an American environmental activist, scholar, and Buddhist teacher. She is best known for her work on the Great Turning, a term she coined to describe the shift from an industrial growth society to a life-sustaining civilization. She is the author of several books, including Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World and World as Lover, World as Self. Macy is also the founder of the Work That Reconnects, a workshop that helps people explore their connection to the natural world and to each other.
5 Best Joanna Macy Quotes
Joanna Macy Career Highlights
- Macy’s career began in the 1960s when she became involved in the anti-nuclear movement. She organized protests and civil disobedience actions, which led to her arrest multiple times.
- In the 1970s, Macy co-founded the Nuclear Guardianship Project, which aimed to educate people about the dangers of nuclear weapons and the need for nuclear disarmament.
- In the 1980s, Macy co-founded the Council of All Beings, a workshop that combines deep ecology, systems thinking, and Buddhist teachings to help people reconnect with the natural world.
- In the 1990s, Macy co-founded the Work That Reconnects, a workshop that helps people cope with the environmental crisis and find hope and inspiration to take action.
- Macy has written over 13 books, including “Despair and Personal Power in the Nuclear Age” and “Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy.”
- She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Courage of Conscience Award and the Ellen L. Lutz Indigenous Rights Award.
Key Contributions by Joanna Macy
- Macy’s work has been instrumental in bringing together environmental activism, Buddhism, and systems thinking. She has shown how these seemingly different fields can work together to create a more sustainable and compassionate world.
- She has developed unique and innovative workshops and practices, such as the Council of All Beings and the Work That Reconnects, which have helped thousands of people find hope and inspiration in the face of the environmental crisis.
- Macy’s teachings and writings have influenced many other environmental activists and thinkers, including David Abram and Charles Eisenstein.
- She has also been a vocal advocate for indigenous rights and has worked closely with indigenous communities to promote environmental justice.
What Sets Her Apart:
- Macy’s approach to environmental activism is unique in that it combines spiritual and psychological elements with traditional activism. She believes that in order to create real change, we must first address our inner selves and our relationship with the natural world.
- Her work is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings, which emphasize interconnectedness and compassion. This has allowed her to bring a different perspective to the environmental movement and has helped her reach a wider audience.
- Macy’s work is also characterized by her deep empathy and compassion for all beings. She believes that in order to create a more sustainable world, we must first cultivate a sense of connection and care for all living beings.
Takeaways
- One of the key takeaways from Macy’s work is the importance of addressing our inner selves in order to create real change in the world. She believes that by reconnecting with nature and cultivating compassion, we can find the strength and inspiration to take action.
- Macy’s work also highlights the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for a more holistic approach to environmental activism. By bringing together different fields and perspectives, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing the environmental crisis.
- Finally, Macy’s work reminds us of the power of hope and the importance of taking action, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. She believes that by working together and staying connected to our inner selves and the natural world, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate world for all beings.