The Cultural Age

Cultural scholar D. Paul Schafer draws on a lifetime of research to make the case that culture, not economics and economies, should be placed at the core of our civilization, and that only by doing so can humanity ensure a peaceful and productive future. Schafer does not dispute the importance of the current 'economic age,' which he characterizes as humanity’s greatest accomplishment and whose beginnings he dates to Adam Smith’s 18th-century book The Wealth of Nations. The past 250 years have seen tremendous gains in human health, wealth, and well-being. But making economics the centrepiece of the world system, and relegating everything else to secondary status -- including the natural environment on which we ultimately depend -- is a prescription for disaster. Only by making culture and cultures the 'centre of the world' and incorporating all other human activities within the context of culture can humanity achieve a future of well-being for all rather than wealth for some.'One of the clearest and most potent arguments for rethinking the foundations of modern civilization. Schafer reminds us that culture is not a peripheral aspect of society, but the underlying foundation through which people create meaning, continuity, identity, and coexistence.' ---Rohit Sahgal, Singapore, Senior Advisor, Age of Culture Project'A thoughtful, compassionate, and ambitious work that deserves to be read by anyone interested in the future of humanity, creativity, education, community, and civilization itself.' ---Mark Walmsley, England, Director, Arts and Culture Network'Schafer has devoted his life to writing about the arts and culture with astounding breadth and depth. This book deserves to be widely read by anyone interested in building a more humane future.' ---Peter Mousaferiadis, Australia, President, Cultural Infusion'A timely and masterfully-argued vision of a world where culture reclaims its rightful place at the heart of civilization. Embracing the cultural age is not an option---it is an imperative.' ---Thomas Legrand, France, author of Politics of Being'Drawing on the power of culture to reimagine how we live, lead, and connect, this book offers a much-needed vision of humanity’s future.' ---Susan Magsamen, United States, Director, International Arts + Mind Lab and co-author, Your Brain on Art'Illustrates the transformation humanity must undertake---from the age of extraction and division to an age of well-being, diversity, peace, and the flourishing of all species.' ---Mira Sartika, Indonesia, Director, Chakra Cultural Foundation 6