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Politics of Being is a vision put forward by Dr. Thomas Legrand, an invitation to co-create the new development paradigm we need: one that is focused on “being” instead of “having”.
“Politics of being aims at aligning our institutions with our true reason to be here on Earth: becoming who we are, the best and most complete version of ourselves” – Thomas Legrand
Mobilizing a wealth of scientific research from many different fields, the core teachings of wisdom traditions, and his own personal experience, Legrand articulates how politics can support human flourishing and the collective shift of consciousness that our current challenges demand.
… and much more.
Holding a Ph.D. in (Ecological) Economics and having studied international development, political science, and management, Thomas Legrand works in the field of sustainability for UN agencies, private companies, and NGOs. His focus is on forest conservation, climate change, sustainable finance, leadership and how to cultivate inner capacities for systemic transformation. He is currently the Lead Technical Advisor for the Conscious Food Systems Alliance convened by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
His book, “Politics of Being”, is the Grand Winner for 2024’s Nautilus book awards, in addition to having received the gold prize in its category – World-Cultures’ Transformational Growth & Development.
Like individuals, when nations flourish and develop higher qualities and values, they contemporaneously express their uniqueness and universal nature.”
Thomas Legrand
Thomas Legrand is a thought leader whose time in the development field allowed him insights into how development needs to evolve toward more consciousness. This book is vital and pioneering to help us all start thinking through how this critical journey can happen. I encourage all development practitioners to read it to help guide their future work
Andrew Bovarnick
Global Head Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems, UNDP
We desperately need to see a marriage of science and wisdom. Thomas Legrand has made a good case for it. It is a wonderful, ground-breaking and timely book
Satish Kumar
Author, Editor and Activist, Founder of the Schumacher College
In the Politics of Being I see the green shoots of hope for an integrated human family capable of living in partnership and peace. Thomas Legrand’s passionately articulated message points to happier horizons if only we reset our individual and collective compass to being and not grabbing.
Mary McAleese
Former president of Ireland
Thomas Legrand’s book lucidly offers the new directions that are urgent to overcome the globalization of ignorance and indifference, and build the future that the next generations deserve
Federico Mayor
Former Director-General of UNESCO
A profound, insightful, extensively researched, sensitive and much needed essay which provides a precious roadmap for traveling together towards a better world
Matthieu Ricard
Author of Altruism: How Compassion Can Change Ourselves and the World
Anyone who is interested in preventing our collective consciousness sleepwalking to extinction should read this book. It is a very important, practrical treatice, […] a wonderful book. If it reaches a critical mass, we could indeed hope for a more peaceful, just, sustainable, healthier and joyful world.
Deepak Chopra
Author and pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation
Politics of Being addresses the critical question of how the spiritual and moral capacities of both individuals and communities can be brought to bear on the challenges facing humanity. My warmest congratulations and appreciation to Mr. Legrand.
Bani Dugal
Principal Representative of the Baha’i International Community at the United Nations