The future in our hands: What we can all do towards the shaping of a better world

by Erik Dammann

English, Norwegian (translation)

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Sir Erik Dammann was a Norwegian author, environmentalist and government scholar, born in Oslo. He is mostly known for founding of the Norwegian-based organization, The Future in Our Hands (Framtiden i våre hender). In 1982, he was awarded the Right Livelihood Award for "challenging Western values and lifestyles in order to promote a more responsible attitude to the environment and the third world". In 2011 he was knighted by The Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav, the highest civilian honour conferred by Norway.

Reviews

[Jon Norimann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Future in our hands was a negative surprise to me until midway through the book I suddenly got it. The book is essentially another long listing of what the author thinks is wrong in this world. However unlike most such books this one succeeds in creating the emotional appeal all authors of such books strive for.

If you read this book be careful! By the end you may actually be hooked and think we all really should be a lot more solidaric with starving kids in africa and people with debilitating diseases in India. ANd can on really argue that would be such a bad thing?

[Daniel Vainner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stats are dated but that may make it even more interesting since some of the problems are worse now and some are better. A great look at how the privileged got to their status and how consumerism drives us away from meaning and even our own humanness.

[Hermod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erik Damman is remarkably visionary in this book from 1972. Jumping almost 50 years ahead to 2019, it is still extremely relevant, maybe more than ever, especially in view of the environmental issues, and on the economical/political system that drives us towards an ever increased consumption. The philosophical parts of this book reflects on how a less resource-intensive lifestyle could result in a better overall quality of life. Highly recommended!