Lessons From a Lifetime: Ninety Years of Inspiration and Activism

by David Suzuki, Ian Hanington

This keepsake collection, featuring tributes from Margaret Atwood and Neil Young, captures the essence of a revolutionary life as it celebrates the legacy of environmental icon David Suzuki.

Across his 90 years on planet Earth, David Suzuki has inspired generations of his followers to fight for environmental and social causes with courage and conviction. In Lessons From a Lifetime, Suzuki shares pearls of wisdom and hard-earned lessons for the next generation of activists, alongside personal stories and heartfelt contributions from his friends and family, his admirers, and even his opponents,
Margaret AtwoodNeil YoungJane FondaElizabeth MayJustin Trudeau… and many more.
In words and photographs, Lessons From a Lifetime shares David Suzuki's journey from surviving internment camps as a Japanese-Canadian child to becoming North America's most trusted voice in science communication. The book charts his years as a geneticist and superstar professor at the University of British Columbia; his dedication to demystifying complex science through his public broadcasting work, especially his beloved CBC Television program, The Nature of Things; his founding of The David Suzuki Foundation; and his unparalleled dedication to standing up for Indigenous and environmental rights, a dedication that continues today.

A stunning tribute to a fearless truth-teller who transformed how we understand our relationship with the natural world, Lessons From a Lifetime belongs on every bookshelf.

Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute

Genres: Environment, Biography, Autobiography

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

David Suzuki is a Canadian science broadcaster and environmental activist. A long time activist to reverse global climate change, Suzuki co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990, to work "to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us." The Foundation's priorities are: oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy, sustainability, and David Suzuki's Nature Challenge. He also served as a director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association from 1982-1987.

Reviews

[Karyann Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was visiting Bowen Island for the weekend and wearing my David Suzuki socks (as a true fan of science does), then I stumbled upon this in the book shop which felt kismet.
I know his 90th birthday is set to be a fabulous event in Vancouver but after looking at the ticket prices it just feels out of my budget however, this wonderful book was in my budget.
I took moments on my weekend getaway to read this book and I found myself crying tears of joy and laughing out loud. His memories reminded me that even the great heroes in activism have challenges and keep going. Not giving up on your passion and standing up in the face of criticism is a part of activism. His advice to James Hogan to give the speech anyway and speak your truth always is good advice for all of us.
He has ingrained into Canadians that it is important to love and protect our nature/lands/planet. Honestly I think it is a part of Canadian identity. Yes I recycle but I am also going to think critically and question if my recycling is actually happening or if it is systematically harming another nation and our planet. Yes I believe in science but yes I am going to be critical of how it affects the health of humanity and our ecosystems.
Also, I will always respect the sun bear. Happy birthday David Suzuki and thank you for The Nature of Things.

[Kevin Prinoski · Rating 3 out of 5]

In reviewing “Lessons From a Lifetime: 90 Years of Inspiration and Activism” (David Suzuki with Ian Hanington, 2026), it is necessary to distinguish Suzuki, himself, from this version of his autobiography. Suzuki, the man, has been a treasure to society as a gifted science communicator and for decades of indispensable environmental and social activism. Nature and people have truly benefited from his efforts. It pains me to conclude that this particular book is not among his better efforts and is, at best, an adequate accounting of his life which focuses far more on him rather than details of the concerns which drove him to action. Much of its content contradicts his own advice: “…the stories are what matter, not the host” (pages 172 - 173). Even though by definition an autobiography is the tale of a person, this book would have benefited by a reduction in the number of large photos and glowing congratulations by various celebrities and inclusion of more in-depth analyses of various environmental and social issues which are typically mentioned only superficially. Suzuki’s career has been molded by his environmental and social concerns which thus warrant a greater explanation of those issues. I have respected and admired David Suzuki since my first exposure to “The Nature of Things” as an adolescent, decades ago. For me, that program was “must-see” television. I greatly appreciate Suzuki, the man, but not this particular book which provides only scant mention of issue details which have motivated him over the years and are so much a part of him. Many examples of superior issue analysis are evident in Angela Merkle’s autobiography “Freedom” (2024) in which far greater emphasis is placed on the issues.

[❀ Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scoring the book at 3.5 although David Suzuki, himself, deserves a 5 star for a life well lived, with impacts outreaching his 90 years!

I enjoyed this retrospective of his life, his legacy and his family. He shared his experiences over the decades starting with the racism in BC when he and his family lived in internment camps while their dad built the trans-Canada highway. he shared his stories about his first and second wives and his two families. One can only imagine how challenging his travel and work commitments must have been to his family. He spoke his truth, was curious and kept learning.

He has been described to be "an example of three most important traits in anyone who wants a better world: courage, persistence, and resilience". he encourages us to "fall in love with the planet" and see ourselves in a "reciprocal relationship with the Earth, not just to take what we need but also to give back".

He describes his legacy as " the lessons I have learned over a lifetime of experience"

[Ron Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is both a reflective autobiography and a tribute to an exceptional public life. For many Canadians, David Suzuki has long been a familiar and trusted presence: a scientist, broadcaster, and outspoken environmental advocate often likened to David Attenborough for bringing science and the natural world into people’s homes. Although he is best known as the longtime host of The Nature of Things, Suzuki first made his name through groundbreaking work in genetics before becoming one of Canada’s leading environmental voices.

Published in the year of his ninetieth birthday, this brief and engaging volume blends personal recollections, reflections on activism, and tributes from family, friends, and admirers. Contributions from figures such as Margaret Atwood, Neil Young, Jane Fonda, Elizabeth May, and Justin Trudeau, among others, help portray a man whose impact reaches well beyond science and television. The book stands as an accessible and inspiring tribute to a lifetime of public education, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement.

[Anna Mae Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars no notes

I feel lucky to have grown up with David Suzuki as a household name growing up, often mentioned by my dad when we talked about the environment among other things (like leaving the tap water running while brushing our teeth): “What would David Suzuki think?” My brother and I would roll our eyes and laugh and say something like “Dad, you’re obsessed with that guy.” Now here I am reading this book in the Moncton Chapters holding back tears, so I guess I’ve become the obsessed one.

I loved this book so much and I learned so much about him that I didn’t know before (a geneticist-turned-activist who’s done incredible work alongside the indigenous communities in Canada?!). Incredible guy. Grateful to have been able to meet him as a kid <3

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading David Suzuki’s book, Lessons from a Lifetime. It’s a good, easy read. There are many short and interesting vignettes: some with humour, some with good ways to make your voice heard, especially to fight climate change and to support social democracy. One key reference is to his daughter’s short speech at the Rio summit on Climate Change in 1992. Here is a link: Youtu.be/F_O1Au8vZLA. It encourages us all to take action to stop the climate warming. There are other links on Youtube to his daughter's second remarkable speech, also in Rio, about climate change, 20 years later in 2012.

[Kaitlyn Dangerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful tribute to David Suzuki for his 90th birthday. It really captures why he’s such a Canadian icon and lifelong environmental champion. I loved the personal tributes throughout—so moving and inspiring. A fitting celebration of an incredible legacy.
Thank you for continuing to inspire generations.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hovering over a two score but went up one due to his contribution to the world in so many ways. It is difficult to see a book like this culminating a great and historic career. I was really anticipating some good insights and actionable items. Instead, it is a very light read filled with testimonials saying how great he is. Oh well - I guess everyone can use some bucks.

[MARC L'ESPERANCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any fan (myself included) of David Suzuki, it's a great read to appreciate the meaningfulness of his particular view of science. His ability to explain science and how and he became an activist, there is no contradiction.

[Monica Boha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you David Siluzuki for what you have given to Canadians and the world