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Touching the Jaguar: Transforming Fear into Action to Change Your Life and the World
“This eloquent book inspires us to create a new reality of what it means to be humans on this magnificent planet.”
—Deepak Chopra
When New York Times bestselling author John Perkins was a young Peace Corps volunteer, his life was saved by an Amazonian shaman who taught him to "touch the jaguar”—to transform his fears into positive action. He went on to become an "economic hit man" (EHM), convincing developing countries to build huge infrastructure projects that put them perpetually in debt to the World Bank and other US-controlled institutions. Although he sincerely believed this was the best model for economic development, he came to realize it was really a new form of colonialism. Returning to the Amazon, he saw the destructive impact of his EHM work. But he also was inspired by a previously uncontacted tribe that touched its jaguar by uniting with its enemies to defend its territory against invading oil and mining companies.
For the first time, Perkins details how his experiences in the Amazon converted him from an EHM to a crusader for transforming our failing Death Economy that destroys its own resources and nature itself into a flourishing Life Economy that renews itself. He provides a strategy for each of us to change our lives and defend our territory—the earth—against destructive policies and systems.
—Deepak Chopra
When New York Times bestselling author John Perkins was a young Peace Corps volunteer, his life was saved by an Amazonian shaman who taught him to "touch the jaguar”—to transform his fears into positive action. He went on to become an "economic hit man" (EHM), convincing developing countries to build huge infrastructure projects that put them perpetually in debt to the World Bank and other US-controlled institutions. Although he sincerely believed this was the best model for economic development, he came to realize it was really a new form of colonialism. Returning to the Amazon, he saw the destructive impact of his EHM work. But he also was inspired by a previously uncontacted tribe that touched its jaguar by uniting with its enemies to defend its territory against invading oil and mining companies.
For the first time, Perkins details how his experiences in the Amazon converted him from an EHM to a crusader for transforming our failing Death Economy that destroys its own resources and nature itself into a flourishing Life Economy that renews itself. He provides a strategy for each of us to change our lives and defend our territory—the earth—against destructive policies and systems.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2020
69 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
John Perkins
120 books1,265 followersJohn Perkins is an activist and author. As a former chief economist at Boston strategic-consulting firm Chas. T. Main, Perkins says that he was an "economic hit man" for 10 years, helping U.S. intelligence agencies and multinational corporations cajole and blackmail foreign leaders into serving U.S. foreign policy and awarding lucrative contracts to American business.
However, after several years struggling internally over the role he was playing in crippling foreign economies, he quit his consulting job. In the 1980s Perkins founded and directed a successful independent energy company, which he subsequently sold. Since then he has been heavily involved with non-profit organizations in Ecuador and around the world. He continues this work today, in addition to his writing.
His new book, Confessions of an Economic Hitman, 3rd Edition: China’s EHM Strategy; Ways to Stop the Global Takeover, a follow-up to international best-seller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, will be released on February 28th, 2023.
However, after several years struggling internally over the role he was playing in crippling foreign economies, he quit his consulting job. In the 1980s Perkins founded and directed a successful independent energy company, which he subsequently sold. Since then he has been heavily involved with non-profit organizations in Ecuador and around the world. He continues this work today, in addition to his writing.
His new book, Confessions of an Economic Hitman, 3rd Edition: China’s EHM Strategy; Ways to Stop the Global Takeover, a follow-up to international best-seller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, will be released on February 28th, 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 27, 2020
The genuine article: memoir, real-life teaching fables, cautionary tale & urgent call to action
I first read about John Perkins in his "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" in 2007. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I picked up a book on South American shamanism and mysticism a friend recommended called "The World Is As You Dream It: Teachings from the Amazon and the Andes", *also* by John Perkins. Same guy?! Yup. Thus I had no choice but to pre-order his new one, too. Boring it would not be.
Perkins has led an interesting life. While he was a Peace Corps volunteer then economic hitman in South America in the 1970s, he also spent time with shamans who introduced him to plant medicine like ayahuasca, decades before it was cool. Through his association with them and their wisdom traditions, he learned about the destruction that modern commerce -- the "Death Economy" -- was wreaking on the planet. Mines, oil wells, hydroelectric dams and commercial farming were destroying the rainforest, demolishing habitats, driving animals extinct and dislocating indigenous peoples. In a crisis of conscience, he decided to devote his life to reversing that process. This book is a chronicle of his efforts: the trips, the influential gringos he brought along, the various tribes he befriended -- some of them blood enemies of one another -- and his many near-death encounters.
What I really appreciate about Perkins is that he's no tourist - he is the genuine article. He's been at this for five decades, immersing himself in the cultures he describes, and putting his health, money and life on the line. Because of his intimate familiarity with the mystical traditions of the Amazon and Andes, his tales of their magical-seeming transformative power ring true, as do their prophesies of the world to come.
The exhortation to "touch the jaguar" is to summon the courage to confront our own fears of transformation in a world that desperately needs us to grow into agents of cultural change. This change is the one between the Death Economy and the Life Economy:
"There is one very important objective reality: the world is blessed with abundant human and natural resources. A Perception Bridge determines the way we relate to that reality. When we buy into the perception that we must use those resources to maximize short-term materialistic gains, regardless of the environmental and social costs, we cross to a Death Economy. But if we open ourselves to the perception that we can utilize those same resources to create systems that are sustainable, renewable, and regenerative, we cross to a Life Economy. A jaguar stands on that bridge. It is time to end our fear of change and instead embrace the powers for change the jaguar offers, break through the mind-sets that have burdened us with failing systems, and apply the human and natural resources to create systems that will be successful for generations to come."
To read this book is to gain some of the clarity of vision of the Andean and Amazonian shamans, and to give impetus to your own dreams of justice, environmental activism and sustainability. The invaluable "Resources" section of the book even gives a compact, actionable roadmap for what you can do right now to transform yourself and your Dream to support a Life Economy. Should you read this book and take its lessons to heart, you will not only learn some cool, esoteric stuff and hear some great stories, but Pachamama herself will probably thank you for it.
-- Ali Binazir, M.D., M.Phil., Happiness Engineer and author of The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible, the highest-rated dating book on Amazon, and Should I Go to Medical School?: An Irreverent Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medicine
I first read about John Perkins in his "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" in 2007. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I picked up a book on South American shamanism and mysticism a friend recommended called "The World Is As You Dream It: Teachings from the Amazon and the Andes", *also* by John Perkins. Same guy?! Yup. Thus I had no choice but to pre-order his new one, too. Boring it would not be.
Perkins has led an interesting life. While he was a Peace Corps volunteer then economic hitman in South America in the 1970s, he also spent time with shamans who introduced him to plant medicine like ayahuasca, decades before it was cool. Through his association with them and their wisdom traditions, he learned about the destruction that modern commerce -- the "Death Economy" -- was wreaking on the planet. Mines, oil wells, hydroelectric dams and commercial farming were destroying the rainforest, demolishing habitats, driving animals extinct and dislocating indigenous peoples. In a crisis of conscience, he decided to devote his life to reversing that process. This book is a chronicle of his efforts: the trips, the influential gringos he brought along, the various tribes he befriended -- some of them blood enemies of one another -- and his many near-death encounters.
What I really appreciate about Perkins is that he's no tourist - he is the genuine article. He's been at this for five decades, immersing himself in the cultures he describes, and putting his health, money and life on the line. Because of his intimate familiarity with the mystical traditions of the Amazon and Andes, his tales of their magical-seeming transformative power ring true, as do their prophesies of the world to come.
The exhortation to "touch the jaguar" is to summon the courage to confront our own fears of transformation in a world that desperately needs us to grow into agents of cultural change. This change is the one between the Death Economy and the Life Economy:
"There is one very important objective reality: the world is blessed with abundant human and natural resources. A Perception Bridge determines the way we relate to that reality. When we buy into the perception that we must use those resources to maximize short-term materialistic gains, regardless of the environmental and social costs, we cross to a Death Economy. But if we open ourselves to the perception that we can utilize those same resources to create systems that are sustainable, renewable, and regenerative, we cross to a Life Economy. A jaguar stands on that bridge. It is time to end our fear of change and instead embrace the powers for change the jaguar offers, break through the mind-sets that have burdened us with failing systems, and apply the human and natural resources to create systems that will be successful for generations to come."
To read this book is to gain some of the clarity of vision of the Andean and Amazonian shamans, and to give impetus to your own dreams of justice, environmental activism and sustainability. The invaluable "Resources" section of the book even gives a compact, actionable roadmap for what you can do right now to transform yourself and your Dream to support a Life Economy. Should you read this book and take its lessons to heart, you will not only learn some cool, esoteric stuff and hear some great stories, but Pachamama herself will probably thank you for it.
-- Ali Binazir, M.D., M.Phil., Happiness Engineer and author of The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible, the highest-rated dating book on Amazon, and Should I Go to Medical School?: An Irreverent Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medicine
December 6, 2020
These are stories worth telling from an author worth reading. John Perkins doesn't pretend a literary style but he definitely has a compelling story for the world. There is an attempt here to create a sequel to the Economic Hitman series, perhaps to further the campaign and/or broaden the base. Either cause is worthy.
John Perkins is an author affected by the unfortunate North American proclivity to talk about themselves all the time, in the erroneous view that they are the story. His writing style is accessible and engaging, and worthwhile sharing around. Everyone in the western world should know of the dastardly deeds being perpetrated in their names. It's fortuitous that one of the economic hitmen has the courage to speak out, and to want to ameliorate the damage already done.
Read "The Confessions of an Economic Hitman" first.
John Perkins is an author affected by the unfortunate North American proclivity to talk about themselves all the time, in the erroneous view that they are the story. His writing style is accessible and engaging, and worthwhile sharing around. Everyone in the western world should know of the dastardly deeds being perpetrated in their names. It's fortuitous that one of the economic hitmen has the courage to speak out, and to want to ameliorate the damage already done.
Read "The Confessions of an Economic Hitman" first.
December 30, 2024
I've been thinking a lot about purpose. Partially because of this book and partially because of other books I have yet to write about and partially because of the crossroads I face with career and end of college. The author of this book is very simply driven by guilt for the impact he has had on the world, the system he has enabled, and the destruction he has wrought. But it is a very simple kind of guilt. He is driven to do the exact opposite of his perceived injustice as a means of righting it with little thought to how his skills could be best applied. Ultimately, he hasn't changed much. His guilt is only possible because of his privilege and he seems to be incapable of recognizing that. He seeks the approval for salvation of others by writing these books, presenting himself in an extremely 'honest' way. But he's only honest about the parts of himself he believes he's accomplished in reversing. He still brushes over decisions he regrets like accepting money to keep quiet about his work. He claims to write for the every people but actually writes for himself. I don't think that cognitive lapse is unique or even unexpected, but it does feel dishonest and I think he has used his books (and the charities that ultimately have a minimal impact) to convince himself of salvation. And that is fundamentally his purpose, not to actually reverse his wrongs. Though both may have a lot of the same effects, the differences are noticeable.
So how do you find your purpose in a system where nothing is safe from adverse negative impact? I think the answer I'm settling on is you remove a layer and make it more fundamental. I don't believe working against the system to be effective (and it would compromise on other priorities I have for my life like family) but working within the system will inevitably involve contributing to harms. So I think you have no other choice than to go more fundamental, more primal, more biological.
3/10.
So how do you find your purpose in a system where nothing is safe from adverse negative impact? I think the answer I'm settling on is you remove a layer and make it more fundamental. I don't believe working against the system to be effective (and it would compromise on other priorities I have for my life like family) but working within the system will inevitably involve contributing to harms. So I think you have no other choice than to go more fundamental, more primal, more biological.
3/10.
September 3, 2020
The 'Death Economy' we have primarily functioned in throughout modern history especially, and also dating into various cultures and colonizations, is challenged by the concept of creating a new and sustainable way of functioning on this planet; that of a 'LIFE ECONOMY, based on conscious thought and action in which we treat each other and the earth with due care and respect.
Publicly confessed, as per his previous very successful publications, 'Confessions of an Economic Hitman' and the 'New Confessions of an Economic Hitman', on the New York Times bestseller list for extended periods, John Perkins in his early career, was a very significant player in the US colonization of various countries. The purpose of his work was to initiate exploitation 0f natural resources with promises of benefits for the people. What actually happened was destruction, extreme debt and hardship in these increasingly challenged cultures.
Primarily in South America, Perkins paved the way for US development, which was then followed by the pillaging and plunder of oil companies. While still working in this role, he became conscious of the 'Death Economy' he that he was a major player in and began to shift his perspective to helping the natives that his work was so affecting. Together with various others involved internationally, he has worked since the 1990's toward a global 'Life Economy'.
His book invites us to 'touch' our own jaguars, related to as our fears that prohibit us moving forward with personal and social action toward a 'Life Economy'.
Publicly confessed, as per his previous very successful publications, 'Confessions of an Economic Hitman' and the 'New Confessions of an Economic Hitman', on the New York Times bestseller list for extended periods, John Perkins in his early career, was a very significant player in the US colonization of various countries. The purpose of his work was to initiate exploitation 0f natural resources with promises of benefits for the people. What actually happened was destruction, extreme debt and hardship in these increasingly challenged cultures.
Primarily in South America, Perkins paved the way for US development, which was then followed by the pillaging and plunder of oil companies. While still working in this role, he became conscious of the 'Death Economy' he that he was a major player in and began to shift his perspective to helping the natives that his work was so affecting. Together with various others involved internationally, he has worked since the 1990's toward a global 'Life Economy'.
His book invites us to 'touch' our own jaguars, related to as our fears that prohibit us moving forward with personal and social action toward a 'Life Economy'.
July 14, 2021
I picked this up at the library, thinking it was a motivational book. It’s actually a surprising expose on some of the ways the USA has harmed other nations for the benefit of large corporations based upon the author’s experience. It was informative. I gave it four stars as is interesting, though disheartening.
However, the author is deeply involved with the occult, although he does not recognize shamanism as occultism. And although he praises smaller, eco friendly businesses at the end, his solution is to empower big government with high taxes and award big corporations through the New Green Deal. Which is busy disempowering the little guy with draconian lockdowns that only large corporations can successfully survive.
However, it was enlightening to see his journey and understand the modern Liberal mindset better.
Touching the Jaguar actually has to do with overcoming your fears to see reality from a different perspective.
However, the author is deeply involved with the occult, although he does not recognize shamanism as occultism. And although he praises smaller, eco friendly businesses at the end, his solution is to empower big government with high taxes and award big corporations through the New Green Deal. Which is busy disempowering the little guy with draconian lockdowns that only large corporations can successfully survive.
However, it was enlightening to see his journey and understand the modern Liberal mindset better.
Touching the Jaguar actually has to do with overcoming your fears to see reality from a different perspective.
March 9, 2023
Cuốn sách thứ hai của John Perkins mình được đọc kể về hành trình giác ngộ của chính tác giả, khi từ một sát thủ kinh tế (EHM) trở thành một người bảo vệ cho các cộng đồng bản địa trước quá trình thực dân hoá kiểu mới từ Mỹ, rộng hơn là từ các quốc gia tư bản. Rất nhiều câu chuyện được ông kể lại tạo cảm giác chân thật, vì chính ông là người trải qua cũng như chứng kiến quá trình "đô thị hoá" 50 năm qua, từ khi tới Trung - Nam Mỹ làm một "nhà kinh tế". Thông điệp "chạm vào con báo" được diễn tả rất dễ hiểu, và tạo động lực cho người đọc thay đổi quan điểm vốn đã ăn sâu vào tiềm thức về những giá trị ảo của nền kinh tế vật chất, hay nền kinh tế "chết". Thực sự mong rằng Perkins cùng các cộng sự, hay những người cùng chí hướng sẽ giúp đỡ thêm nhiều người nhận thức được những gì được nêu ra trong cuốn sách.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2020
This was an awesome memoir with a powerful message about changing the stories we tell ourselves and transforming our death economy (short-sighted/self-destructive society) into a holistic and sustainable life economy. This was a perfect follow up to the author’s incredibly chilling previous book, “Confessions of an Economic Hitman”. I highly recommend reading both of these amazing books which will inform and inspire you.
March 14, 2022
A sequel/prequel to his previous books, I enjoyed this book. I've yet to read the others, of which there are a few, and did not feel lost or 'out of the loop'. Ultimately, I wouldn't classify this as a 'Self-Help' book as much as it is a compilation of short stories regarding a specific group on people in the Amazon over the course of 40+ years, written in first-person. Reading this one in a couple sittings over the course of a couple days allows the stories to congeal into an idea that drives the title home.
July 14, 2022
The author reflected on the personal journey of his conversions from promoting American capitalism to promoting sustainable economy by interacting with various group of indigenous people in Amazon area. The major symbol from the indigenous culture is touching the jaguar as taping into personal strength by facing the challenges and break through the perceived difficulties to bring forth a better future. This is a inspiring symbol helping us to face big challenges.
September 21, 2024
I learning a lot in John Perkin's The Secret History of the American Empire and New Confessions of an Economic Hitman. These two books should be a mandatory reading list. Of course, the US government and the people who make money from these practices would not be in favour of that.
I also learned in this book also but found it 'preachy', which, by the title, maybe it needs to be to transform fear into action.
I also learned in this book also but found it 'preachy', which, by the title, maybe it needs to be to transform fear into action.
July 31, 2020
Opened my eyes to just how American politics and greed has negatively affected countries and cultures around the world. It's the new colonialism. But it's also a guide to personal enrichment that teaches people how to care for themselves and the earth/nature.
My Review
My Review
October 23, 2022
Deeply inspiring!
An eye-opening true account of a former “economic hit man”, who left his life of power and privilege to study with Indigenous shamans in the Amazon jungles, this story offers a powerful message of transformation, redemption, and hope for these troubled times.
Highly recommended!
An eye-opening true account of a former “economic hit man”, who left his life of power and privilege to study with Indigenous shamans in the Amazon jungles, this story offers a powerful message of transformation, redemption, and hope for these troubled times.
Highly recommended!
February 15, 2023
對我來說一本書的評分，可能取決於其閱讀性、流暢性、趣味性、資料性等因素，我會給予這本書5星評分，卻取決對它對我人生的影響。
我向來對生死看得很輕，亦覺得現代城巿人的壽命太長了，所以我很多年前已經有我的終結計劃，而這本書令我有動力再去檢視我對我人生以及生死的計劃。
我的美洲豹是甚麼？我想，是對這個世界感到絕望。
活在世上，得過且過，有種苟且偷生的感受。我的人生沒有意義，我的未來沒有夢想。
經歷過香港的2019年，我曾經找回一點點生存的意義，但我的國家告訴我，這一切都是妄想。
或許未來我的國家政府會跟今日的專制獨裁不同，或者我的國家人民會找到他們政治體制的真正出路，這些「或許」，可能不會在我還在世時出現，但我深深明白到，我的國家政府如果不允許改革，那麼我們無論是自願或是不自願，都會被國家所毀滅。
我向來對生死看得很輕，亦覺得現代城巿人的壽命太長了，所以我很多年前已經有我的終結計劃，而這本書令我有動力再去檢視我對我人生以及生死的計劃。
我的美洲豹是甚麼？我想，是對這個世界感到絕望。
活在世上，得過且過，有種苟且偷生的感受。我的人生沒有意義，我的未來沒有夢想。
經歷過香港的2019年，我曾經找回一點點生存的意義，但我的國家告訴我，這一切都是妄想。
或許未來我的國家政府會跟今日的專制獨裁不同，或者我的國家人民會找到他們政治體制的真正出路，這些「或許」，可能不會在我還在世時出現，但我深深明白到，我的國家政府如果不允許改革，那麼我們無論是自願或是不自願，都會被國家所毀滅。
July 29, 2020
Excellent read - John has had a fascinating life and is a wonderful storyteller. A joy to read - I highly recommend this book for all those who are fed up with our current (harmful) way of life/economies and interested in actionable, practical alternatives.
February 10, 2024
I am never disappointed by one of John’s books and this is no exception. A perfect blend of practical and mystical. Inspiring me to continue on my path to finding my own way to change the world for the better.
March 2, 2021
Just couldn't get going with this book.
April 24, 2021
Another Drop after halfway .
April 10, 2022
Many recommend this book.
Read
June 28, 2025…uses the metaphor of a jaguar to represent the fears and barriers that hold people back from personal and societal transformation. The book emphasizes confronting these fears.
June 1, 2021
This book was not what I thought it would be. I learned more about the history of American colonialism in central and south america than I ever did in school or watching the news. I am really glad this book exists and American people should read it so these events do not get swept away in the white washing of American history taught to Americans.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews