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The Legacy: An Elder's Vision for Our Sustainable Future
In this expanded version of an inspiring speech delivered in December 2009, David Suzuki reflects on how we got where we are today and presents his vision for a better future. In his living memory, Suzuki has witnessed cataclysmic changes in society and our relationship with the the doubling of the world’s population, our increased ecological footprint, and massive technological growth. Today we are in a state of crisis, and we must join together to respond to that crisis. If we do so, Suzuki envisions a future in which we understand that we are the Earth and live accordingly. All it takes is imagination and a determination to live within our, and the planet's, means. This book is the culmination of David Suzuki’s amazing life and all of his knowledge, experience, and passion — it is his legacy.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
20 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
David Suzuki
118 books251 followersDavid 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.
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August 1, 2011
David Suzuki is a biologist, an ethicist, and a professor. A legacy lecture is an academic rite that occurs at the end of a career. The author sums up, and presents. This summation and presentation gives us a look at the state of our planet, the state of thinking and action that has gotten us into our current ecological crisis, and a vision for repairing the damage done.
Although I believe we're mere inches from being totally screwed, Dr. Suzuki holds out hope, but it's a hope that requires a mental reboot to all of us who think GDP may be the most important data point in the briefing book.
A healthier planet means less consumption, less consumption means a whole new economy, both mean a radical shift in individual, corporate, governmental priorities.
I'm with ya, David, but when I look around, or read the papers - despite the pockets of concern - I'm scared shitless.
Read this one, it's only 96 pages, and it's a non-pedantic, non-dogmatic, urgent but non-alarmist call for us to come to our senses.
Although I believe we're mere inches from being totally screwed, Dr. Suzuki holds out hope, but it's a hope that requires a mental reboot to all of us who think GDP may be the most important data point in the briefing book.
A healthier planet means less consumption, less consumption means a whole new economy, both mean a radical shift in individual, corporate, governmental priorities.
I'm with ya, David, but when I look around, or read the papers - despite the pockets of concern - I'm scared shitless.
Read this one, it's only 96 pages, and it's a non-pedantic, non-dogmatic, urgent but non-alarmist call for us to come to our senses.
March 13, 2011
As I waited for my daughter at the library (watching a movie -spring break activities) I picked up this book from the new non-fiction shelf.
Some of the main points:
WE ARE DRAWING DOWN ON BASIC NATURAL RESOURCES TOO FAST. WHAT WE "REMOVE" IN 1 YR TAKES 1.3 YRS TO BE REPLACED. (I.E exponential catastrophe)
First time I heard of Redefining progress organization that among others things looks into Genuine progress indicator and not GDP as the measure for well being, development etc.
Suzuki makes it very clear that the solution is to change our behavior by changing our thinking, seeing, perception of SEPARATENESS!! We are not separate. Air, water, soil, fire, biodiversity, love, spirit,....we are all ONE.
Dont forget that from the moment after the Bing Bang, every particle exerted a pull on every other particle. ATTRACTION is built into the very fabric of the cosmos.
This wisdom comes from a big scientist (using of course the methodo of reductionism in science) but being that has come to deeply understand that we need to know that the WHOLE is what matters and not the parts. THE WHOLE IS MORE THAN THE SUM OF THE PARTS.
Dont forget that every breath we take, contains (argon) atoms that were once in the bodies of Joan of Arc and Jesus Christ. How can that awareness change you?
Some of the main points:
WE ARE DRAWING DOWN ON BASIC NATURAL RESOURCES TOO FAST. WHAT WE "REMOVE" IN 1 YR TAKES 1.3 YRS TO BE REPLACED. (I.E exponential catastrophe)
First time I heard of Redefining progress organization that among others things looks into Genuine progress indicator and not GDP as the measure for well being, development etc.
Suzuki makes it very clear that the solution is to change our behavior by changing our thinking, seeing, perception of SEPARATENESS!! We are not separate. Air, water, soil, fire, biodiversity, love, spirit,....we are all ONE.
Dont forget that from the moment after the Bing Bang, every particle exerted a pull on every other particle. ATTRACTION is built into the very fabric of the cosmos.
This wisdom comes from a big scientist (using of course the methodo of reductionism in science) but being that has come to deeply understand that we need to know that the WHOLE is what matters and not the parts. THE WHOLE IS MORE THAN THE SUM OF THE PARTS.
Dont forget that every breath we take, contains (argon) atoms that were once in the bodies of Joan of Arc and Jesus Christ. How can that awareness change you?
April 18, 2012
I love this little book, written by one of the greatest biologists and conservationists of our time. I would like to have the privilege of meeting David Suzuki, but mostly, I would like to somehow get this book, and his ideas into the hands of every living human being. NOW.
Because while it is filled with hope and optimism, it also contains a very frightening message. That we don't have very much time left, if we wish to live in this world, with all the beauty and vitality we see in it today.
The planet is on a tipping point. We have the courage, the tenacity and the genius to make the bold and audacious changes that will allow us all the chance to continue to exist on this magnificent planet. But we must act fast, and collectively. With the willingness to change our stories and our cultures, and to embrace entirely new paradigms of how life and society works.
I applaud his passion, and his endless commitment to conservation, in the face of being constantly silenced by those who wish to continue to rape the planet till the very last drop of life has been 'sold'.
Earth is not a commodity, she is our home, our mother and our life force. I pray this book will be the call that will wake us all up to be the change we need to see! It is only 96 pages. Please, for your future and for the planet - take the time to read this gem.
Because while it is filled with hope and optimism, it also contains a very frightening message. That we don't have very much time left, if we wish to live in this world, with all the beauty and vitality we see in it today.
The planet is on a tipping point. We have the courage, the tenacity and the genius to make the bold and audacious changes that will allow us all the chance to continue to exist on this magnificent planet. But we must act fast, and collectively. With the willingness to change our stories and our cultures, and to embrace entirely new paradigms of how life and society works.
I applaud his passion, and his endless commitment to conservation, in the face of being constantly silenced by those who wish to continue to rape the planet till the very last drop of life has been 'sold'.
Earth is not a commodity, she is our home, our mother and our life force. I pray this book will be the call that will wake us all up to be the change we need to see! It is only 96 pages. Please, for your future and for the planet - take the time to read this gem.
September 17, 2010
The new book by David Suzuki, ‘The Legacy’ is a short book and worth getting.
He opens with an interesting observation when he defines elders as wisdom keepers and, to the extent he can, he very modestly, offers his perspective, on what has lead us to this enormous and unsustainable assault on our biosphere.
While I find it an accurate and challenging perspective; it is also empowering and optimistic. I chuckle when he says...“ I doubt that 150 million years ago. in Africa one species tuned to another and said ‘Watch out for those two legged hairless apes....they’re going to take over the planet”. Despite the consumption need of our species he writes of our ability to live in ‘companionship’ with our world and ultimately concludes optimistically that he feels reason to hope and imagines a future rich in ‘companionship’ with the rest of the world. I suspect you will enjoy.
He opens with an interesting observation when he defines elders as wisdom keepers and, to the extent he can, he very modestly, offers his perspective, on what has lead us to this enormous and unsustainable assault on our biosphere.
While I find it an accurate and challenging perspective; it is also empowering and optimistic. I chuckle when he says...“ I doubt that 150 million years ago. in Africa one species tuned to another and said ‘Watch out for those two legged hairless apes....they’re going to take over the planet”. Despite the consumption need of our species he writes of our ability to live in ‘companionship’ with our world and ultimately concludes optimistically that he feels reason to hope and imagines a future rich in ‘companionship’ with the rest of the world. I suspect you will enjoy.
November 14, 2010
David Suzuki, the eminent Canadian environmentalist, now in his seventies, has written this short treatise as his legacy. Suzuki knows his stuff. He's a scientist, not just a popular science writer, but one who has made it his life's work to communicate scientific concepts about the way our planet works to normal people. His goal is not only to educate, but to share in his wonder at the amazing world we live in.
His simple message here is that man does not stand alone, outside of the planetary ecosystem. We are part of it. It is part of us. He explains how every breath we take, every move we make is interconnected with the other creatures who share our world. When we poison and destroy, it will affect us. It is inevitable. But we don't see it because our thinking is clouded by our adherence to a flawed belief system; the god of growth. Our society is set up to maintain economic growth, to consume, to use so that we need to buy more. This will not work any more because we are reaching the limits of growth on this planet. We simply have to find a new way.
It's not doom and gloom. He has faith in humanity's ingenuity. He has faith in our ability to change, if we truly believe we must. He likens this to the decision by the US to put a man on the moon. It was an incredible feat. It was just about impossible, but we did it. The deciding factor is commitment. If we can share a vision of a new way of living and we are truly committed to achieving it, we will get there.
It's a short well argued book and worth a read for a new perspective, whatever your view on climate change, peak oil, population growth etc. Yes, I'm a card carrying greenie, but even those who are sceptics will find the ideas he presents here of interest.
I hope this is not Suzuki's last book. I suspect he has more to say and will not hold back from saying it.
His simple message here is that man does not stand alone, outside of the planetary ecosystem. We are part of it. It is part of us. He explains how every breath we take, every move we make is interconnected with the other creatures who share our world. When we poison and destroy, it will affect us. It is inevitable. But we don't see it because our thinking is clouded by our adherence to a flawed belief system; the god of growth. Our society is set up to maintain economic growth, to consume, to use so that we need to buy more. This will not work any more because we are reaching the limits of growth on this planet. We simply have to find a new way.
It's not doom and gloom. He has faith in humanity's ingenuity. He has faith in our ability to change, if we truly believe we must. He likens this to the decision by the US to put a man on the moon. It was an incredible feat. It was just about impossible, but we did it. The deciding factor is commitment. If we can share a vision of a new way of living and we are truly committed to achieving it, we will get there.
It's a short well argued book and worth a read for a new perspective, whatever your view on climate change, peak oil, population growth etc. Yes, I'm a card carrying greenie, but even those who are sceptics will find the ideas he presents here of interest.
I hope this is not Suzuki's last book. I suspect he has more to say and will not hold back from saying it.
April 9, 2013
A quiet, well-written, and inspirational book that discusses what has happened, ecologically, to our world and lays down what we need to strive for: "a future in which cities are exquisitely adapted to climate, the surrounding landscape and wildlife, and the natural rhythms of the seasons, in which every building captures all of the sunlight and water falling from the heavens, where food is grown on rooftops, where roads are permeable and allow water to percolate back into the earth instead of running through gutters and sewers, where a yard becomes a natural landscape and not a monoculture of grass, and where butterflies flit through gardens in every schoolyard. [...] where cars are rarely needed because all the action and fun are going on in the streets of the neighbourhoods where we live, work, and play." The quote by Victor Lebow on the need for the U.S. populace to consume goods in order to encourage economic growth is particularly alarming.
In the end, however, this wasn't the rousing call to action that I was hoping for.
In the end, however, this wasn't the rousing call to action that I was hoping for.
September 18, 2018
If I could make every person on the planet read just one book, it would be this one. Suzuki presents his final lecture in a way that is accessible, meaningful and does not overstay its welcome. As someone with a degree in environmental science and with a strong understanding of the ecological and sustainability challenges facing us today, this book resonated strongly with me. We are quickly approaching the carrying capacity of this planet's natural resources, and with the way that that economic growth is being pushed from all sides, we will reach it far too soon.
As Margaret Atwood sums up in her foreword, we collectively as a society, and specifically pushed by our leaders and representatives, are willfully ignoring the severity of environmental issues facing us today because they are inconvenient and make us uncomfortable to think about. A drastic reevaluation of our priorities and lifestyles are necessary, but I'm much more doubtful than David Suzuki is that this is a possibility in our lifetimes.
4.5 stars.
As Margaret Atwood sums up in her foreword, we collectively as a society, and specifically pushed by our leaders and representatives, are willfully ignoring the severity of environmental issues facing us today because they are inconvenient and make us uncomfortable to think about. A drastic reevaluation of our priorities and lifestyles are necessary, but I'm much more doubtful than David Suzuki is that this is a possibility in our lifetimes.
4.5 stars.
December 12, 2012
I'm reading it again. It's passionate and inspirational.
February 19, 2017
an overview of the various environmental issues facing mankind.
May 12, 2019
Essential reading.
August 30, 2021
I want every human to read this book.
This is why we follow our intuition in the library stacks.
This is why we follow our intuition in the library stacks.
September 26, 2021
"The environmental crisis is a human crisis; we are at the centre of it as both the cause and the victims."
October 6, 2025
A thoughtful mediation on the environment by one of Canada's leading public intellectuals ...
December 4, 2014
Though I’m not a conservation scientist or a marine biologist, I still describe myself as an environmentalist. I make a conscious effort to stay informed of the issues facing not only Canadians but also all global citizens. Which is precisely why I turn to books like The Legacy: An Elder’s Vision for Our Sustainable Future by David Suzuki.
The Legacy, which includes a foreword by Margaret Atwood, is described as Suzuki’s last lecture. The book, totaling a mere 96 pages, is the culmination of all that he has learned through his lifetime. In Suzuki’s exploration of our relationship with the planet he tackles the issues of population growth, ecological footprint and technological capacity.
"We have become a force of nature, a superspecies; and it has happened suddenly, with explosive speed. Not long ago, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, drought, forest fires, even earthquakes and volcanic explosions were accepted as “natural disasters” or “acts of God.” But now we have joined God, powerful enough to influence these events."
Suzuki takes the reader on a journey that spans millions of years. But the information and the way he presents it is in no way overwhelming or condescending. That’s because Suzuki is speaking to you not at you. He also divides his lecture into the categories of earth, air, fire and water so it’s easier to both follow and understand. Suzuki intersperses quotes from cosmonaut Vladimir Shatalov, ecologist Aldo Leopold and philosopher Thomas Berry, to name a few. Together these quotes illustrate The Legacy’s underlying theme of interconnectivity.
"Our great boast is the possession of intelligence, but what intelligent creature, knowing the critical role of air for all life on Earth, would then proceed to deliberately pour toxic materials into it? We are air, so whatever we do to air, we do to ourselves. And this is true of the other sacred elements."
This point remains my single greatest takeaway from the book. Though I understood the connectedness of one place to another I never saw it with respect to me as an individual. Because of this realization my perspective of the Earth and my place in it has been altered profoundly. I no longer see the environment as existing outside of me but as part of me. And will always hold that in the forefront of my mind with every action I take.
"The biggest challenge humanity faces in carving out a better future is to reimagine how we perceive the world, our place within it, and our highest priorities."
If the environment is one of your passions, or even if it isn’t, read The Legacy and dare to imagine a world far greater than the one you know.
The Legacy, which includes a foreword by Margaret Atwood, is described as Suzuki’s last lecture. The book, totaling a mere 96 pages, is the culmination of all that he has learned through his lifetime. In Suzuki’s exploration of our relationship with the planet he tackles the issues of population growth, ecological footprint and technological capacity.
"We have become a force of nature, a superspecies; and it has happened suddenly, with explosive speed. Not long ago, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, drought, forest fires, even earthquakes and volcanic explosions were accepted as “natural disasters” or “acts of God.” But now we have joined God, powerful enough to influence these events."
Suzuki takes the reader on a journey that spans millions of years. But the information and the way he presents it is in no way overwhelming or condescending. That’s because Suzuki is speaking to you not at you. He also divides his lecture into the categories of earth, air, fire and water so it’s easier to both follow and understand. Suzuki intersperses quotes from cosmonaut Vladimir Shatalov, ecologist Aldo Leopold and philosopher Thomas Berry, to name a few. Together these quotes illustrate The Legacy’s underlying theme of interconnectivity.
"Our great boast is the possession of intelligence, but what intelligent creature, knowing the critical role of air for all life on Earth, would then proceed to deliberately pour toxic materials into it? We are air, so whatever we do to air, we do to ourselves. And this is true of the other sacred elements."
This point remains my single greatest takeaway from the book. Though I understood the connectedness of one place to another I never saw it with respect to me as an individual. Because of this realization my perspective of the Earth and my place in it has been altered profoundly. I no longer see the environment as existing outside of me but as part of me. And will always hold that in the forefront of my mind with every action I take.
"The biggest challenge humanity faces in carving out a better future is to reimagine how we perceive the world, our place within it, and our highest priorities."
If the environment is one of your passions, or even if it isn’t, read The Legacy and dare to imagine a world far greater than the one you know.
June 9, 2014
This book is very easy to read and follow for a person who has no background on science. But the message is critical and related to our future as humanity.It puts in perspective our relationship with nature. He suggest a change from within us, to transform our families, communities, nations and ultimately the world.
It made me a little bit sad knowing it's a long way to change our world and society values for a sustainable one. But it gives me hope that it might be possible if we put some serious effort in it. It calls for a need to connect with nature and respect it because at the end we are just part of it.
It made me a little bit sad knowing it's a long way to change our world and society values for a sustainable one. But it gives me hope that it might be possible if we put some serious effort in it. It calls for a need to connect with nature and respect it because at the end we are just part of it.
October 31, 2012
I thought Suzuki was a scientist. I was wanting some scientific evidence for man-made climate change, but what I got was a bunch of anti-capitalist philosophy and environmentalist platitudes that I'm expected to take as fact simply because he said so. Even the quotes were from like-minded non-scientists, for the most part. Doesn't even begin to hold a candle to the scientific rigor displayed in books written by climate skeptics whom Suzuki conveniently refuses to debate. The Emperor has no clothes! Would have rated it lower, except that he DID have some good stuff on conservation.
January 29, 2014
Picks up a few key themes from the movie/documentary, but felt like a rushed job, which it probably was. Better off watching the hour long film, which came across as more personal, delving more into the life of this famous Canadian.
Being familiar with Peak Oil and the perils of our growth based economy thanks to other authors, the crisis for humanity seems way more urgent than the way Suzuki presents, which is whimsical and hopeful but without offering much concrete reasons to be other than appealing for more spiritual connections with nature.
Being familiar with Peak Oil and the perils of our growth based economy thanks to other authors, the crisis for humanity seems way more urgent than the way Suzuki presents, which is whimsical and hopeful but without offering much concrete reasons to be other than appealing for more spiritual connections with nature.
December 11, 2016
Wonderful!
I have in my mind that this book was to outline the history, issues & solutions to a holistic view of our world. The reason I did not give this 5* is because I never felt the solutions came together. Yes, we need to listen to the indigenous who've managed to live sustainably. Yes, we need to consider future generations, and make better choices. Preaching to the choir...didn't learn anything new. Not in Part 3, anyway. So, what I enjoyed & valued most was Part 1, especially, and Part 2, for the new ways to understand & communicate complex systems.
I have in my mind that this book was to outline the history, issues & solutions to a holistic view of our world. The reason I did not give this 5* is because I never felt the solutions came together. Yes, we need to listen to the indigenous who've managed to live sustainably. Yes, we need to consider future generations, and make better choices. Preaching to the choir...didn't learn anything new. Not in Part 3, anyway. So, what I enjoyed & valued most was Part 1, especially, and Part 2, for the new ways to understand & communicate complex systems.
Want to read
September 30, 2010David Suzuki is a revered elder statesman of the environmental movement and this is a rare chance to hear his message and pay tribute to the man. No-one says it better than fellow Canadian author and social activist Margaret Atwood, in her foreword to this book: ‘We should thank Dr Suzuki for the gifts he has given, and find within ourselves the grace to pass them on”.
Am looking for a real non Kindle edition. Anyone know of one?
Am looking for a real non Kindle edition. Anyone know of one?
September 5, 2011
This is such a simple yet powerful book about humankind's relationship with nature and our home, Planet Earth. To me, it should be a recommended text for all school children (and also adults) if we hope to reverse the direction in which we're heading. Hopefully, it's not too late for us to realise the mistakes we've made and to have the courage to find a new path or rather to remember our inner knowing of the ancient understanding we have of our relationship with Mother Earth.
January 7, 2013
This book is great. While it wasn't new information to me, I appreciate Suzuki's accessible writing style and the way he has laid out a number of very urgent environmental concepts for the masses to take action on. I may be skeptical that the humans will be able to save themselves by doing away with consumerism and connecting back to the earth the way we were meant to, I do wish more people will read this and at least consider saving the planet for future generations.
June 25, 2012
Probably the best book to recommend if you are more interested in the articulation and story behind many of our environmental issues and not so much about drowning in statistical figures.
It is a fantastic, short read that really instills the importance of the interconnectedness between nature and humanity.
It is a fantastic, short read that really instills the importance of the interconnectedness between nature and humanity.
February 5, 2013
A powerful account of what we are doing to the planet and what needs to be considered for us to survive as a species. I have the same reaction that I felt when reading Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" - a bit spooked yet determined to make a difference in the end. Highly recommended for it's diverse sources and bibliography, there is much to digest here but worth savoring.
January 23, 2011
I was worried that I would be thoroughly depressed by the end of the book, but there were enough positive moments to give me hope. We have a huge task ahead of us I only wish that David wasn't in his 70s, we are going to need him.
June 23, 2011
Interesting 100 page essay about man's interconnectedness with nature, the environmental crisis and a call for tackling problems holistically. Written without the annoying preachy panic of many environmental advocacy books.
Read
July 28, 2011States clearly the current scientific facts about the need to change our current lifestyle paradigms, if we are to hand anything sustainable on to our grandchildren.
A good starting point to thinking about alternatives to consumerism and constant growth.
A good starting point to thinking about alternatives to consumerism and constant growth.
January 11, 2012
Everyone should take the time to read this book. It's a true measure of our astoundingly scary present and a hopeful vision of how we could and should live.
Read it. Re-read it. Lend it out. Give copies as gifts to friends and loved ones.
Read it. Re-read it. Lend it out. Give copies as gifts to friends and loved ones.
December 27, 2013
In a short and concise volume David Suzuki imparts some real wisdom. This is a must-read for anyone with any interest at all in their future, the future of their family,. and of the planet. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2018
A great (and quick) read that really helps solidify the state of the environment and how urgent it is that we make changes to save what we can for future generations. A title all should read and then reflect on to see what changes we can each make in our own lives to support the earth
April 12, 2018
This was a very interesting book that I had to read for my biology/ecology course. It was full of great information and I was excited to read David Suzuki's thoughts. However, I do think there was too much text and that some pictures could have improved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews