There are so many amazing individuals on this planet helping to raise global consciousness, helping to bring more love and light to this planet, and helping us to move towards a life that is lived from the highest version of ourselves.
One of those individuals is Mike Nickerson and he is the author of the latest book that I had the pleasure of reading called “Life, Money and Illusion – Living on Earth As If We Want To Stay.”
The genre of the book is “ecological economics“. At first glance, one may not see how economics and the basis of this site, which is spirituality, have much in common. However, as we begin to peel back the layers of each, we can find that on micro levels, the two have many interconnecting layers that bind them together. Ultimately EvolvingBeings.com is about conscious living in all areas of our lives – and how we deal with the material world and the environment are of course two of those areas.
I have to tell you, personally I am not too passionate when it comes to topics that revolve around politics or economics. However, something was drawing me to this book as soon as I first laid my eyes on it.
Today, I cannot tell you how happy I am that I allowed this book to come into my life and took the time to read it. It is I have to say, one of the best books that I am aware of at this time that deals with world unity, collaboration and cooperation of all humans as one. It talks about sustainable living, preserving the environmental riches that this planet provides us with for the now and for future generations. It addresses the illusion of the current economic system and ties in everything with so much love, logic and wisdom, that it is hard not to become part of the solutions the author presents us with.
The title of this book speaks for itself, and thus it is with great pleasure today that I tell you about “Life, Money and Illusion” – the book that not only awakens us to a higher state of being, but invites us lovingly to start being part of the change that brings us back to living with the Earth as one. It is time to start living on this Earth, as if we want to stay – as if we want the future generations to have this planet to enjoy as well.
Book Format and Structure
“Life, Money and Illusion” was initially self-published by Mike Nickerson, a Canadian author, in 2006. It got great acclaim and reviews. The second, revised edition was published by New Society Publishers just this past September 2009.
The book is over 400 pages and packed with facts, details, explanations and incredibly valuable insights. Since it is highly engaging, as Mike has truly put his heart and soul, along with an impeccable amount of value into this book, it is a longer read. Some may even find it a bit “technical”. Hence, do not expect to breeze through this book in several evenings. However, it is a highly valuable investment of your time to read it.
The book starts off with a heartfelt foreword and is divided into 4 parts, with the following chapters:
Chapter 1 – Without Vision, the People Perish
Chapter 2 – Vision for the 21st Century
Chapter 3 – Life: How it Thrives
Chapter 4 – Problems with Life: Human Impacts on a Full Planet
Chapter 5 – Mutual Provision: Money, Markets and an Orderly World
Chapter 6 – Magnitude and Abstraction: When We Grow Very Large
Problems With Our Market Economy
Chapter 7 – Where Value is Neglected
Chapter 8 – Where Value is Overstated
Chapter 9 – Money: Its Creation, Management and Growth
Chapter 10 – The Monopoly End Game
Economic Solutions
Chapter 11 – First Steps
Chapter 12 – Practical Changes
Chapter 13 – Monetary Reform
Transformation
Chapter 14 – Cultural Foundations: Working Together as Societies
Chapter 15 – How to Get There from Here: A Question of Direction
Chapter 16 – A Crack in the Road: Motor Culture
Chapter 17 – What Will Become of Us?
The book finishes off with an Appendix entitled, “Tapping Our Collective Potential” and a recommended reading section. There is also a special last page entitled “looking back to the present“, where Mike leaves the reader with a very positive and uplifting reflection.
Book Content and Personal Commentary
As I have already mentioned, I was absolutely blown away by how much I resonated with all that was in this book, and by how astoundingly wise and informative it was.
Although this book has a huge economical aspect to it, it is so much more than that. This is a book that I would encourage every citizen who wants to make a conscious action to live in and with the balance of the Earth to read. It teaches all about how our actions, our relationship with money, material goods and each other affect the environment and the resources on this planet. It opens ones eyes to what the economy is really based on and how the current economic model is completely unsustainable. And all this, is just scratching the surface of the immense depth this book has to it.
I have to tell you, what impressed me the most about this book is how extremely well rounded it was. Mike included bits of history, biology, mathematics, economics, philosophy, psychology, politics, religion and so much more to make this book such an interesting read. It even has some stories, poems, quotes and pictures to enrich the reader’s experience.
It is deep, and so as I mentioned it can come across to some as a heavy read, but if you are proactive about your life, if you care deeply about making a difference and about being spiritually logical, then this book delivers in more ways than I can ever explain in this review.
In chapter 1, Mike begins with a little bit of history, but mostly with a nice introduction to what sustainability is all about.
In chapter 2, he opens up the platform for ideas about a sustainable future. My favorite part in this chapter was when Mike states:
“When people receive new information that is contrary to what they already believe, they become uncomfortable.”
Mike Nickerson
How true is that! I think this is the basis for most arguments, if not wars. We all hold deeply rooted beliefs within us (some, if not most that are not even our own) and we feel threatened so much and so often it seems when someone tells us something contrary to those. This is one of the biggest reasons why I love the topics of awakening, transformation and even all matters of the metaphysical, because they challenge one to stay open minded. The surest way to get nowhere fast is to have a closed mind.
I have to tell you, chapter 3 was one of my favorite chapters in the book. As if the thought provoking topics of the first two chapters were not enough to draw the reader in, Mike then takes such a beautifully affectionate turn in chapter 3 as he touches on the biology and ecology of our natural world. Being a biologist and nature lover, this chapter really hit home with me. Mike did such an amazing job here introducing the reader, regardless of their academic background, to the world of nature. He traced back life throughout history and beautifully showed how cyclic and sustaining life is when unnatural forces don’t interfere with it.
This is something so critical that so many people still cannot accept today and that is, the world – this Earth and all life is based on the laws of nature. These are not arbitrary laws put in just for the fun of it. These are the foundations for all life existing and we as just another animal species have no choice or say in the matter on whether we follow them or not. I do not mean to sound harsh here, but I know many people think that as humans with technology we can overcome anything. Well, unfortunately that is not quite true. Mother Earth is an amazing consciousness. However, as loving as she is, the Earth is her body, which we are a part of, and we have to respect the natural laws if our species wants to continue to live, never mind thrive on this planet – her body.
“In fact, if we choose to concentrate more on life and less on stuff, we could substantially reduce our material consumption and, at the same time increase our well-being.”
Mike Nickerson
In chapter 4, Mike considers other cultures and how we have evolved and are evolving today within our own culture on the planet.
In chapter 5, I was really entertained by the idea of understanding the history of money and markets. As I mentioned, not really having an interest in economics, I felt this chapter (as well as the whole book) added so much value to me as a being. Even though, I have subjects that I prefer, it is always great to learn a little bit about everything I feel, to be a more rounded individual.
Mike finished off the first part of the book with chapter 6, where he considered various patterns of growth and the ideas of supply and demand.
“As a civilization, at present we have little empathy for the natural world, or even for our own future.”
Mike Nickerson
I have to be honest and tell you that part 2 – “Problems With Our Market Economy” was a little harder for me to read, as it delved in deeper into all things “economy” related.
However, it still included line after line of valuable information to really present the reader with all sides of the story as to where the problems lie in our current world, with of course the biggest one being that the way we do things today when it comes to money and material goods is just not sustainable.
In part 3 – Economic Solutions, Mike opens up a whole new platform for us to start seeing the new world that can emerge if changes are made. In the opening to this part, he states:
“Change, whether positive or negative, however tends to make people uneasy; we are uncertain of how a new situation will affect us.”
Mike Nickerson
But as the chapters unfold, Mike presents solutions to a more sustainable, yet economically viable way of life, that are equally feasible as they are logical. Yes change would be involved, but Mike really goes out of his way to explain from every angle how in the end, change would be required of everyone for everyone. It is again this unifying theme that he fantastically expresses, as the basis for the new world. One solution that Mike presents is that of “full-cost pricing”. This is where an item’s price reflects the true costs of that items production and disposal.
I enjoyed part 4 – Transformation immensely! All the chapters were a fantastic read, but chapter 14 was really enlightening as Mike tied how the answers to transformation come from our roots of how we see the world from our cultures. Into this he tied in the concepts of religions and actually what role religions have played in shaping the current monetary system and today’s economy.
It is in these last chapters that Mike lays it all out on the line and presents us with the choices we have and their outcomes. There is no fear mongering at any point, there is only a realistic approach based on natural cycles. Ultimately, no one has to lose. If anything we can all win – we can all be better off, as will future generations if we choose the path of sustainability. After all can you think of a better way to live with the Earth?
In conclusion, as I finished reading the book and even throughout I thought, there are so many books out there today that become number 1 sellers and get hailed for this or that, even though they really add little value to the world or our being. And here is this man who has dedicated himself to helping the world and all of humanity attain sustainable living, who has researched, gathered and written this amazing book, that I know for a fact not enough people know about. This book should be in Oprah’s book club or a New York Times bestseller for sure. Of course naturally, the topic is still an inconvenient truth for perhaps too many out there.
The value that Mike has provided by writing this book is impeccable. If you get a chance, are open to a little more “technical” reading, and are passionate about your life, the lives of future generations and this planet, then I highly recommend “Life, Money and Illusion“. Whether you see the illusions on which our material world is built upon at this time, or not, this book is bound to open your eyes, heart and mind to a whole new level of living.
“Sustainability – requires a change in priorities such as civilization has never before seen.”
Mike Nickerson
You can learn more about Mike Nickerson or purchase the book from his site – SustainWellBeing.net or directly from New Society Publishers.
About the author:Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is the founder and editor of EvolvingBeings.com – an online publication featuring various topics on spirituality and metaphysics. Evita teaches consciousness expansion and heart-centered living to help people attain deep meaning, peace and happiness in their life. She is also a nutritional science and holistic health expert for optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow her on Twitter.
11 Comments to “Book Review: Life, Money and Illusion – Living On Earth As If We Want To Stay”
Hi Evita,
The part that really jumps out for me, is this idea of natural laws. Nature. It’s at our core. It is what our world is. And I think that we, ourselves, are very much a part of that nature too. Evita, what a great book you’ve introduced me to. Thank you…
Hi Evita,
Thank you so much for sharing this book with all of us. Sounds like an awesome read and there is something about the cover of it that just speaks of wisdom.
Prior to reading your blog, I had to go do a few errands and what struck me as strange is that there are a lot of people who have no compassion or empathy for others. In the past, I think more people were inclined to be compassionate but in the last few years, it has gotten to be worse. And that lack of compassion also spreads to the environment. For being good to the environment is an act of compassion.
Whether it is due to economics or terrorism or both, I do not know. What I do know is that people need to wake up soon because things cannot keep going like they have been. For people to walk around so angry and unaware of human inteactions is pretty dangerous. And the fact that many people have no respect to nature is an off shoot of thist too.
So it is great that there is such a book out there which will help people realize what is happening.
Hi Evita,
Thanks for reviewing this book. It sounds similar to Charles Eisenstein’s “Ascent of Humanity” and it resonates. There seems to be growing consensus that the direction humanity has been on for the last ten thousand years is not sustainable, economically or ecologically or culturally or technologically. So it’s good to see books that explore how we, as a species, can live more consciously.
Thanks!
k
Cultures are like ecosystems. Cultures come in many forms. Introduce new ideas or new genetics or new people or souls into the system, then the culture shifts and changes, and therefore the world its self changes.
Let be conscious of the ideas we want to generate and live by. Lets embrace the feelings we want to experience. Let us create a new ecosystem. Let us create a paradise where we each can participate and enjoy each others company.
@ LANCE – Hi Lance – yes indeed. For about a century now humans have lived as if we are outside of the laws of nature and that technology will be our saving grace no matter what happens. Well it is not quite like that.
Anyone who has ever lived through a major weather event knows that all too well. In most parts of the world where there are no weather extremes most of us are a little too comfortable with how we treat Mother Earth. Many of us really don’t realize that we can be made very humble with one gust of a wind. However our actions have a life span – this is indeed where the laws of nature come in.
Any species who exploits its ecosystem is unsustainable to that ecosystem and hence goes extinct. Our advantage is that we have a different level of consciousness and intelligence that can avert such a scenario – but obviously we need enough of our species to be on board.
@ NADIA – Hi Nadia, I can so relate to what you say about empathy. When I worked as a high school teacher for the past 7 years that is exactly what kept jumping out at me each day. I loved all my kids and they were all special and unique souls, but as a collective the biggest thing missing from them today is a sense of empathy. I guess I am not surprised about the older ones too.
Some people say today’s teens are rude or ignorant or lazy or whatever else. They may seem that way to some I guess – but it really all stems from empathy. Teach them empathy and watch everything else transform.
So yes, I also second your point about people waking up. There are many actions that people may see as “bad” or “good” in the world today and I won’t get into that all here – but what I have realized perhaps the most, is that when it comes to nature people really just don’t get it.
We keep having kids and loving them and providing them with all the material goods we possibly can afford, but we are depriving them of the biggest thing they will need – a clean, resourceful and healthy Earth.
Thank you so much for adding all your valuable insight here.
@ KAUSHIK – Hi Kaushik, thank you. I have not heard of this book you mentioned, so thank you for introducing me to it. I am always on the look out for great material that can raise our awareness and enlighten our beingness.
Yes, and that consensus will only get louder. Too many people feel too greatly what is happening to the Earth – how we treat her and how we treat each other. This is why more of us are speaking out.
Today we call people who live or lived sustainably with nature “primitive” or “barbaric” – but perhaps it was not them who were primitive as they seemed to know much better than us how to live in balance with this Earth. We somehow cannot seem to get that. But change is coming. In fact, in many ways it is already here.
@ BERN – Hi Bernie, thank you for adding in your thoughts to this discussion. Indeed when new things are introduced, even though it may happen slowly at times, there is a shift – a change.
What a beautiful thing to say “Let us create a paradise where we each can participate and enjoy each others company.”
Yes, let’s!
We are all unified on this earth. We can’t escape this. The only thing we can do is become more unified or less unified.
I believe the way to become more unified is to understand the illusion that we create every single day. When we stop feeding our fears we start live for everything. We become closer to the people in our lives as well as the earth.
This book really sounds fantastic, and I’m always so grateful when you review books in such detail. Thank you! Ever since watching Food, Inc. last summer, I’ve been more intrigued and driven by the idea of sustainability. I’ve changed some of my habits around food to become more sustainable, and every part of me feels better (mind, body & soul). I’m with you in that I don’t really love politics or even getting too deep into economic discussions, and yet they’re the basis for how our planet lives, more or less (in industrialized or developing countries). My wish is that we do become more sustainable and compassionate as a collective — living from within, as opposed to the other way around.
Hi Evita…
That was one of the best book reviews I have read in a long time and one that made me want to explore this book even more.
I recently read another book that was similar and it was all about a new type of entrepreneur that is emerging in this day…the inspired life entrepreneur…these two books would merge well together.
Once again thank for the heads up to check this out more…you definitely stirred my curiosity!
Kathy
@ KARL – That is such a great addition Karl. It really emphasizes the saying and paradigm – “we are all one”
Today we are very disconnected indeed, both from each other and the Earth. Even from ourselves I would even say. This separation has caused a lot of what many people see as “problems” in today’s society. So now it is up to all those of us who “see” that there is another way – a “better” way – a more sustainable way to live, and to put that into action.
@ MEGAN – You are so welcome Megan and thank you so much for that feedback :)
You know what, I still have not seen Food Inc. – I heard great reviews and I know that is the type of movie/material that I would enjoy. Perhaps soon.
But I totally hear what you are saying about feeling better after incorporating a more sustainable approach to your life. I truly believe our spirits are excited within saying “yes, yes, yes!” when we live for the greater good, instead of only for personal wants.
And you know Mega, I really think your wish is already coming true – I know a lot of people have yet to embrace the sustainable approach to life – and I know the pessimists will say that those people are the majority. And so maybe the are, but each day more people are waking up and amazing changes are sweeping across the planet as we speak. It is definitely an exciting time to be alive :)
@ KATHY – Hi Kathy, and wow thanks for that feedback!
There is a new movement indeed happening. I think many people are figuring out one of the most basic principles – if one can work 4 hours and day instead of 8 hours a day, then why not! Sure one may have less money to buy “more stuff” – but that is just the thing, we are figuring out and quickly today that more stuff does not lead to happiness. Having more free time on the other hand to experience life does :)
Evita, as you highlight, reading is an experience. Words chosen by an other can tug at the heart strings orevoke emotions that provoke thought. Even the pile of stones on the cover is an invitation to re-examine the state of balance in our lives. To read a book more than once reveals it influences your frame of mind, mood and level of awareness. All this affects what you choose to notice, accept, reject or adopt into your value system or overlook altogether. What resonates fits. Happiness is within everyone always.
@ LIARA – Hi Liara, thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
It is interesting that you mention the cover, because I really loved it too, and it spoke to me of living with a zen-like state of being with the Earth and ourselves.