Man and the Earth

THIS BOOK, written fifty years ago, was among the first calls for a new system of values to govern the relationship between humanity and our planet. It has at least two claims on our attention. First, it contains a passionate and reasoned plea for the rights of non-human life. Second, Patrick Duncan proposes a new ethic which might enable fractious humanity to come together and help save the world from disaster. Patrick Duncan was exceptional in being an innovative thinker with a breadth of understanding which spanned philosophy, ethics, law and science; and a political activist who dedicated his life to bringing an end to apartheid in his native South Africa. His biography was written by C. J. Driver Patrick Duncan: South African and Pan-African. James Currey (2000). See also: wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Duncan (anti-apartheid_activist) Man and the Earth is being republished fifty years on, because of its continuing relevance to some of the greatest global public policy challenges of the 21st century: the impact of humanity on our environment (climate change, biodiversity loss, etc.), and inequality of opportunity. The book makes exhilarating reading when Duncan describes the beauty of the world and human creativity. He does not flinch when reacting against the destructive side of humanity, and his anger and disgust are reminiscent of Swift. This is deeply personal, and many readers will disagree with some of his analyses. They will also be surprised, charmed, and moved.