Why join?
The Book Club is core to the One Home Planet project. Here is why it was created and you may want to join:
1/ The world is a messed up place. Life on Earth is barreling toward its sixth mass extinction in geological times, but governments keep worshiping “GDP Growth” and turning a blind eye to their god ravaging the biosphere. All the while, an increasing number of countries fall for authoritarianism and xenophobia fallacies, which, usually mixed with an official contempt toward science, does not bode well for rational and informed decision-making overall.
2/ Yet, most people are good people. We just fail to see that developing the right kind of leadership is a collective affair and, thus, a personal one. We are the leaders we have been waiting for. If ordinary citizens commit to deepening their understanding of the common good, people in power will eventually feel compelled to move in the right direction.
3/ This is where you fit in. Have you ever wished to fully grasp and be able to convey the major concepts involved in building a sustainable and just society? By allowing you to delve into the pivotal work of significant authors regarding environmental, political, and economic issues, the One Home Planet Book Club helps you do just that.
What is in it for you?
Since critical thinking is based on questioning and debating, its practice finds a natural form of validation in open and honest discussions with others. Additionally, the effort of digging into questions and topics we are genuinely interested in becomes much more accurate, focused, and regular. We owe it to others as well as to ourselves.
Besides, keeping a resolution is always easier when you team up with someone else and count on each other’s presence. Helping each other understand broad and sometimes difficult topics allows for quality, friendly relationships that may last a lifetime!
As a study program, the Book Club formula provides all the necessary conditions for an effective learning path:
- A thorough series of questions (see, for instance, Doughnut Economics, ch. 6, questions 1-2; 3-4; 5-6)
- Regular group calls to directly share your progress and difficulties with others;
- A dedicated group space for team members to meet between themselves.
How does it work?
The Book Club was built to make every student feel comfortable joining it.
- The program starts with a live preparation week to ensure everyone feels genuinely seen and heard and all practical matters are addressed beforehand.
- Each Sunday, Book Club members receive two questions (see, for instance, Doughnut Economics, ch. 6, questions 1-2; 3-4; 5-6) to reflect on and discuss during the rest of the week. A schedule relaxed enough to fit in anyone’s busy life.
- Whether or not you choose to read the book effectively, you can nevertheless keep up with the required depth and pace of study thanks to the website’s Book Club posts, which carefully summarize all chapters.
Who is it for?
The Book Club aims to be a “people’s university” open to everyone. This notably means that:
- What matters is not your academic achievements (or lack thereof) but your willingness to ask questions or help answer those others ask themselves. If you are open-minded and respectful, your presence will always be a gift to others.
- Money must not be an issue. This is why the subscription is free for the first month and costs just $12 monthly afterward, whether you join one or several groups to study with. In addition, the affiliate program will easily cover this low cost if you choose to use it.