Twelve Principles
Living with integrity in the twenty-first century

These times of great change challenge us to reconsider the values by which we live. Our pursuit of materialism has delivered vast inequalities in wealth as well as environmental destruction.

The book offers twelve principles by which we can live responsibly, reappraise our values and develop a world consciousness. The principles are based on living with awareness, acting with integrity and appreciating our interrelationship with all life-forms.

To illustrate these ideals in practice, Hawes includes personal accounts by twelve people around the world who are effecting positive change in their own lives and communities. Their inspiring stories show that individuals really can make a difference in the world.

Martin Hawes, author, photographer and wilderness management consultant has spent much of his life in the Tasmanian wilderness, and also draws his inspiration from the teachings of the humanist thinker, J. Krishnamurti.

The message of Twelve Principles is that we can make a difference.

Includes a foreword by Senator Bob Brown, leader of the Australian Greens, and a rich collection of magnificent photographs.

Format: Paperback, full colour photographs
Pages: 144
Size: 163 mm x 214 mm
Published: 2003

"Many people are concerned about the state of the world but are unsure where the solution lies or how they can contribute to finding it. Twelve Principles is a timely reminder that the global crisis is at root a crisis in values, and that, by our thoughts and actions, each of us has an impact on what is happening in the world around us. In compelling language, Martin Hawes challenges the prevailing ethic of materialism and offers guidelines for a peaceful and sustainable future. His underlying message is that by living with integrity we can transform this age of crisis and pessimism into one of opportunity and optimism.

"Martin has been a philosophical friend of mine since the Franklin River Blockade twenty years ago. He thinks and writes with a clarity that comes from decades of wilderness journeys and philosophical inquiry. The magnificent photos, some of them taken by Martin himself, bear witness to what is at stake on this planet and illustrate his claim that `being aware means seeing with our hearts as well as our minds'.

"Twelve Principles includes personal accounts by twelve extraordinary people who are exploring creative ways to meet the challenges of the modern world. Their stories show that the alternatives Martin Hawes proposes are practical and achievable - and remind us that we can each contribute in our own special way to ensuring the world's future." - from the foreword by Bob Brown, Senator, Australian Greens

"I home educate my children and I plan to use Twelve Principles as a large part of our education experience."
Sharee Cordes, parent, Australia

"Beautifully written…an important and inspiring work."
Graham Green, activist, Australia

"Motivating, factual, inspiring, challenging, thought-provoking."
Alison Connell, parent, USA

"Extremely useful reading. It was as if somebody took me firmly by the shoulders and gave me a good shake."
Olga Maiboroda, teacher, UK/Russia

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