The EcoTrilogy

The 144 essays of The EcoTrilogy were carefully selected, enlarged and updated from over 750 that were written and widely distributed during Ray Grigg’s 16 years as a weekly environmental columnist. They contribute to his searching inquiry into the character of human thought and behaviour that he has been exploring for many years with his other books on Taoism and Zen. In The EcoTrilogy, he employs the same lucid perspectives, calm objectivity and insightful clarity to reveal who we are in arguably the most critical period on human history. The separate sections of The EcoTrilogy fit loosely into three categories: a philosophical Ecologos, a psychological Ecopathy, and a bio-physical Ecocide. Thus The EcoTrilogy becomes a comprehensive and penetrating analysis of the personal and collective challenges confronting humanity in a time of unprecedented technological, sociological and ecological change.

Ecologos: Only by familiarizing ourselves with the fundamental motivating forces that are shaping how we think, feel and act will we be able to address the enormous environmental challenges now confronting us. The 48 essays in Ecologos reveal some of these powerful forces by exploring a variety of the diverse cultural values, ideas, concerns and attitudes that are functioning below our awareness but directing our individual and collective behaviour.

Ecopathy: The 48 essays in Ecopathy examine the psychological dynamics operating within us that inflict egregious damage on our planet’s ecosystems, and ultimately subvert or own best interests. But we can greatly reduce the likelihood of being victims of ourselves by moving these inner dynamics from an unconscious to a conscious level so they can be controlled and guided toward a more harmonious and sustainable relationship with nature.

Ecocide: Ecocide offers 48 specific examples of the extensive environmental damage that we could or do cause when our philosophical notions, psychological dynamics and cultural values are in conflict with the fundamental operating principles of nature. If we are to undertake the necessary preventative and corrective measures to protect vital ecologies, it is crucial that we confront the extent of this damage so we can attempt to change ourselves.