All's Well by Lefebvre, John - 2017: Where Thou Art Earth and Why

A freewheeling rollick through the history and future of our species, All s Well. Where Thou Art Earth and Why blends philosophy, metaphysics and ethics into an original and lyrical meditation on refining our place in the universe.

150 generations out of the caves, we think we know our place in the vastness of the cosmos. Only 100 years ago we hardly knew that our Sun is just another star. Today, we still believe we re the most intelligent beings to exist. Yet simple arithmetic suggests there are at least 10 trillion thoughtful species elsewhere. We re not alone in the universe, just lonely: when we sufficiently mature, others may be in touch.

All s Well suggests that this maturation will be deeply rooted in our acknowledgement that­­­ at our core we are vessels of consciousness, astonishment and love. With this positive summary of the human condition, Lefebvre argues that the United States foundational ideals form the correct basis for a set of Universal Rights and Responsibilities, excepting that they never were, and still are not yet, universal.

Moreover, says Lefebvre, when those with privilege accept accessible freedoms while being careless with those who have not been so fortunate, they have not earned such freedom but are merely taking liberties. Even these liberties come with responsibilities: to protect all humans from deprivation, and all the natural bounty from degradation. To accept that these responsibilities have no borders, and to act accordingly, has never been more pressing.

Interweaving small, autobiographical glimpses of Lefebvre s remarkable life and career, All's Well is nevertheless a story of us all, providing a rare and lyrical perspective on humankind and what both parts of that word truly mean.

Hardcover 174 p.