Reviews

REVOLUTION OR RENAISSANCE
Making the Transition from an
Economic Age to a Cultural Age
by
D. Paul Schafer

It is to his enormous credit that D. Paul Schafer holds a perennial middle ground in the Herculean task of raising human consciousness to an urgent and critical focus upon our moment in history. He does this not only with vertical and horizontal precision in Revolution or Renaissance, but more significantly, by inviting us to enter the 'story of our times' within his own keenly defined holographic view - the view which best describes a horizon toward which humankind has already embarked. He deftly illustrates 'culture' as the framework within which the spirit of the times emerges, and 'economy' as the blood supply which has nourished its function across the arcs of civilization. Schafer invites us to move above and beyond - by a radical 're-booting' of the two interlocking limbs of the paradigm we have come to know. As such, he provides us with the indicators that are needed to understand the new paradigm that is rapidly taking shape in the world.

There could not be a more opportune time for the appearance of D. Paul Schafer's Revolution or Renaissance. Thoughtful people throughout the world are aware of the crisis of modern civilization - the possibility of conflict involving savage weaponry, global warming at the tipping point of potentially irreversible environmental damage, and hunger, disease and poverty in the midst of unrestrained riches and consumerism. Only a basic shift from the present economic age to a future cultural age can provide the foundation upon which the survival of the species and the planet are assured. Schafer has produced a triumph!

Revolution or Renaissance, appearing in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008), draws us into issues of transition from an economic age to a cultural age in a clear and attractive manner. Through his fine analysis of the economic age, of its theories, policies and practices, and his lucid vision of what the cultural age should be, D. Paul Schafer alerts us to the fact that we have arrived at a crucial turning point in history. A transformation is needed in the human condition and the author proposes a renaissance, against conflict, confrontation, and revolution. In the best manner, Schafer draws the attention of the reader to the decisive significance of the rise of culture as an essential force in the world, for a future sustainable development of humanity. This book is an invaluable answer to the question: what kind of development, what kind of culture for the future?

Paul Schafer's book Revolution or Renaissance: Making the Transition from an Economic Age to a Cultural Age is a timely guide to the healthy orientation of world development. China is in the midst of rapid economic development which aims at lifting 1.3 billion people out of backwardness and poverty. Remarkable success has been achieved, yet accompanied by imbalance and lack of coordination. Summing up experiences and lessons, a Scientific Concept of Development has been raised for China's road ahead. At the core of this concept is putting people first and aiming at comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development. In this sense, to my understanding, China is trying to make the transition from a primarily economic age to an essentially cultural age. As a Chinese scholar of development studies and cultural studies, I highly appreciate Paul Schafer's valuable contribution which is partly embodied in this book. The Social Sciences Academic Press of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences took an important step by translating his manuscript into Chinese and publishing it first in China in 2006.

There is no doubt that two great ideas of the 18th. century -- free market capitalism (now globalized) and representative government (mistakenly called "democracy") -- though once brilliant solutions to certain problems of their times, are now major reasons why much of the world faces ecological, economic, and political collapse. D. Paul Schafer presents hopeful indicators in Revolution or Renaissance of movement towards an alternative, cultural age.

If several hundred years from now human beings look back at the present era, they will discern among the many well-meaning enthusiasts and fanatics out to change the derailed direction of our species' evolution, a few voices of true maturity. These voices are those of persons who thoroughly consider both sides of any position and provide weight for the one they have chosen only after having examined the sources, the nature, and the probable course toward the future of each. They are the innovators destined to stand out in the history books of the future.

One of these voices is that of D. Paul Schafer -- and perhaps also that of his publisher -- because of equal importance with a new message are those who fully understand its importance and transmit it to posterity. Without them, any voice, no matter how essential for the human fate, is destined to drown in the clamour of present opinions.

This author's message is important for the human fate. Schafer argues that major transitions of worldviews during the course of human history have come about in two ways: either through non-violent evolution -- the gradual conviction that a new worldview is preferable -- or through revolutions, wars, and violence with devastating consequences. His latest work is dedicated to bringing about by peaceful means a transition from our present economic age to a larger and more all-encompassing cultural age - and to the reasons why such a transition is urgently needed.

The origins and historical development of the economic age are described in great detail and its advantages and disadvantages assessed, including 'consumption of the world's renewable and non-renewable resources at an alarming rate,' and 'multiplication of consumer demands and expectations that are impossible to fulfill.'

His case for the benefits of a cultural age is made with equally conscientious attention to detail. It gives priority to 'the whole' rather than 'a part of the whole,' as well as to the need to achieve balanced, harmonious and equitable relationships between the parts and the whole, economics and all other activities in society.

An extensive and well-written Prologue sets the entire undertaking in context and draws attention to its importance and urgency. It indicates that Schafer has not only maintained his thoroughness, but also his writing has received new life and new wings through the value and implications of his message. In spite of his success in the educational field, it is Schafer's hope that Revolution or Renaissance will reach beyond that field to connect with the general public.

D. Paul Schafer's book Revolution or Renaissance is especially important at this time in history because it offers specific keys to reading present and future changes occurring throughout the world, such as the holistic transformation in all areas of knowledge. This transformation requires, as is well emphasized in the book, adaptations at all levels of the educational system, as well as the development of new ways of training in the different disciplines and professions.

The author's long standing experience in cultural matters is especially valuable in the area of cultural education, which is becoming more and more imperative in a world where different cultures - with different values, choices and behaviours - need to coexist. Cultural education is a prerequisite for the future of the world as different cultures need to interact in a creative manner that leads to peaceful and responsible citizenship.

Revolution or Renaissance: Making the Transition from an Economic Age to a Cultural Age is published by the University of Ottawa Press in its Governance Series. It was first published in Chinese by the Social Sciences Academic Press in Beijing in 2006.