Fritjof Capra is at the forefront of the revolution in modern science which has challenged a conventional mechanistic view of the world based on the thinking of Descartes and Newton and brought us towards a holistic, ecological view. Here, Capra offers a brilliant, radical synthesis of such recent scientific breakthroughs as the theory of complexity, Gaia theory, chaos theory and other explanations of the properties of organisms, social systems and ecosystems. His findings ¿ based on ten years of research and discussion with scientists from around the world ¿ provide an extraordinary new foundation for ecological policies that will allow us to build and sustain communities without diminishing opportunities for future generations, and come closer than ever before to answering the question, 'What is life?' 'This stunning synthesis, by an inspired scientist, draws scientists, experts, and decision makers and concerned citizens into broader multi-disciplinary networks and dialogues about human development and the future of all life on earth' HAZEL HENDERSON, author of 'The Politics of the Solar Age and Paradigms in Progress' 'Conceptually more extraordinary than anything Capra has yet written ¿ Doctor Capra, indeed, is a physicien de la terre' JAY GRIFFITHS, 'Guardian' 'An important book, even for someone of Dr Capra's standing ¿ a synthesis of the scientific, the philosophical and the spiritual dimensions of systems thinking' GRAHAM LAWTON, 'Times Higher Education Supplement'