These books speak to the bigger picture- how we live together, what kind of ancestors we want to be, and what systems we need to leave behind. With an eye to justice, kinship, and long-term thinking, they inspire soulful change-makers and visionaries to shape a different future.
Sarah McFarland Taylor’s Green Sisters documents how Catholic nuns embody ecological spirituality through gardening, eco-building, and activism. Drawing inspiration from Thomas Berry, these communities extend their vows to include care for the Earth and reinterpret liturgy as celebration of creation. Their practices directly counter the extractive mindset, modelling interdependence, sustainability, and reverence for life. A hopeful and grounded book, it demonstrates how paradigm shifts are lived as well as imagined. A key resource for exploring cultural shift and collective purpose.
Thomas Berry’s The Great Work names the cultural and spiritual transformation needed in our time: the move from an extractive worldview to an Earth-centred one. Berry argues that our ecological crisis is fundamentally a crisis of imagination and worldview, requiring a new cultural story that honours life as a “communion of subjects.” His book is both critique and compass, offering guidance for education, religion, and economics. A foundational text for those drawn to cultural shift and collective purpose, reminding us that the task of transition is ours to share.
Rob Hopkins’ How to Fall in Love with the Future invites us to see tomorrow not through the lens of fear, but through imagination and hope. In a world saturated with stories of collapse, Hopkins reminds us that cultural change begins when we dare to dream differently. Drawing on community projects already creating alternatives, he shows how imagination can be a collective force for renewal. Falling in love with the future is not escapism- it is courage, and a vital step in shaping a culture of possibility.
Rob Hopkins’ From What Is to What If makes the case that imagination is our most vital resource for cultural change. By asking “what if?” communities around the world are reimagining food, energy, education, and belonging. Hopkins reminds us that to move beyond the dominant paradigm, we must not only critique “what is” but also nurture shared visions of “what could be.” A hopeful, practical guide for turbulent times
What would it take to rethink poverty, work, and opportunity at a systemic level? Rutger Bregman’s Utopia for Realists argues that universal basic income, shorter working weeks, and open borders are not utopian fantasies but credible proposals for cultural change. Drawing on history and research, he shows how today’s radical ideas can become tomorrow’s common sense. This book is a vital contribution to the conversation about cultural shift and collective purpose – and a timely reminder of the power of imagination in shaping society.
Charles Eisenstein’s The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible explores the shift from the “Story of Separation” — where life is framed as competition, control, and scarcity — to the “Story of Interbeing,” rooted in connection, compassion, and shared wellbeing. Through short, reflective chapters, Eisenstein invites us to embrace the uncertainty and grief of leaving old narratives behind, recognising them as fertile ground for new possibilities. He offers no quick fixes, but a humble, deeply human call to enact change through small, daily acts of care. This is a book to read slowly, allowing its ideas to take root. It’s an invitation to live as if a better world is possible — because, in countless small ways, it already is.
Sacred Instructions by Sherri Mitchell is a profound and thought-provoking book that blends Indigenous wisdom, legal expertise, and spiritual insight. Mitchell, a Penobscot Nation member and activist, offers a powerful call to reconnect with ancestral teachings to foster healing, justice, and environmental stewardship. Addressing themes of decolonization, interconnectedness, and personal transformation, this book provides both reflection and action. A must-read for those seeking meaningful change.
The Second Mountain by David Brooks invites readers on a profound journey from individual success to a life of deeper meaning, connection, and purpose. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, Brooks explores the shift from self-centred ambition to service, relationships, and community. Highlighting four key commitments—vocation, marriage, faith, and community—the book critiques hyper-individualism and offers a fresh vision of fulfilment rooted in connection. Perfect for those seeking to redefine their priorities and climb their own second mountain.
Roman Krznaric’s The Good Ancestor invites readers to shift from short-term thinking to a visionary “cathedral thinking” mindset, where we prioritize actions that will benefit generations far beyond our lifetimes. Using inspiring examples of “time rebels” who work for the long-term well-being of humanity and the planet, Krznaric challenges our focus on immediate results. This compelling book calls on us to reflect on the legacy we wish to leave behind, advocating for mindful choices that shape a just, sustainable world for future generations.
Bruce Daisley’s Fortitude challenges conventional views on resilience, shifting the focus from individual grit to the vital role of community and social connection. In this review, we explore how the book redefines inner strength and offers a more holistic approach to facing life’s challenges. Read on to discover why resilience is truly built together, not alone
Higher Purpose by Robert Holden invites readers to go beyond success and discover a deeper sense of meaning. Blending psychology and spirituality, the book offers reflective exercises and soulful insights to help uncover your true purpose. Uplifting and wise, it’s ideal for those drawn to inner growth and heartfelt living.
If you’re interested in going deeper into the ideas these books touch on, take a look at my Beyond the Dominant Paradigm blog series, where I explore how our prevailing cultural assumptions shape – and limit – the ways we live and imagine alternatives.