Imagine: What America Could be in the 21st Century

Edited by Marianne Williamson and Anne Lamott; 39 contributors, including, John Bradshaw, Sarah Ban Breathnach, Deepak Chopra, Paul Hawken and Lance Secretan

The writers in this optimistic anthology didn’t want to buy into the typical doomsayer theories and gloomy forecasts when imagining the future of America. Instead, editor Marianne Williamson assembled a soul-stirring gospel choir to sing out vivid, uplifting songs of hope and imagination. The contributors represent expertise across a spectrum of disciplines, including business, medicine, education and law.

Although their approaches differ, these leaders share a vision of America 50 years from now that is more environmentally aware, spiritual, and humane than today.

• Leadership expert Dr. Lance Secretan contrasts the shift from what he calls “the old story” of leadership to “the new story” and the transition from a metrics-driven world to one built on the positive economics of serving others.
• Ecologist Paul Hawken sees strength in the 30,000 disparate citizens’ groups fighting for social and environmental sustainability.
• Physician Dean Ornish envisions a health system that recognizes and reimburses “good science,” i.e., the growing alliance between traditional and alternative medicine based on the proven relationship between physical disease and emotional and spiritual well-being.
• John Robbins imagines the typical family meal in the year 2030, in which he serves organic food bought from the local farmer’s market and lovingly prepared by enthusiastic family members. This may sound like pie-in-the-sky talk, but Robbins backs it up with a solid plan that could lead to better diets, healthier food production, and even end world hunger.
• One of the most profound essays comes from Fred Branfman, who writes about “Legacies.” He makes a convincing case for imagining the faces of future generations and taking responsibility now, to ensure the health of their world.
• Other excellent contributions include Eric Utne, editor of Utne Reader magazine, speaking on a new media that becomes “the connective tissue” in our culture, emphasizing community, debate, and conversation.
• Iyanla Vanzant imagines “Civility,” Bell Hooks gives voice to 21st-century sexuality, and John Bradshaw sees the future family.

Even if you only time travel from your armchair, this is a future you’ll want to spend a lifetime creating. The book, together with resources found on this website, offers a comprehensive system for raising the level of inspiration in any organization.