The Wisdom Body

Earthseed is a science fiction novel by Octavia Butler, forming part of the Earthseed series. It follows the journey of Lauren Olamina, a young woman navigating a dystopian future marked by societal collapse and environmental devastation. The novel explores themes of faith, survival, and the power of human adaptation in the face of adversity. Lauren's unique philosophy, Earthseed, emphasizes the importance of change and the interconnectedness of all things. The story unfolds through Lauren's personal struggles and her unwavering commitment to spreading her belief system. Earthseed ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Published in 1993, 'Parable of the Sower' is a dark and vivid portrayal of a future where global climate change and economic crises have led to social chaos. The story is told through the diary entries of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old Black girl living in a gated community near Los Angeles. Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her feel the pain and pleasure of others. As her community is destroyed by external threats, Lauren embarks on a perilous journey north, developing a new faith called Earthseed along the way. Earthseed's central doctrine is that 'God is Change' and cannot be resisted, but can be influenced. The novel explores themes of survival, faith, family, hope, and community in a world torn apart by environmental devastation, economic collapse, and violence.