In *The Coronation*, Charles Eisenstein presents a series of essays that delve into the profound societal changes and crises exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The book explores themes of despair, hope, courage, division, and reunion, providing a framework for understanding and navigating the post-pandemic world. Eisenstein argues that the pandemic has revealed deep flaws in our societal systems, offering an opportunity for renewal and the creation of a more sane and whole society.
This book delves into the narratives that underpin our society, contrasting the 'Story of Separation'—which views everything as separate—and the emerging 'Story of Interbeing'—which sees everything as interconnected. Eisenstein argues that our current planetary crises are rooted in the old story and invites readers to adopt a new worldview of interbeing. He relates real-life stories to illustrate how individual acts of courage, kindness, and self-trust can transform our culture and contribute to a more beautiful world. The book emphasizes the need to surrender the old worldview of separation to create a more connected and harmonious world[3][4][5].
In 'A Paradise Built in Hell', Rebecca Solnit examines how people respond to disasters and crises, often forming strong, resilient communities. The book delves into the human capacity for cooperation, altruism, and mutual aid during times of catastrophe, challenging the common narrative that disasters bring out the worst in people. Solnit draws on historical examples such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, and Hurricane Katrina to illustrate these phenomena.
Sacred Economics traces the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation, competition, and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth. The book explores avant-garde concepts of the New Economics, including negative-interest currencies, local currencies, gift economies, and the restoration of the commons. Eisenstein considers the personal dimensions of this economic transition and presents a vision that is original yet commonsense, radical yet gentle, and increasingly relevant as the crises of our civilization deepen.
One of the deepest integrative thinkers active today, today's guest is a voice both crucial and integral to this conversation.
Meet Charles Eisenstein.
A speaker, writer, and social philosopher focusing on themes of human cultural evolution, economics and consciousness, Charles is the author of several books, including Climate - A New Story, Sacred Economics, The More Beautiful World our Hearts Know is Possible, and The Ascent of Humanity.
A graduate of Yale University, where he acquired degrees in both mathematics and philosophy, Charles is a counter-culture intellectual and proponent of alternative political and economic narratives that combine ecology, biology, philosophy & spirituality to challenge our current system. You can find his essays, videos, courses and podcasts at charleseisenstein.org.
Recognizing the delicacy of this moment, I’ve been very careful about who I invite on the show to discuss it.
The pandemic has cast a cosmic panic I am not interested in amplifying. Nor do I feel it appropriate to deliver an empty dose of conjectural optimism.
I don’t hold myself out as knowing what exactly is happening. I don’t think any of us do.
I can’t give you a prediction or a prescription.
What I can offer is perception. Some perspective. And a broader aperture to reckon with the many ramifications of this most unusual global event.
Last week I devoured a recent essay by Charles entitled The Coronation. I found it to be one of the most insightful and well-considered long reads on how to think expansively about our current moment. It’s a piece that has stayed with me -- and the motivation behind today's exchange.
In the vein of my exchanges with Dr. Zach Bush, this is a thoughtful and at times metaphysical conversation about completely redefining our definition of normal.
It's about the potential energy of this shared experience to unite humanity around reinventing society wholesale.
It’s about asking questions. It’s about challenging the dominant narrative. Taking a hard look at our institutional failures. And the systems that perpetuate them.
But more than anything, this a conversation about standing in our fear. As we delicately wade through the muddy waters of media calamity, conspiracy theories, and fake news, it's about learning how to listen. How to feel. And how to excite the senses around the quiet call that change is actualizing.
Without minimizing the severity of what is and what is to come, this truly is our opportunity to cast a new world.
May Charles Eisenstein be our gentle steward.
Audio Note: This podcast was recorded remotely. Therefore, please excuse the audio quality, a somewhat eroded version of what you’ve come to expect.
Facebook Group: I have been remiss in not previously announcing that I recently created a Facebook Group for fans of the show to to congregate. Click here to join.
I'm honored to host today's discourse. May it leave you better than you were before.
Peace + Plants,
Rich
The Rich Roll Podcast 
