Rick Levine: Think Cosmically Act Locally

In *The Phenomenon of Man*, Teilhard de Chardin presents a vision of evolution as a process that leads to greater complexity and unity, ultimately reaching a collective consciousness he terms the 'Omega Point'. The book integrates scientific and theological perspectives, proposing a morally idealistic view of human nature and its role in the universe. Initially met with skepticism, it has since been recognized for its innovative synthesis of diverse fields.

This book, co-created by Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore, is a graphical and creative representation of McLuhan's 'medium is the message' theory. It features an experimental collage style with text and images, including photographs and historic visuals. The title, which was originally a typo ('The Medium is the Message'), was retained by McLuhan as it aptly describes how media 'massage' or influence human perception and society. The book argues that media are extensions of human senses, shaping our personal, political, economic, aesthetic, psychological, moral, ethical, and social lives. It also discusses the concept of the 'global village' and how new media technologies reshape social and personal interactions.

In 'The Undiscovered Self,' Carl Gustav Jung argues that the future of civilization depends on individuals' ability to resist the collective forces of society. Jung posits that modern society, with its emphasis on rationalism and mass culture, undermines individuality, leading to a disconnection from the inner self. He advocates for the integration of the unconscious mind with the conscious, a process known as individuation, to achieve psychological health and counter the dangers of mass society. The book explores themes such as the shadow self, the dual nature of human psyche, and the role of religion in individual expression. Jung emphasizes the need for self-knowledge and the pursuit of meaning beyond superficial modern existence, urging readers to delve into their consciousness and reclaim their individuality.