Duane Elgin
Author, Visionary and Citizen-Voice Activist
Culture and Consciousness

Becoming a Global Eco-Civilization

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This is a paper that I wrote after being invited to China in 2013 to give a presentation on the theme of a “global eco-civilization” at a major, international conference sponsored by China. After the Chinese censors read the paper I was inexplicably dis-invited from the conference—perhaps because of my call for an “Earth-Voice” movement that transcends the gridlock of nation-state bureaucracies.

The Self-Guiding Evolution of Civilizations

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A long article by Duane for the Systems Research and Behavioral Science Journal.
Because the impact of humanity is now global, we are challenged to become reflective at this scale if we are to be choiceful about our common future. The vehicle of collective attention at a civilizational scale is the mass media, particularly broadcast television. If civilizations are to become self-guiding in their evolution, then it is vital for the public to mobilize the airwaves, already owned by the public, on behalf of the public interest.

Transformational Philanthropy

Download the PDF: Transformational Philanthropy.

A report co-authored by Duane and Elizabeth Share. This report summarizes two years of inquiry regarding the creative role of philanthropy in responding to our rapidly changing world. Can we find trusted ways of identifying and supporting “transformational initiatives” for a more sustainable, just, and compassionate future?

The Limits to Complexity: Are Bureaucracies Becoming Unmanageable?

Download the PDF: The Limits to the Management of Large, Complex Systems

An article co-authored with Robert Bushnell, Jr., and published in The Futurist magazine that explores how many bureaucracies are pressing against the limits of our ability to manage systems of great size and complexity. Will these super-systems of stupendous size and complexity break down in the future? This summary article is based on a larger report for SRI International “Limits to the Management of Large, Complex Systems” done for the National Science Foundation and the project, Assessment of Future National and International Problem Areas, 1977, SRI Project 4676.