In the Belly of the Beast: Technology, Nature and the Human Prospect

In this dramatic and compelling group of essays, Steve Talbott explores the necessities and trials, the virtues and temptations, of the increasingly sophisticated technological accomplishments of our lives. He traces the long journey from Odysseus, "man of many devices," to the Silicon Valley "man of many gadgets." Talbott discusses the lessons we can learn from the dissolution of the Amazon basin cultures under the impact of western civilization. He articulates the concept of an "ecological conversation," which can lead to more substantial relations between humanity and nature.