What We Lost

Among the billions of people over the age of 20, how many can truly be called adults? Not only defined by age, but by words like integrity, empathy, or critical thinking? Ten percent? Five percent? And why is this the case? This book is about loss. The loss of natural adults, and of the ancient coming-of-age ceremonies that helped generate them. It is also about the loss of the balanced reality that required them, the harmonious communities they fostered, and the connection with the natural world that this entailed. The shift began roughly 12,000 years ago, with the rise of two forces that reshaped human life: agriculture and civilization. To regain what was lost, one needs to see both the lost elements as well as the covering that has tried to hide it.

Among the billions of people over the age of 20, how many can truly be called adults? Not only defined by age, but by words like integrity, empathy, or critical thinking? Ten percent? Five percent? And why is this the case? This book is about loss. The loss of natural adults, and of the ancient coming-of-age ceremonies that helped generate them. It is also about the loss of the balanced reality that required them, the harmonious communities they fostered, and the connection with the natural world that this entailed. The shift began roughly 12,000 years ago, with the rise of two forces that reshaped human life: agriculture and civilization. To regain what was lost, one needs to see both the lost elements as well as the covering that has tried to hide it.