The Politics of Being - a new book by Thomas Legrand

Thomas Legrand works in the field of sustainability for UN agencies, private companies, and NGOs. 

He holds a Ph.D. in (Ecological) Economics,  having studied international development, political science, and management.

Thomas is currently the Lead Technical Advisor for the Conscious Food Systems Alliance convened by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). His focus is on forest conservation, climate change, sustainable finance, leadership and how to cultivate inner capacities for systemic transformation.

Speaking to the inaugural World Upshift EMEA Forum, Thomas said " My spiritual journey began at the age of 23 with an encounter with native spirituality in Mexico, before embracing the wisdom of a wide range of traditions and practices, including meditation, energetic healing and Tai-chi-chuan". 

Thomas lives with his wife and their two young daughters near Plum Village, the monastery of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in the South West of France, his country. 

His spiritual search, his thought as a social scientist and his professional experience have gradually converged on the importance of spiritual wisdom in humanity’s ongoing transition. 

Thomas went on to explain that he has dedicated much of his time over the last ten years "to searching for a way to mainstream spiritual understanding into the politics and conversation about sustainability, researching and reflecting on how this can help us radically rethink our model of development." 

To read an extract form the book, click here |The Politics of Being

Reviews of The Politics of Being

“a profound, insightful, extensively researched, sensitive and much needed  essay which provides a precious roadmap for traveling together towards a  better world.”  

 —Matthieu Ricard,  Buddhist monk,  Humanitarian and Author 

 “Thomas Legrand is a thought leader whose time in the development  field allowed him insights into how development needs to evolve toward  more consciousness. This book is vital and pioneering to help us all start  thinking through how this critical journey can happen. I encourage all  development practitioners to read it to help guide their future work.” 

 — Andrew Bovarnick, Global Head Food and Agricultural  Commodity Systems, UNDP 

 “Politics of Being addresses the critical question of how the spiritual and  moral capacities of both individuals and communities can be brought to  bear on the challenges facing humanity. My warmest congratulations and  appreciation to Mr. Legrand.” 

 — Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the   Baha’i International Community, United Nations Office,  New York City  

 “We desperately need to see a marriage of science and wisdom. Thomas  Legrand has made a good case for it. It is a wonderful and timely book.” 

 — Satish Kumar, Author, Editor and Activist,   Founder of the Schumacher College

  “Setting Politics of Being apart from less rigorous utopian visions is  Legrand’s thoroughness and clarity, and especially his careful consideration  of how to achieve this species-wide awakening and what in practice it  would look like.”  

 — BookLife Reviews

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