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280
Book • Nonfiction
Global • Contemporary
2009
Adult
18+ years
The Wayfinders by Wade Davis is a collection of lectures that celebrate and explain the traditional wisdom and worldviews of some of the world's oldest and most remote cultures. Davis argues that these cultures possess valuable environmental knowledge essential for humanity's survival and critiques Western industrialism's lack of respect for such wisdom. The book highlights the urgency of preserving these traditions and adopts a unique technique by intertwining historical and contemporary anthropology with personal narratives. Sensitive topics addressed include the histories of colonization, cultural loss, and ecological destruction.
Informative
Inspirational
Contemplative
Adventurous
Hopeful
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Wade Davis' The Wayfinders has been praised for its compelling exploration of indigenous cultures and anthropological insights. Reviewers appreciate Davis' eloquent prose and respectful portrayal of diverse communities. Some find the book occasionally repetitive and dense. Overall, it is considered an enlightening read that celebrates cultural diversity and knowledge.
A reader who would enjoy The Wayfinders by Wade Davis is fascinated by cultural anthropology, Indigenous knowledge, and the preservation of traditional wisdom. Similar in appeal to Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel and Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens, this book captures the intricate tapestry of human civilization through diverse, often endangered, cultures.
4,355 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Carl Linnaeus
A Swedish botanist who pioneered the system of binomial nomenclature used for naming organisms, contributing significantly to the study of plant and animal classification.
The San
A group of Khoisan-speaking indigenous peoples from Southern Africa, used as an example of cultural adaptation tied closely to the landscape.
Franz Boas
A German-born American anthropologist known as the father of American anthropology, who advocated for understanding cultural practices in their own context.
Polynesian Wayfinders
A tradition of navigators in Polynesia, exemplified by figures like Nainoa Thompson and their incredible skills in navigation without modern instruments.
The Barasana
An Amazonian tribe among several with a communal cosmology that integrates mythology with effective ecological adaptation strategies.
Martin Von Hildebrand
A figure involved in the cultural revival of Colombian indigenous peoples, helping secure significant legal land rights in the Amazon.
The Kogi, Arhuacos, and Wiwa
Descendants of the Tairona civilization in Colombia, living in seclusion and known for their ecological stewardship and call to action against environmental destruction.
Matthieu Ricard
A Tibetan monk of French origin, transitioning from molecular biology to Buddhist studies, exemplifying the integration of Western science with ancient traditions.
280
Book • Nonfiction
Global • Contemporary
2009
Adult
18+ years
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