Hope for a Better World

The Small Communities Solution

In these turbulent times when wars, religious strife, stifling bureaucracy and urban decay threaten our very humanity, reducing us to social statistics, a fresh approach to the creation of a truly viable society is desperately needed.

In this intellectual tour de force J. Donald Walters analyzes with deep insight the views expressed by many of the great thinkers in the West, including Plato, Copernicus, Machiavelli, Malthus, Adam Smith, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, and Sigmund Freud. He studies their conceptions and misconceptions about the individual's relation to himself and to society. He shows where their influence has proved adverse, then offers deeply considered, fresh alternatives. Walters urges the reader to resist the hypnosis of "intellectual authority." Seek the key to a happy and fulfilled life, he says, in personal integrity.

In his last chapter he draws on his own experience in developing cooperative communities. He describes how they can encourage a common-sense way of life, deepen human relationships, and inspire people to fulfill their own higher potentials. Hope for a Better World! offers compelling solutions to many of the challenges that face humanity today. Indeed, it succeeds -- originally and excitingly -- in offering real hope for a better world.

Dimensions: 8.375" x 5.375"
Details: Paperback, 257 pages
Author: J. Donald Walters

Testimonials

"A splendid book to dispel the cynicism of our times and to re-assert the practical idealism of cooperative life."
—Robert V. Hine, Professor of History, University of California, Riverside and Irvine, and author of California's Utopian Colonies

"Walters takes us on a fascinating journey backward in time in order to explore the future of human relationships. He guides us through the history of western thought to arrive at a deep understanding of our evolutionary moment — the expansion of human consciousness. Like a good story-teller, Walters leaves us waiting breathlessly to hear more, and how we can put ourselves on this path to a better world".
—Louise Diamond, Ph.D., President of PeaceTech and author of The Courage for Peace and The Peace Book

"An original thinker who is passionately hopeful for humanity, Walters examines why intentional communities so often fail, even when sincere, enthusiastic people set out with determination to build community....Walters reveals hidden legacies from philosophers of the past that influence our thinking today--how their conceptions of the individual in relation to society directly affect our current relationships...[His] intention is to clear out deadwood, but also to supply us with fresh building material. With shifts in thinking that are not that difficult, more and more successful communities could blossom. This book cries out for further study and commentary."
—NAPRA Review

"I am amazed by this book. Walters examines why certain societies of the past failed, and how others in future might succeed. His reflections are the most persuasive I've ever encountered."
—Milton Staackman, University of Hawaii, from the introduction

"Walters brings us new hope by pointing to human potentials deeper than materialistic and Darwinian expectations. This is not a "utopian" work. Its reasoned analyses are based on clear and demonstrated facts."
—Maria Donzelli, professor of the History of Philosophy, Oriental Institute of Naples, Italy

"Walters reviews the thinking, conclusions, and errors of many of the great, significant minds of past centuries and culls from that rich body of information insights for a better world, seeded in the cooperative community."
—David Feinstein, Ph.D., co-author, The Mythic Path

"As we enter the 21st century, there is a need for a reevaluation of the various philosophical paths that have brought us to this point in history, not to critique the past, but to throw light on new opportunities for creating a better future. Walters performs this task in admirable fashion. He gives us an important testament to the strength and promise of cooperative communities as stepping stones to that future."
—David Spangler, author of Everyday Miracles and Reimagination of the World

"...a timely proposal towards crossing the morass of meaninglessness found in so much modern philosophical and scientific interpretation. It is also deceptively simple, as profound ideas often are: cooperative communities. As a college instructor in the behavioral and social sciences, I look forward to sharing his message with my own students to stimulate their own thinking."
—Patricia Kirby, Ed.D., M.A., Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland University College

"Often I have asked myself is this apparently impossible dream [of a better world] capable of being realized someday? Reading, understanding, and enjoying this book has given me the hope that a world like that is truly a possibility."
—Dr. Nora Tomosoiu, Academy of Academic Studies, Bucharest, Romania

"This uniquely fascinating book distills insights on how we, as individuals, can achieve the fulfillment to which all of us aspire. Though ideal forms of society have been discussed and debated for thousands of years, never before have they been presented as Walters has done thanks to his thirty years of experience as the founder of communities that actually work. He has inspired countless people around the world to hope that a better future may await mankind."
—Maria Donatella Caramia, assistant professor of Neurology, University of Rome

"This is a remarkable book. If you are someone who has studied history, philosophy, or the sciences, and have an interest in the future of the human race, you will find this engagingly written book fascinating and a "must read". Every college and university should make this required reading for their students."
—Peter Van Houten MD, Medical Director, Sierra Family Medical Clinic

"In this groundbreaking new book J. Donald Walters explores with deep insight and intuition the thinking of some of the West's most influential minds. He then takes us "out of the box" in an exhilarating journey that profoundly questions these conclusions and puts forth some simple yet powerful alternatives. Walters is eminently practical. In the last chapter he shares his vision of cooperative communities as a way for the individual to move forward spiritually while thriving in an environment of kindred souls and rich, caring human relationships."
—New Renaissance Books

About J. Donald Walters

More about J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda), including photos and videos, is available at the official Swami Kriyananda website.

J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda) is an internationally known author, lecturer, and composer. Widely recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on meditation and yoga, he has taught these principles and techniques to hundreds of thousands of students around the world.

An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his more than 80 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one's own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas.

In 1968, Walters founded Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, dedicated to spreading the spirit of friendship, service, and community throughout the world. Ananda is recognized as one of the most successful intentional community in the world. Today, over 1,000 people reside in five Ananda communities throughout the U.S. (Seattle, Palo Alto, Portland, Sacramento and Ananda Village) and in Europe. The European retreat and community located in Assisi, Italy, also serves Ananda meditation groups in Europe, Croatia, and Russia. Both the Nevada City and Assisi communities have world-renowned guest retreat facilities where thousands of visitors annually visit for renewal or instruction in many aspects of meditation, yoga, and the spiritual life. Walters has also established "Living Wisdom" schools for grades K-12 in Nevada City, Sacramento, Portland, and Palo Alto.

Mr. Walters books and music have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 28 languages. He is the author of more than 80 books on a variety of topics including leadership, education, creativity, and moral values. His Best-selling titles include Awaken to Superconsciousness, Meditation for Starters, God Is for Everyone,The Art of Supportive Leadership, The Path — One Man's Quest on the Only Path There Is, Money Magnetism, The Essence of Self-Realization, Affirmations for Self-Healing, Education for Life, and his best-selling Secrets gift books.

A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting. Many of his new albums are instrumental works with brief affirmations or visualizations. Chuck Dilberto, of Awareness Magazine says, "Walters' words and music are full of his life and light. His sole intention is to heal, something we could all use during these chaotic times". His recent albums include Secrets of Love, Music to Awaken Superconsciousness, Windows on the World and Surrender: Mystical Music for Yoga. As a composer, Walters is best known for the top-selling albums Mystic Harp and Mystic Harp 2, featuring the legendary harpist Derek Bell, of the 5-time Grammy Award-winning group The Chieftains.

What others are saying about J. Donald Walters:

"J. Donald Walters is the kindest man I've ever met. Walters is a born, great teacher. His books are gentle masterpieces."
—Louise Hay, best selling author of You Can Heal Your Life

"J. Donald Walters has an ability to uncover countless unusual aspects of a subject, and to reveal them in an unexpected and original light. When he turns the spotlight of his concentration on any given subject, he leaves no aspect of it uncovered. What we have in J. Donald Walters, then, is an unusual and powerfully magnetic mind, and also one whose judgment is always fair. He is truly one of the great men of our time."
—Derek Bell, 5-time Grammy Award-winning harpist of The Chieftains

"J. Donald Walters has been one of the most important Western exponents of yoga in the past 30 years."
—Dr. David Frawley, renowned authority on yoga and author of Ayurveda and the Mind and Gods, Sages, and Kings

"J. Donald Walters is wise teacher whose words convey love and compassion. Read and listen, and allow your life to change."
—Larry Dossey, best selling author of Healing Words

"My listeners felt fed by the interview, and were inspired to ask for more. What a blessing it was to have an opportunity to have such understanding and wisdom on major media. After the interview was over, listeners called in for nearly two hours afterwards thanking us for interviewing Mr. Walters."
—Jan Hutchins, KCBS radio

"Mr. Walters is a delight to hear. His talks are always based on high spiritual wisdom, but it is wisdom made practical and accessible for ordinary people. His clarity and sincerity, his devotion, and his talks are sure to leave you feeling a renewed commitment to spiritual living, with deeper understanding of how to do that sensibly."
—John White, author of Thinking the Unthinkable

"There is a peace and quietness surrounding him that give a hint of his spiritual stature. Many times have I listened to him speak, and always have come away feeling refreshed and energized. It is not only the lectures, the teachings, and the books of J. Donald Walters that shed light on areas of darkness or confusion in people's lives. Above all, perhaps, it is the example of the man himself, the peace and calm that surround him, the spiritual power that emanates from him, that point the way to each person's own inner enlightenment."
—John Harricharan, Body, Mind, & Spirit magazine

"J. Donald Walters is one of the New Age movement's best known voices."
— India Currents

"J. Donald Walters is one of the best known modern exponents of the ancient science of yoga. He is a gifted lecturer, author, teacher, composer, singer, and philosopher, as well as an artist, scientist, and businessman. In 1969, J. Donald Walters founded Ananda Village, which has become widely recognized as one of the most successful New Age communities in the world."
—Science of Mind Magazine

"I feel I can recommend this man of love and his sparkling teachings without reservation."
—David Alan Ramsdale, Meditation Magazine

"J. Donald Walters is perhaps the most respected non-Indian exponent of yoga in the world."
—Justine & Michael Toms, New Dimensions Foundation

"Your openness, your undeviating devotion to life and service, and your joyous good humor express themselves in your bookåÉit came to an end too soon!"
—Ken Keyes, Jr. best selling author of Handbook to Higher Consciousness