It obviously has taken me a while to get around to reading this classic book originally published in 1973. I'd heard much about it and was not disappointed. The authors did a tremendous job of recounting the history of plant research, including the work of such great scientists as George Washington Carver and scores of others. Its scope is vast and even prophetic in light of the state of agriculture and its relationship to health over four decades later.
I suspect that much of the revolution toward organic gardening originated with this book. Back then and before it was acknowledged that chemical fertilizers and pesticides would ultimately fail. How is it that wheat, known for centuries as the staff of life, is now a problem for hoards of individuals who suffer from gluten allergies? What about wheat had changed to cause this? The answer lies in the expansive use of the herbicide, Round-Up, commercial name for the chemical, glyphosate, which is stored in gluten. People aren't allergic to gluten; they're allergic to this toxic chemical.
People in countries which have banned this substance typically don't suffer from gluten allergies. It's highly likely that organic bread and other wheat products grown without being drenched in this toxic substance will not induce problems in sensitive individuals. This should not be rocket science yet, in forty years' time, the agricultural industry has not changed their chemical approach to farming. The reason is obvious--corporatism, i.e., commercial agriculture's tight relationship with the USDA, where corporate profits are more important that people's health.
Beyond all the testimonials associated with the need to respect nature is the underlying message that all life is connected. Many of the experiments and experiences recounted have not been repeated to the satisfaction of mainstream scientists. This, of course, is no surprise; the essence of life is elusive. Yet, evidence abounds for those who seek such knowledge, esoteric though it may be. If nothing else, this book inspires reverence, awe, and respect for all life, which is nothing short of a miracle. All life is connected in ways we do not yet understand.
Whether you call it instinct, DNA, intelligence, or consciousness, plants respond to various stimuli in ways that cannot be explained.
Unfortunately, research in this area is often discouraged because it's labeled "unscientific". While I suspect life's answer lies in the realm of quantum physics, the technology needed to identify, much less prove it, is not yet available. Neither will be, as long as research in such areas earns derisive comments and being ostracized by mainstream academic circles who depend on government grants.
It is very fortunate that this book is still available and being read over forty years after it was first published. It contains information that everyone should read, whether or not they believe it. The preponderance of evidence from multiple sources lends considerable weight to claims that, if heeded, would lead to a healthier populace and do much to save our planet. I will not view plantlife the same since reading this book and will be buying organic even more diligently than I did before. This book has important implications for both your physical and spiritual health. I recommend it highly.
The Secret Life of Plants: A Fascinating Account of the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Relations Between Plants and Man
4.7 | 1,384 ratings
Price: 5.99
Last update: 09-18-2024
About this item
Top reviews from the United States
5X Space Cadet
A "Must Read" for anyone who doesn't believe organic food is superior
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2016
Gail Harper
Great read
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024
Naja
great book great price
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2024Fitzherbert Farnsworth
Wonderfully Illuminating and Fascinating
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2011jennie goldberg
Great Read!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024jen barlow
Cute book
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024Leslie Taylor
Please read, enjoy and share!
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2020