Chaos Point 2012 and Beyond

A Reader Views Book Review

Chaos Point 2012 and Beyond: Our Choices between Global Disaster and a Sustainable Planet
Ervin Laszlo
Hampton Roads Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9781571746429
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (2/11)

     We’ve all heard the ominous Mayan end of the world predictions for 2012: on December 12th of that year, our world as we know it will abruptly end. Author and world-renowned theorist Ervin Laszlo says the date actually should be viewed as absolutely critical…but not for the reasons you would think. In his book, Chaos Point 2012 and Beyond: Our Choices between Global Disaster and a Sustainable Planet he explains his analysis and methodology for this surprising theory.

      Chaos Point 2012 and Beyond says that we are currently living at a crossroads.  If we continue to live like we have been living, our planet will no longer have the means to sustain mankind. Conversely, if we begin living with great respect to our environment, start slowing the global population explosion, begin minimizing resource waste among other things, 2012 will come and go without great incident. Essentially, it is what we do now that determines whether mankind will have a prosperous future or experience a global breakdown. 

     Laszlo presents his theories in an extremely intelligent, matter of fact fashion, providing peer reviewed references to back up his statements. The book is well organized into basically ‘how we got where we are’ and ‘what we can do to change our fate’ while explaining the confusing fundamentals of chaos.  All in all, it’s a profound read—even if you don’t agree with all of his underlying principles, he’s still spot on regarding mankind’s need to make changes for the global good.  Therefore, I would recommend the book to those interested in ‘green’ living as it supports their ideals while the timeline backs up their call for immediate changes.

      Chaos Point 2012 and Beyond is a reprinted and updated version of his previous published book, The Chaos Point, released in 2006. Ervin Laszlo is a highly educated writer, has a mile-long list of impressive accolades, and is internationally recognized as an expert in his field; he’s got more than enough credentials to place his book well above and beyond other books of its kind. Written above the typical adult reading level, Chaos Point 2012 and Beyond will have you thinking long and hard even after you’ve finished the last page.


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