Duane Elgin

Duane Elgin's Key Accomplishments Include . . .
Duane Elgin is an author, speaker, educator, consultant and media activist. For more than three decades, he has defined the cutting edge in consciousness research, in the ecology movement, and in future studies. He pioneered the “Voluntary Simplicity” movement with his now classic first book of the same name, published in the 1980s. The book provided an exploration of the practical and philosophical meaning of simplicity, as well as a comprehensive overview of the precarious ecological predicament of our planet.

As an internationally recognized author and speaker who looks beneath the surface turbulence of our times to explore the deeper trends that are transforming our world, Duane Elgin examines how momentous "adversity trends" (such as climate change) are meeting equally momentous "opportunity trends" (such as the global communications revolution) and what the implications of such converegences may hold. For more than thirty years, Duane Elgin has been speaking and writing in four major areas: the big picture of humanity’s evolutionary journey at this pivotal time in history, more sustainable and satisfying ways of living, media accountability for an empowered citizenry and society, and the convergence of science with the world’s wisdom traditions and their shared views of a living universe.

Duane has given more than 250 keynotes and workshops with audiences ranging from business executives and civic groups to spiritual communities and college students. He likes to bring an engaging, conversational approach to his talks. Audiences often describe Duane Elgin's presentations as "absolutely captivating" and that they "inspired our deepest thinking." 

Duane Elgin is the author of several major books: Promise Ahead: A Vision of Hope and Action for Humanity's Future, Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich, and Awakening Earth: Exploring the Evolution of Human Culture and Consciousness. With Joseph Campbell and others, he co-authored the book Changing Images of Man.

More About Duane Elgin. . .
Duane Elgin has worked as a senior social scientist with the think tank SRI International, where he co-authored numerous studies on the long-range future for government agencies such as the National Science Foundation. He has also worked as a senior staff member of the joint Presidential-Congressional Commission on the American Future.

As a media activist, over the past twenty-five years Duane Elgin has co-founded three, non-profit, trans-partisan organizations concerned with media accountability.

Duane Elgin has an MBA from the Wharton School, an MA in Economic History from the University of Pennsylvania, and an honorary Doctor of Philosophy for work in "ecological and spiritual transformation" from the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA. Duane Elgin was honored in 2006 with the International “Goi Peace Award” in recognition of his contribution to a "global vision, consciousness and lifestyle” that fosters a “more sustainable and spiritual culture.”

• Green Business and New Consumer Values in a World of Rapid Change:
  

  This talk explores the big picture of change for business. First, powerful driving trends—ranging from global warming to running out of cheap oil—are fundamentally changing the global economy and pushing the rise of green business. Second, consumer values are also undergoing deep changes and this is seen in the rise of green consumers concerned with more sustainable ways of living. Third, these trends present a new level of opportunity for green businesses as consumers seek to increase their security, sustainability, and sense of community in a dramatically changing world.

• The World At The Tipping Point -- A Hopeful View of Our Future:
  

  This talk and facilitated audience conversation explores themes ranging from the life stage of the human family to how unprecedented “adversity trends” (such as climate change) are meeting equally unprecedented “opportunity trends” (such as the communications revolution), and how this, in turn, is producing a pivotal time in human history. Duane further considers what we can do in our personal, professional, and civic lives to build a more promising future. Grounded in more than 35 years of work, the “tipping point talk” provides a big picture perspective for understanding the enormous waves of change that are sweeping the world.

• Moving Toward Simplicity, Sustainability, and Community:
  

  This keynote and/or workshop explores “cool lifestyles for our hot world.” Duane also looks at changing values as well as new forms of community that are emerging in response to climate change, energy shortages, and more. He presents a promising view of a future of simplicity and community.

• We Live In a Living Universe:
  

  A stunning view of the universe and our evolutionary journey within it is emerging from the combined wisdom of science and spirituality. In this talk, Duane explores these two threads and how they are converging with profound implications for humanity’s sense of identity, life-purpose, and understanding for the nature of the universe that is our home.

• Media Accountability & Citizen Empowerment:
  

  Citizens and communities face the “perfect storm” of a world systems crisis due to climate change, shortages of oil, and more. The conversation of democracy needs to match the seriousness of the challenges we confront. In a grass-roots, trans-partisan movement, citizens can create a new level of conversation for democracy and communicate our way into a more sustainable and meaningful future.

"Duane Elgin gave an absolutely captivating presentation to a very bright and savvy group of business leaders in our 'Executives Leading Sustainable Change' program. He provoked our deepest thinking and inspired urgent action! Hiring Duane is one of the best investments we have ever made!"

-- Rayona Sharpnack, President of the Institute for Women Leadership, Redwood City, California

"Duane Elgin totally engaged more than 2,000 green building professionals in a spirited dialog about the future, and in the process began conversations between individuals that spilled over into the conference halls. Duane's strength is 'speaking with,' instead of 'talking to.' Participants were empowered to be part of an ongoing dialog about our mutual future. As chair of the world's largest green building conference, I can say that Duane's impact was immediate, profound and likely to be lasting on our industry."

--Jerry Yudelson, MBA, Chair, US Greenbuild Conference

"Among the nationally distinguished presenters in our 'Technology and Society Series' at Santa Clara University, Duane Elgin was one of the finest. His talk and ensuing discussion on alternative futures and ecological lifestyles was rated by students and community participants as one of the most engaging and entertaining presentations of the series. I give Duane Elgin my highest recommendation."

-- Mitch Saunders, Director of Programs, California Leadership