The Art of Coexistence

How can you and I contribute to creating a more peaceful, sustainable world in these divided times? With an unwavering belief in the goodness of humankind, New York Times bestselling author Ilchi Lee gives a compelling answer to this question.


We are living in a very special time. We are enveloped in layers of problems—the pandemic, climate change, modern warfare, artificial intelligence—any one of which could drive humankind to a catastrophic end. What these various problems have in common is that they cannot be solved by any particular individual or group; they can only be solved when we all gather our strength together in solidarity.


Though there are many serious problems, there is just one solution for solving them, and it’s simple: harmonious coexistence, a way of life based on the bone-deep realization of every individual that “I myself, other people, and the earth are an inseparable oneness.”


Coexistence is not one of many approaches to living. It is the only way we can sustain life for long. More than any new technology or infrastructure, we desperately need this understanding and attitude to achieve a viable planet.


The foundation of this book is the belief that the human mind has the inherent ability to make coexistence possible. Finding this ability hidden within us and learning how to use it is a new art we can pursue and develop.


In The Art of Coexistence, Ilchi Lee, in collaboration with Steve Kim, details the core concepts and principles of this art, as well as practical methods for making use of them. Examining the societal, educational, and spiritual changes we need to establish true coexistence, Lee and Kim lay the philosophical groundwork to build a better world—starting today.


Reviews


The Art of Coexistence masterfully addresses both the root causes of our anxieties about the rapidly unfolding existential threats to our future, while providing at the same time a simple paradigm and practical strategy out of this dilemma.

- Emeran A. Mayer, MD, Ph.D., author of The Mind-Gut Connection


This book strikes a resonant chord, beginning with recognizing that solutions to our environmental crises lie not outside of us, but within us. Grounded in love for all beings, the authors take the reader by the hand to remind us of our innate ability to live harmoniously on planet Earth through proactive and warm-hearted coexistence.

- Craig Elevitch Ph.D., director of Agroforestry Net


Ilchi Lee’s book, The Art of Coexistence, shows us how we can live more meaningful and joyful lives while also contributing to the sustainability of the planet. It is inspirational as well as practical, and it points the way toward a more harmonious future. It arrives at the perfect time.

- Rev. Barry Ebert, minister at Mile Hi Church


Ilchi Lee dreams BIG. In The Art of Coexistence, he examines society’s problems and outlines ways to solve them. He also thinks small, reminding us that the age of man is insignificant in Earth’s history and that the answer lies within each of us. He explains how people and society can align with nature and heal in the process. I think he’s on to something.

- Laura Langford, chairwoman of Amerikazentrum Hamburg


This book is a personal call to action to redesign how we exist with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth. A timely piece after emerging from a worldwide pandemic to support us with concrete steps we can take toward a healthy and fulfilling existence while changing the fate of our planet.

- Candice Bataille, founder and president of Glowmundo