About Wonders of Development
Wonders of Development shows how developmental processes in plants can form a surprising key to understanding human development and the projects that people realise together.
By looking carefully at growth, change and metamorphosis, a new way of observing emerges. The book connects observation of nature with questions of initiative, collaboration and responsibility.
The result is a richly illustrated book that is both reflective and practical: it invites closer observation of what happens in nature, and recognition of comparable patterns in human life.
Choose your edition
The English edition is the main route for English speaking readers. The German and Dutch edition are also available in - mostly online - bookshops.
Contents
What makes this book special
Jan Diek van Mansvelt does not work from an abstract model, but from attentive observation. He shows how plants develop in phases: from germination and leaf development to flowering and fruit formation.
He then explains how this developmental logic can also help us understand human development and the life cycle of projects.
For whom
For readers interested in nature, humanity and collaboration
This book is of interest to readers engaged with agriculture, ecology, education, organisational development, philosophy or personal development.
It speaks to people familiar with biodynamic thinking as well as readers who are simply curious about a more attentive way of understanding development.
What readers and reviewers say
The journal Das Goetheanum describes the book as filled with joy and wonder and praises the way plant development, human life and project phases are connected.
Read article (new tab)De Nieuwe Tendens emphasises that the book activates the reader's imagination and invites careful and attentive observation.
Readers particularly appreciate the combination of vivid natural observation and practical insights for human development and collaboration.
Articles and publications
Review in Das Goetheanum
An international review noting how natural observation, human life and projects are connected.
Read source (new tab)Reviews in the Netherlands
Responses in the Netherlands emphasise the combination of imagination, attentive observation and practical applicability.
Order or explore further
Would you like to order the book immediately, or first read more about the author?