Steps to an Ecology of Mind: Collected Essays in Anthropology, Psychiatry, Evolution, and Epistemology Paperback – Illustrated, 15 April 2000

I can't believe this is not more widely referenced. Real joy to read. Definitely recommend reading Paul Watzlawick (Start with change then pragmatics) after this.

Really thought provocative especially earlier work he was involved in..

A seminal piece in the history of theories important for understanding ecology and foundations of sustainability. Some sections may be less relevant to all readers, but the ones that strike are decisive.

I make a point of finishing every book I start but struggling with this one. I make a point of not giving a negative review but struggling with this one. I will put the book down for a few months then revisit. I will edit my review if I make any progress.It may be the limitations of the reader rather than the book!Update: It is the limitations of the reader.I am revisiting this book. I am just beginning to comprehend the title. The author makes a distinction between inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. I am beginning to question my own capacity for critical thought.This book is hard work but whenever did something worth understanding and knowing come easily?

I read this book years ago when studying philosophy and psychology. I resently bought it as a gift to give to a young friend who was about to embark on his on philosophy studies. When it arrived I ended up re-reading it cover to cover and re-discovered the delight that I had when originally reading it all those years ago. Ageless!Needless to say, I kept this book and ended up buying another copy for the gift!

Useful informative book

EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF BATESON'S WORK. I am enjoying it so far. From a diversity of disciplines and areas of application of systems thinking.

I first read this book long ago, following up the ideas of psychiatrist R D Laing, because it contains a chapter headed 'Double Bind 1969'. This idea became central to Laing's thinking about schizophrenia, in 'The Politics of the Family', and is also referred to in Theodore Lidz's ' The Origin and Treatment of Schizophrenic Disorders'. The term 'double bind' was also used in the context of schizophrenia by Jules Henry, in 'Pathways to Madness' which interestingly is copyrighted 1965, which predates 'Ecology of Mind', though I have a later edition so I don't know whether the text was added too later. I think the concept of double bind is vital to understanding distress in society, and it bothers me that the ideas of all these writers are largely ignored by today's psychiatrists. Other chapters include 'Epidemiology of Schizophrenia', 'Towards a theory of Schizophrenia', and 'The Group Dynamics of Schizophrenia'. A very important book, and it's great that it is back in print.