About
What is Life Itself?
We are pragmatic utopians, committed to practical action for a radically wiser, weller world. We create conscious coliving hubs, start businesses, do research and engage in activism to pioneer a wiser culture and plant the seeds of a second renaissance.
We’re artists, entrepreneurs, academics and contemplatives. Our team has started multiple successful enterprises, been exhibited in galleries, and carried out academic research at the highest levels. We are ordinary people who are choosing an extra-ordinary path, seeking to integrate presence with purpose.
Why do we exist?
Despite our wealth and technology, as a species we are struggling both personally and collectively. Personally, we are are not truly happy, satisfied and at peace; collectively we are failing to act powerfully on issues ranging from climate change to mental health. We believe the roots of both problems lie in our culture – which is grounded in materialism, technology and individualism – and thus a breakthrough requires a transformation in culture: the views, values, beliefs, practices that underlie our collective way of being.
How are we going to change things?
Real change requires us to work, and even live, together – hence creating co-living spaces and businesses; and to share ideas through writing and events, ultimately engaging in politics and social change.
Why are we different?
We balance the spiritual and the rational. We like meditation as much as we like getting things done. We want meaningful work and a meaningful life. We value the environment and technology, art and science. We take action, both personal and political. We’re the middle way between the suit and the hippy, between the billionaire and the monk.
Our People
Our team consists of artists, researchers, technologists and community builders. Despite these varied backgrounds, each shares a commitment to being wise and taking practical action to solve the collective challenges facing our society and culture. Read more about our people here.
Our Work
Here at Life Itself, we engage in many different initiatives. Some are experiments, others stand alone works, and others are ongoing explorations. All are designed to create a wiser, weller world. Learn more about our initiatives here
Second Renaissance
We live in a time of civilizational crisis and awakening – a "Second Renaissance". In the Second Renaissance project we are creating a place for people to discover this emerging moment and to find others who are working to respond. Find out more at https://secondrenaissance.net/.
Hubs
Life Itself has three co-living venues: two in Bergerac and one in Berlin. These “hubs” are central to Life Itself’s mission of bringing together value-aligned people to tackle the collective action problems that threaten our future. They exist as a living, breathing representation of Life Itself’s culture, and provide a ready-made community for those eager to make a difference. Read more about our hubs.
Research
Life Itself Research is a research collective specialising in exploring paths to awakening. Read more about Life Itself Research.
