Touching the Jaguar
When John Perkins was a young Peace Corps volunteer, his life was saved by an Amazonian shaman who taught him to "touch the jaguar"—to transform his fears into positive action. He went on to become an economic hit man (EHM), convincing developing countries to build huge infrastructure projects that put them perpetually in debt to the World Bank and other US-controlled institutions. Ultimately, Perkins provides a strategy for each of us to change our lives and defend our territory against destructive policies and systems.
Praise for Touching the Jaguar
“Touching the Jaguar connects the dots between Amazonian shamans and the modern world of materialistic overconsumption. This eloquent book inspires us to create a new reality of what it means to be human on this magnificent planet.”
— Deepak Chopra
“Because of John’s work, I traveled deep into the Amazon. The Achuar taught us about altering reality by changing perceptions. This marvelous book transports you on a similar journey and empowers all of us to transform failing systems into successful ones.”
— John Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
“John is a brilliant storyteller. Touching the Jaguar chronicles one of the greatest and most fascinating true stories of our time. It will touch you, lift your spirit, engage you, and deepen your heart. It is magical, riveting, and true. John’s masterwork.”
— Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money and cofounder of the Pachamama Alliance
“Once again, John Perkins takes us on an extraordinary voyage that includes issues that not only shake the world but transform ourselves in the process.”
— Thom Hartmann, America’s #1 progressive talk show host and author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight
“Touching the Jaguar is a heartfelt exploration into the powers to change ourselves, transform businesses, and renew society—powers indigenous shamans have cultivated for millennia and we must embrace to dream the world in a new way.”
— Alberto Villoldo, PhD, bestselling author of One Spirit Medicine and Shaman, Healer, Sage
“Perkins is a master storyteller. In this story of deceit, divided loyalties, and ultimate redemption, he draws us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the possibilities of a human rebirth and brings us together on the path to a future that works for the whole of life.”
— David Korten, author of Change the Story, Change the Future; The Great Turning; and When Corporations Rule the World
“How do we transform a destructive Death Economy into a sustainable Life Economy? What actions can you take to be your best you? These questions John answers in this powerful, fun-to-read, and groundbreaking book.”
— Marci Shimoff, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Happy for No Reason and coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul
“Perkins is an amazing writer, storyteller, and adventurer who has written a really great read, another provocative bestseller.”
— Stephan Rechtschaffen, MD, Founder of Blue Spirit Costa Rica and Omega Institute
“John’s life story is an important lesson for those embedded in the malfunctioning mainstream economy. John empowers us to shift the economic hit man/growth metrics into those that focus on a Life economy.”
— Hazel Henderson, CEO, Ethical Markets Media