Edward Goldsmith

Edward Goldsmith
Born
Edward René David Goldsmith

(1928-11-08)8 November 1928
Paris, France
Died21 August 2009(2009-08-21) (aged 80)
Siena, Italy
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Environmentalist, philosopher, publisher
Spouse(s)Gillian Marion Pretty (divorced)
Katherine Victoria James
Children5, including Clio Goldsmith
Parent(s)Frank Goldsmith
Marcelle Mouiller
FamilyGoldsmith
AwardsRight Livelihood Award
Websitewww.edwardgoldsmith.org

Edward René David Goldsmith (8 November 1928 – 21 August 2009), widely known as Teddy Goldsmith, was an Anglo-French environmentalist, writer and philosopher.

He was a member of the prominent Goldsmith family, the eldest son of Major Frank Goldsmith, and elder brother of the financier James Goldsmith. Edward Goldsmith was also the founding editor and publisher of The Ecologist. Known for his outspoken views opposing industrial society and economic development, he expressed a strong sympathy for the ways and values of traditional peoples.

He co-authored the influential A Blueprint for Survival with Robert Allen, becoming a founding member of the political party "People" (later renamed the Green Party), itself largely inspired by the Blueprint. Goldsmith's more conservative view of environmentalism put him at odds with socialist currents of thought which came to dominate within the Green Party.

A deep ecologist and systems theorist, Goldsmith was an early proponent of the Gaia hypothesis, having previously developed a similar cybernetic concept of a self-regulating biosphere.

A talented after-dinner speaker and raconteur, Goldsmith was an articulate spokesman and campaigner,[1] receiving a number of awards for his work protecting the natural world and highlighting the importance and plight of indigenous peoples, including an honorary Right Livelihood Award and the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur.

  1. ^ Schwarz, Walter (27 August 2009). "The Guardian Obituary: Edward Goldsmith". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 19 September 2009.