Mac Macartney
- Mac Macartney is a writer, an activist, and an international speaker. He is the founder of Embercombe in Devon, a centre that seeks to inspire and empower people to live in close relationship with nature and co-create a regenerative, flourishing future for all species. Over a period of twenty years Mac was mentored by a group of indigenous elders. During this training and ever since, he has attempted to bring two worlds together – an ancient world-view that emphasises relationship, interdependence, and reverence for life with the significant challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. He has sat on several sustainability advisory boards including Danone NA, P&G, Lafarge, and most recently, The Climate School. Mac is the author of a recently published new book entitled The Children’s Fire, heart song of a people. He has delivered four compelling TEDx talks.
He says of himself: I have explored many paths, some unwisely, some with discernment, all with enthusiasm, vigour, and persistence. As a young child I fell deeply in love with nature and since that time I have endeavoured to listen to the guiding dreams, visions, and experiences that have been offered me. I am indebted to my indigenous friends for directing my attention to the ancient history of my own land and people. With their guidance I have begun the long journey of reaching back and clasping the hands of long-forgotten ancestors, whilst also standing firmly in the present, and reaching forward to a kinder, wiser, and gentler human presence on Earth.
I am privileged to move between, learn from, and contribute to, many diverse and contrasting spheres of society. I find this enriching, stimulating, and often, deeply troubling. I walk with grief and joy cupped together in my hands, rejoicing to be alive at such a time, and happy that the storms, droughts, blizzards, and beauty-blessed wonderment of years past seems to have enabled me to love other humans and myself with some measure of compassion and delight.
