The Wise Man & the Story of Plenty

“You will never look at our planet in the same way.”
The Wise Man and the Story of Plenty depicts humanity’s unstoppable journey in a world of abundance, posing the critical question: Has humanity been wise in treating the planet in ways that now jeopardize its future?
As global crises multiply, solutions often fail to address the interconnected roots of these challenges, focusing instead on isolated problems with limited impact. This eye-opening resource highlights the deeper crisis of overexploitation by a species that perceives itself as separate from nature. Understanding the present crisis requires a reflection on humanity’s past and an exploration of the consequences of current trajectories.
From the dark caves of the Stone Age to today’s industrialized world, the story unpacks how a stable, plentiful environment enabled humanity to rise to dominance. Yet, this dominance, driven by a profit-centric system powered by fossil fuels, now threatens the planet—and humanity’s survival.
It’s therefore not about saving the planet, but about saving humanity.
In this historic moment of magnitude, what’s needed is a profound shift in mindset and a new sense of consciousness to reconnect with nature and rethink humanity’s role in a world that moves beyond overexploitation. Rather than polarizing, shaming, or blaming, this story offers instead a call for unity and optimism.
The most empowering aspect is that the ending to the Story of Plenty remains unwritten, and it’s down to humanity to decide how it will continue . . .

Philippe Schuler inspires and empowers people to connect with the natural world through visual imagery, storytelling on stage, and, now for the first time, by sharing his insights in writing. With a background in supply chain management, he consults with organizations across various industries to scale and amplify their positive impact systemically. Driven by a passion for investigating, evaluating, and analyzing problems, Philippe communicates complex issues in a compelling and accessible way. As a European Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (EIIS) faculty member and TEDx speaker, he has reached thousands by making the planetary crisis relatable and accessible to the wider public.
An avid traveler, drummer, scuba diver, and outdoor photographer specializing in wildlife and landscapes, he combines his love for adventure with his commitment to conservation. Fluent in five languages, he has lived in eight countries across three continents and now resides in his home country, Luxembourg.