A modern illustrated fable by Leslie Dighton
The river is the Euphrates, the city is Ur in ancient Sumeria, the date is 5000 years ago and the man is called Ashok. He is the First Dustman of the modern world who becomes known as the Wiseman of the desert.
Ashok is called out of the desert to go on a journey — he knows not why or to where. Gifted with powers to travel through space and time, he searches for solutions to present day crises in a more gentle and co-operative kind of society. Seen as a threat to those in power, he and his followers experience violent persecution before, like Humpty Dumpty, the world falls off its wall and, in desperation, becomes ready to receive his message.
The Tales are simply told and beautifully illustrated. They are written to be read widely by children, teachers, nannies, parents, book clubs, business leaders and policy makers. Or simply anyone who travels on a bus or feels powerless in the face of the wars, conflicts, climate catastrophes and mass migration which make our daily headlines, and wants to experience a better way of living together.
“Ashok’s journey is a dance of discovery to the music of our times.”
— Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, President of the Royal Academy of Dance
“The world is a play, and Ashok is re-writing the script.”
— Matt Wolf, International Theatre Critic
“In India we talk about seeing with the third eye—the Eye of the Heart.”
— Satish Kumar, Ecologist and Walker for Peace
“A little jewel to be carefully polished.”
— Sir Anthony Seldon, Contemporary Historian and Educator
“The tales are like a bible for our confused times.”
— Aharon Nathan, Merchant from Babylon
“Timely and timeless.”
— Everyman on a bus
Why now?
Authors
Epiphanies
Where to buy
Ashok’s journey leads him to contend with a series of interwoven crises. Read some short briefings by Leslie on how these are playing out in today’s world.
Leslie is an economist who challenges economics’ dominance in public life. His work includes social autobiographies, Little Books of the Common Good and other essays. Find out more about our authors.
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities that have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Why now
Ashok’s journey leads him to contend with a series of interwoven crises. Read some short briefings by Leslie on how these are playing out in today’s world.
Explore the polycrisis
Explore the polycrisis
Authors
Leslie is an economist who challenges economics’ dominance in public life. His work includes social autobiographies, Little Books of the Common Good and other essays. Find out more about our authors.
Epiphanies
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities that have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.
Where to buy
Epiphanies
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities that have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.
Where to buy
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of
the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.