Introduction to the Metacrisis and a Second Renaissance

Climate breakdown. Political polarisation. A spreading sense of meaninglessness. AI anxiety. These feel like separate problems — but what if they share the same root cause?

This course gives you a framework for seeing the whole picture — what thinkers call the metacrisis: the interconnected breakdown of the systems, values, and stories that hold our civilisation together. And alongside that diagnosis, a reason for genuine hope: the Second Renaissance, the renewal that's already quietly emerging in response.

Not another hot take. Not doom, not denial. A grounded, coherent way of seeing — and a community of others who see it too.

Understanding the breakdown. Discovering the renewal.

Key info

When: 15 Apr · 22 Apr · 29 Apr · 6 May 2026
Format: 4 live sessions of 1h30 + pre-recorded materials (~30–45 min/week)
Where: Online · small group
Led by: Rufus Pollock & Sylvie Barbier · Life Itself
Price: Sliding scale · from €10 · suggested €39/$39

What you'll come away with

Clarity

A coherent framework connecting the dots across crises — not another single-issue analysis.

Depth

Not just the symptoms — the deep cultural and paradigmatic roots of the metacrisis.

Hope

Evidence that cultural paradigms have shifted before — and that seeds of renewal are already growing.

Connection

A felt sense of community with others grappling with the same questions. You're not alone in this.

Agency

Practical orientation for what you can actually do — beyond understanding into action.

The journey: four weeks

Week 1

Symptoms: What's breaking down?

How did you come to see the cracks? What experiences awakened your awareness? We share our paths and map the resonances between us.

Week 2

Roots: Why is this happening?

What are the deep factors driving converging crises? How does understanding root causes — in the cultural paradigm of modernity itself — change how we orient?

Week 3

Hope: Can civilisations actually change?

Views and values have transformed before. We explore how cultural paradigms evolve, and why a new one can emerge that transcends the limitations of the old.

Week 4

Seeds: What's already emerging?

Where are the seeds of a Second Renaissance already growing? What are the pockets of emergence we can cultivate? And how do we carry these insights into our lives?

What past participants say

"I left feeling inspired. It was amazing getting to talk with others and hearing stories straight from the heart. I feel more connected to myself and to others, and a sense of being part of a collective movement."

— Maria

"Articulating the metacrisis in an accessible way is no small feat — this course succeeds brilliantly, grounding complex ideas in lived experience and deep insight."

— Naeema

"This course gives a clear and insightful introduction to the foundations of the Second Renaissance work, while inviting participants to reflect from their own viewpoints and experiences."

— Yasmine

"A wonderful connection space which inspires to keep seeking and building towards the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible."

— Tallon

How it works

Each week combines short pre-recorded materials (videos and readings, ~30–45 min, on your own time) with a live 90-minute dialogue session with the whole group.

The live sessions focus on your own exploration and discovery — through dialogue, small group inquiry, and shared reflection. The real work happens in conversation.

Whether you're a complete newcomer or already deep in the space, you'll get value at your level. Can't make every session? Recordings are available — and the pre-recorded materials stand alone as valuable content.

Who's facilitating

Rufus Pollock

Co-founder of Life Itself. Spent over a decade researching why civilisations go through paradigm shifts — and what that means for this moment. Former Cambridge academic, Ashoka and Shuttleworth Fellow, long-time Zen practitioner, and lead author of the Second Renaissance whitepaper.

Sylvie Barbier

Co-founder of Life Itself and internationally exhibited performance artist. With French and Taiwanese heritage, her work spans three continents. She brings an embodied, experiential dimension to the exploration — grounding ideas in lived experience and creative expression.

Is this for you?

→ You sense something is deeply wrong with the direction of our civilisation — but struggle to articulate what
→ You've been involved in climate, social justice, mindfulness, EA, or systems thinking — but feel like your space is only seeing part of the picture
→ You want a framework that connects the dots across crises, not just another single-issue analysis
→ You're looking for others who see what you see — and want to figure out what to do about it

No prior knowledge needed. Speaking is always welcome, never required.

Common questions

Do I need to know about the metacrisis already?

No. The course assumes no prior knowledge — just curiosity and openness. If you already know the space, the dialogue format means you'll engage at greater depth.

What if I can't make all the live sessions?

Recordings are available. The pre-recorded materials also stand alone as valuable content. That said, the live dialogue is where the deepest learning happens — attend what you can.

Is this academic or experiential?

Both. There's a clear intellectual framework, but the course is built around dialogue and reflection, not lectures. You'll think and feel.

What's the time commitment?

About 2 hours per week: ~30–45 min of pre-recorded materials plus 1h30 live session.

What does it cost?

Sliding scale: suggested €39/$39, minimum €10. Pay more if you're able. Scholarships available — just email [email protected].

The crisis is deep.
So is the renewal.

Four weeks online. Small group. Live dialogue. Starts 15 April.

Sliding scale · from €10 · suggested €39/$39 · Questions? [email protected]

secondrenaissance.net · Download the whitepaper

The crisis is deep