WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO,
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by Alice Martinez
(from San Diego Earth Times)
If you've ever seen a geodesic dome or heard the term "Spaceship Earth." then you have had a least some exposure to the work of R. Buckminster Fuller. Better known as "Bucky" to his supporters, this month marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of this unique man - architect, engineer, inventor, philosopher, poet and mathematician.
In 1927, at the age of 32 and on the brink of suicide,Fuller had a realization that set the course of the rest of his life. It struck him that his life belonged to the universe, not himself. He immediately dedicated his life "as experiment to discover what the little, penniless, unknown individual might be able to do effectively of behalf of all humanity." He even referred to himself as "Guinea Pig B"(B for Bucky). Over the next 56 years of his life, he steadfastly held to his purpose, becoming on of the world's first futurists and global thinkers. Fuller addressed himself to the largest questions: what it would take to "make the world work"- to provide food, shelter and energy for 100 percent of humanity. This global thinking led him to coin the terms "Spaceship Earth and "One - Town World." A unique thinker, he invented his own geometry and lanquage of design. His Dymaxion Map is the first to accurately dipict the earth on a flat surface without distortion. His most famous invention, the geodesic dome, emerged from his search for affordable housing for the world's masses. Indeed, it is the strongest, lightest, most cost-effective structure ever devised.
Although he never graduated form college, Fuller was awarded 47 honorey doctorates and more than 100 major awards. He wrote 28 books and consulted for world leaders like Indira Gandi and Pierre Trudeau. His picture was on the cover of Time magazine.
Altogeather, a remarkable man and a remarkable life.