Book excerpt: Water was once considered an anomalous substance indigenous to planet Earth, but science has recently discovered water everywhere: from the coldest depths of interstellar space to the nuclear infernos within stars. This seems to validate ancient wisdom that maintained everything in creation is but a unique expression of this sacred liquid. Baffled by some of water's most recognizable features, science is only now beginning to give credence to such claims. In the twenty-first century, we face monumental decisions about water that will affect not only the future quality of our lives, but all species on our planet. The author insists that we need a broader context from which to act regarding our threatening water crisis. He offers a fascinating synthesis of ancient mythology and space-age water science to create a radically new perspective. Marrin asks us, Can we continue to treat water as a mere commodity?