Bill Mollison defined permaculture as "a design system for creating sustainable human environments." ...Wikiversity, yet he say's that this definition is "so global in its scope that its usefulness is reduced".

To me, permaculture is a way of living, thinking, planning and using our available resources, both material and non-material, to be more productive with less effort, allowing nature to do the work sustainably for us.  It is a goal to work towards!  Permanent agriculture, for the average household; requires planting to a design that replicates nature, sustainably producing food, shelter, energy and a rich quality of living, while nourishing and enriching the environment.

It can begin with an attitude and a will to do the right thing by nature.  It's as old as the hills but nature does it every day.  We can work with that very process and energy; to meet our material & spiritual needs in a biodiverse environment.

Nothing about it is instant - planning and initial work is necessary for... Permanent agriculture!!