A self-consistent theory of both spin and charge fluctuations in the H
ubbard model is presented. It is in quantitative agreement with Monte
Carlo data at least up to intermediate coupling (U approximately 8t).
It includes both short-wavelength quantum renormalization effects, and
long-wavelength thermal fluctuations, which can destroy long-range or
der in two dimensions. This last effect leads to a small energy scale,
as often observed in high-temperature superconductors. The theory is
conserving, satisfies the Pauli principle, and includes three-particle
correlations necessary to account for the incipient Mott transition.