A great book by an important thinker
359750
As an undergraduate in the early 1980s I was profoundly influenced by the paradigm-shifting academic movement begun by Professor Wilson in his work, Sociobiology.  The idea that human social behavior was the product of  thousands of years of ancestral genetic competition was a refreshing  rejoinder to the dogma espoused at that time in conventional Sociology and  Anthropology courses.  In the years after university I have watched as  Wilson's thesis has gradually achieved greater acceptance.  Even many  feminists and psychologists who once viewed Wilson's work as an anathema  have come to realize that the ideas he popularized have changed forever  their fields of study.
It was with this background that I jumped into  Consilience, hoping for new insight.  What I discovered was a cogent  argument for the need to break down the very same academic barriers that I  recognized years ago as an undergraduate.  In another book I read recently,  Darwin's Dangerous Idea, the philosopher Daniel Dennett argued that the  fallout from Darwin's work on evolutionary natural selection has completely  disrupted and changed forever the intellectual landscape in which we live.  Wilson makes essentially the same argument, but his book is more often  prescriptive than diagnostic.  He argues that the same synthesis which has  been tenuously achieved in "hard" sciences such as physics, chemistry and  molecular biology can be achieved in all branches of learning.  He suggests  roadmaps for achieving this integration in the social sciences as well as  the arts and religion.
Most interesting of all is Wilson's discussion of  the need for greater understanding of the biological underpinnings of  morality and ethics.  Wilson correctly recognizes that for all of  humanity's scientific and technological achievement, if our species is to  thrive well into the future we must come to terms with ourselves and  recognize certain truths that our biological history has imposed on us.  That recognition will necessarily entail major changes in the way we live,  both at the individual and the societal level.  Ultimately, however, Wilson  is a conservative - not in the ideological sense, but in recognizing the  need to preserve many traditions that anchor us to our cultural  heritage.
This is a wonderful, well-researched, engagingly-written book  by one of the most important scientists of the 20th Century.  Readers  looking for a peek into the future of intellectual discourse need look no  further than Consilience.
1457021
Great and Important Book. It is at the very Edge of Our time and Shows what the next step in Our Evolution could Look like. Written by a very passionate but also very dedicated and, yes, devoted Derek Rydall. Yet he walks his talk! Strongly recommended!
1538856
For one reason, I loved this book because it took me into the mind of one of my favorite writers. I've read all of Ehrenreich's books and loved them all for their wry wit and original thinking. But in this book, we get a clear look into this author's thoughts and feelings about her own life. I can't think of a writer who comes close to Ehrenreich's seemingly effortless style, vocabulary, and insight. For those of us who are nonbelievers, this is a fresh look at the age-old questions of the meaning of life and the nature of the universe.
4601478
This book was terrific, as are most of Mr. Gladwell's books.  Every chapter and every argument presented caused me to pause and think things through. That is the real contribution of Malcom Gladwell's writing to my world view - what I get out of his books is not universal agreement with the author's positions, but rather he gets me to agree to think more deeply about issues. And that is always well worth the time spent reading the book.
104292
This is a critically important book. At a time when the "political left," as Terry Eagleton writes, "stands in dire need of good ideas," Dr. Ronald Osborn is among the bravest of thought leaders toiling to provide them. In this book, he systematically examines three of the most important contributors to liberal ideas--Darwin, Marx, and Nietzsche--and fearlessly unpacks the implications of their ideas: in a post-"death of God" world, how does secular humanism defend such ideas as dignity, universal human rights, or, indeed, liberalism itself? Without God, whence moral law?

While liberals have maintained an "embarrassed silence" (Eagleton's phrase) on these questions, Dr. Osborn engages them in full broadsides. He demonstrates how Darwin, Marx, and Nietzsche themselves failed to justify--or simply assumed as given--some of the basic ideas on which their arguments depend, and then argues that some form of the Christian narrative remains essential to liberal values. We reject that narrative at our peril.

An argument of this kind requires delicacy, an encyclopedic knowledge of theology and history, and vigorous writing. Osborn provides all this, and more. Though executed with subtlety and poise, the writing does demand attention. One cannot breeze through this book. Read it with a pencil, twice. It is dense, but thoroughly rewarding.

The argument is breathtaking, and no mere review can do it justice. For anyone who cares about the future of liberalism or of the West--especially in 2017--this work is a call for courage.
3232325
As the author of two books about advanced high technology in ancient times I found, The Puzzle of Ancient Man a wonderful book in many ways.  Dr. Chittick explains how ancient mankind was not primitive knuckle draggers but actually quite advanced in terms of technology.  I have also had the privilege to hear Dr. Chittick speak on several occasions.  Both his book and research are well worth the effort to become familiar with.  I thank Dr. Chittic for writing this important and thought provoking book.  I highly recommend it.
484619
Dr. Kissinger's contribution to the debate over America's role in the world and it use of its economic and political power to protect American citizens and influence events is his clarity of thinking and insistence on the shaking from the mind of thinking that others will agree and not act on their own perceived interests based on some idealized view how people should act or what America thinks is best for them. Here the former Secretary of State, reprises much of what he wrote almost 20 years ago in his fine study of International affairs entitled "Diplomacy" before he reaches into the current state of affairs to provide his insights and prescriptions. The book, as all of his work, is worth reading and for those who did not encounter his historical overview in his earlier work, World Order will be time valuably spent. For those more familiar with the author's thoughts, surveying the last quarter or so of this current volume is important - and the question is how to read those sections without also purchasing the entirety. I purchased the book.
2418686
A really great book by an important author. I wish she had the opportunity to finish this book. It was wonderful!
3680060
I cannot say enough about this wonderful and important book.  It's message is simple: Western culture has taken upon itself a disposition toward life--and an outlook upon the world--of total work; of work-for-work's sake; or, if you prefer, we have internalized the Weberian protestant work ethic to a debilitating degree.  In so doing, so Pieper suggests, we threaten to loose our very souls, both culturally and personally.  We must make time for contemplation and reflection, and to, more generally, bask in the truth, beauty and goodness that is available to us in every facet of existence.

While Pieper is a Catholic philosopher in the Thomistic tradition, his arguments are solid and broad enough for those who may be non-religious, or of different faiths.  Nevertheless, Christians will, I am sure, enjoy Pieper's articulate use of Christian inspired ideas and use of sources.

Those familiar with Heidegger will also appreciate Pieper's line of argumentation and the resemblances it has to the Heideggarian notions of Gelasenheit, Gestel, and Aletheia.

The second half of the book is a fantastic apology for, and description of, philosophy and the contemplative life.

In short, I cannot recommend this book enough for everyone.  It's message is so needed now more than ever, as we have as a society become slaves of productivity.  When I teach Introduction to Philosophy I will be sure to use this book!

One last note in brief: if anything bad can be said, it would have to be in regard to the multiple typos throughout the text.  I do hope that St. Augustine Press makes an effort to rectify this problem, as it seems an injustice to such an important book.  --And I certainly do not agree with one of the reviewers who suggested the translation renders the text obtuse; to the contrary I found it remarkably clear and cogent.

ADDENDUM as of 11/2004:  Recently the publisher contacted me, stating that the various typos have been corrected.  I looked through a recent copy and found this to be the case.  St. Augustine Press should be commended for this care and consideration of one of their best books!
3717673
Richard Wiseman is an amazing person who backs up his statements with science. This is very important because he delivers solid ideas that work to change your life. So if you are curious like most people reading this review pick up the book & find out what you didn't know. Also check out the video's on You Tube that Richard Wiseman has there. Enjoy the book!
4093242
This superb book on political activism by Peter Bearse is a must read for anyone interested in re-vitalizing the American political system. The author is a rarity - he is not only an internationally consulting economist, but has also been a grassroots activist and office holder for many years. In other words, he not only can talk the talk, but he has walked the walk. This is evident in both his keen analysis of what is dysfunctional with our current political system, but also in the innovative and creative solutions that he offers. Bearse in addition makes it easy to read his book, writing in an informal style which does not in any way detract from his sharp analytical insights, and thoughtfully adding an executive summary as an intro to many of his chapters. If you want to see our political system transform, and want the tools to help it happen, this is an indispensable book for you.
(Disclosure - the author is a college classmate of mine - but this does not in any way detract from the great value of this book)
2841655
Mr. Ringer's latest book is perhaps not his best book, but the theme is the most important one among his books and ideas. I enjoyed and learned a lot about life and businese reading his books, and I read them all.

The ideas that appear in this book are not new. In fact, all of the ideas had been written in his other books. It is amazing that he even copy almost entire chapters from his other books literally without changes. One example is the third chapter regarding value based action, the chapter has taken mostly from pages of "Getting What you Want, 7 principles of rational living" without any modificacion. The anecdotes are also mostly taken from his other books.

This seems to be a "REWRITTEN AND RETITLED" version of all his other books.

Nevertheless, this is a summary book of his philosophy. As he once wrote, he exchanges ideas for your money, value for value based relation between the author and the reader ( Looking out for number one). For the money I spent on this book, the education I received for the real world is priceless.

Thank you, Mr. Ringer!

Suggestion to the Tortoise: Mr. Ringer, I am looking forward to an updated, expanded, and rewritten version of your classic "Looking Out for Number One" which I consider the Tortoise at his best!
3247092
This is a fine piece of thinking and writing by one our finest thinkers and writers. Rabbi Sacks has a great and inclusive mind, and a heart that humanizes and uplifts wherever he casts his gaze. He is quite clear about his beliefs and about how both science and religion do their work, and his background in both science and religion uniquely prepares him for this important conversation. He shows great respect for all sides of the questions. You may agree or disagree with his conclusions, or maybe even with his questions; but his erudition and the depth of his knowledge and concern for humanity with draw you into the discussion with joy and gratitude. Thank you yet again, Rabbi Sacks!
1249940
What a great book. He gives such insight into decision making and ethics as well as some rough choices and why it is importantant to make them. I didn't know a lot about the man prior to this book but I have profound respect for him after reading it. I think he should be our next president. The man has class.
25007
Great book by a great person. Lewis Eldridge is a very intellectual person and has much to offer to the world through his writing. A must get !
198687
In one of his recent interviews, when asked to summarize his legacy, Dr. Szasz stated: "Responsibility is more important than Liberty, and Liberty is more important than Health". The Theology of Medicine expands and clarifies this position in a very illuminating way.

The book is a collection of relatively short essays. You can read each one of them in less than an hour, but you will probably need at least as much time to think about what you read. Dr. Szasz' writing is lucid and intellectually stimulating. I re-read this book very recently with as much pleasure as I received when I first read it several years ago.

No discussion on medical ethics should be considered complete without this clear and powerful expression of Dr. Thomas Szasz' ideas. Although written more than twenty years ago, this book, unfortunately, is becoming only more relevant with the passage of time.
I would advise everyone in the medical profession to become familiar with this book - you may not agree with everything, but it will make you think about some fundamental ethical assumptions you may be taking for granted.
1625402
Other readers of this book have left some thoughtful reviews above. This is a great book, a thought-provoking book.  To me, a good book is entertaining; easy to get lost in. However, a great book usually present new ideas or perceptions that may be difficult to read and understand.  Books delving into religion are almost by definition, controversial and often subject to misunderstanding. Not infrequently a great book has new or potentially controversial ideas that require me to stop and think, research, rethink more, and eventually I may change at least a portion of one of my basic beliefs or find myself reconfirming one of my basic understandings. In the end, a great book gives me at least one new, life-changing idea or perception.  I may remember the book, but it is the new idea or perception that lives on forever.

Such was my experience with Paul Snider's The Coming Age of Personal Religion.

The book contained many statements and concepts that were thoughtful.  One comes to mind first - Paul Snider wrote The ancestral mind was very much preoccupied with convincing God he should do your will and avoid doing you harm. If you carried out the rituals and ceremonies just right, with exact precision, it might be possible to manipulate God to do your will.  Most religions, and most of us individually, have grown past this understanding of our relationship to God.  Pauls writing reminds me that we humans each have a unique level of development and awareness, that we grow both individually, and even collectively through organized religion, at different speeds according to our abilities and our understandings.  We find that we are in this together, each responsible for each other.

Paul Snider also noted that God could have created us as perfect beings with a single thought. But he had a better idea  A basic thought is that each of us, no matter how great our errors, is a son or daughter of God.  We have a duty and obligation to God and to ourselves, to help each other along the way.  The Coming Age of Personal Religion contains many concepts that you might enjoy contemplating in the light of your ever-changing personal understanding of our journey through this earthly existence. Reading Pauls book just might change you (and cause you to change someone else in some way, large or small).  Paul Sniders book changed my thinking in several areas  I am glad I read it.  Pauls book and ideas will affect my behavior(s) going forward in some small manner, and hopefully that will affect others also.  Like the butterfly effect, a small push is required to start a chain of events, and Pauls book can help us make some significant changes to the world.