I get it that the ego is a bad thing and that we should work to rid ourselves of it. I get it that Buddhism has something to offer in this regard. I gI get it that the ego is a bad thing and that we should work to rid ourselves of it. I get it that Buddhism has something to offer in this regard. I get the concept of breathing and opening one's heart . I really do, and I want to like this book and appreciate its wisdom. But when the guy goes off on his rant about the Pain-Body, that's where the author and I sort of parted ways. Really? OK, it's just a metaphor, but he takes it so damned seriously. Is it an attempt at humor that I just don't get? OK, I am determined to improve, and my son recommended this book to me, so I will sit down with it again and read it twice, and maybe get a step further towards being the good person I want to be. I doubt I will become more humble because every time in the past that I have striven to be humble, I have succeeded and then felt such pride about how humble I had become. Well, you know what I'm saying. It seems hopeless....more
George Lakoff is HUGE right now. You see him on political talk shows and read interviews with him etc. etc. It's because the notion, largely popularizGeorge Lakoff is HUGE right now. You see him on political talk shows and read interviews with him etc. etc. It's because the notion, largely popularized by him and his associates, that HOW issues are framed is KEY to any hope of persuading the body politic about anything. I decided that before tackling some of his more recent work, I would begin with his original work, published several decades ago and ground myself in the basic conepts That may have been a mistake. All it really accomplished was reminding me how much I hate anything to do with linguistics, a mind numbingly boring topic for me. I got through it, but only barely. I do think what Lakoff has to say is important--now, more than ever, so I will read one of the more recent works. Hopefully, he became a better writer as his work progressed. Sheesh!!...more
I bought this book after reading a very positive review. Two of my close in-laws were dying at the time, and I probably had expectations that I would I bought this book after reading a very positive review. Two of my close in-laws were dying at the time, and I probably had expectations that I would find this book consoling or instructive since death and dying were so much on my mind at the time. Those expectations were not met and they were not really fair. I concur with a lot of the author's prejudices here and her critique of the current worship of "Fitness" and "Holistic Living" and all that other drivel about a "Natural" lifestyle. Give it up. We are not in control and never were. But an awful lot of this book comes across as a rather unfocused rant about some rather strange topics, including the critical role macrophages play in cell death and maybe cancer? If you want a more thoughtful, informed revew, check out the one by FB reviewer Leah Lucci.
Second Review. Just read this book for the second time, following the author's recent death, and the onset of my own health problems. I came away with a much more positive take on it and found it a most helpful read....more
I would give it a 5, it is so excellent, but I did have some trouble understanding his rather difficult prose at times. This is a book you really needI would give it a 5, it is so excellent, but I did have some trouble understanding his rather difficult prose at times. This is a book you really need to read a couple of times before it would all come together, but it is just such a monumental life's work. It is stunning to consider that this book was finished when the author was in his nineties. I now feel like a know a thing or two about the history of Western Civilization....more
Persuasive arguments for why societal decision making should be based on science and why they are not, but it left me feeling kind of hopeless as HarrPersuasive arguments for why societal decision making should be based on science and why they are not, but it left me feeling kind of hopeless as Harris is preaching to the choir....more
I found this book of enormous personal help since I have been grappling with why, why, why Americans have become so rejecting of science and scientistI found this book of enormous personal help since I have been grappling with why, why, why Americans have become so rejecting of science and scientists and what this bodes for our future. Over-population, fuel depletion, global warming, environmental degradation and the takeover of our country (and other countries) by fundamental religious fanatics of various stripes is of enormous concern to me, and Shawn Otto does a phenomenal job of explaining exactly how and why that has happened, no holds barred. He provides a little mini-history of science, and the real philosophical underpinnings of the great democratic experiment that is/was America.
I keep hoping that if I read enough of this sort of thing, I will become clear-headed enough to take people on and become more effective in advocating for the things I believe in--wait a minute, that is exactly how NOT to proceed since it is BELIEF that is largely the problem--be able to better explain why the scientific method matters and why it is important that government policies be based on actual knowledge instead of ideology.
Unfortunately, while the author's analysis is spot-on (IMHO), it leaves this reader feeling very depressed about the future and our prospects for meaningful dialogue and change. I think things are going to have to get a lot worse before they get any better....more
I'm new to audio books and skeptical about the concept but I bought this one on Audible.com after a brief sampling of Gilbert narrating her own work. I'm new to audio books and skeptical about the concept but I bought this one on Audible.com after a brief sampling of Gilbert narrating her own work. I found her voice bearable and the first few paragraphs or so fairly entertaining. I could certainly relate to the author's painful divorce and her various neurotic tendencies. Also, I just spent a month in Italy eating wonderful food and could relate to that too. Listening to the book provided a useful diversion while on a long car trip, so I guess I will buy more audiotapes, but I've pretty much heard all I want to of Ms. Gilbert, who is rather too self-absorbed, self-righteous and well-heeled to be really funny. Nora Ephron she isn't. In all fairness though, memoirs about one's religious experiences really aren't my cup of tea. Too much crystal blue persuasion for my tastes. ...more
While I do find Dawkins arrogant, and--at times--a little too glib, this book is worth reading for the arguments and issues he presents in support of While I do find Dawkins arrogant, and--at times--a little too glib, this book is worth reading for the arguments and issues he presents in support of the notion that God probably isn't. Since I am tired of having to apologize and squirm to others for my professed atheism, and also tired of having to show so much "respect" for their goony beliefs, when they show none for mine, I say--It's about time!!!!...more
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