Review by aschweitzer -- Rediscovering the Wisdom of Hum...
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aschweitzer
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- Latest Review: Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe
Review by aschweitzer -- Rediscovering the Wisdom of Hum...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature" by Chet Shupe.]
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness by Chet Schupe is structured as a critique of civilization as we know it. It is a book with the author's reflections and thoughts, not a scientific analysis. His ideas emerge from his struggles with mental health issues and his experiences as an employee in a corporation.
The book is a potential answer to why aren't we happy as human beings living in modern civilization? To answer this, he mainly uses the antithesis between two states: the one in which humans lived in sisterhoods and brotherhoods, in a state of complete interdependence and trust versus the state in which humans have to surrender their freedom to institutions. Chupe successfully highlights that rules are artificial and often contradict our instincts and feelings, leading us to isolation, subjugation, and, ultimately, anxiety and depression. The failed promise of institutions, laws, and civil regulations is that of a safe future. Humans need to accept that the future cannot be predicted nor controlled. "Taking care of life, when it happens, will be the unintended consequence of regaining our natural state of contentment," the author argues.
I liked this book because the author shared the intense feelings of belonging that soldiers develop when exposed to life-threatening situations, war, or various conflicts. Also, I liked the reinterpretation of the myth of Adam and Eve that he describes as follows: "I believe the authors of Genesis were trying to warn humanity that we had made a huge mistake by thinking we were capable of controlling life."
I was not too fond of the book because the author could not see any positive aspects about civilization or foundations on which to built upon. It is impossible to return to the state of living in tribes run by sisterhoods, so where do we go from here? Schupe confesses that he has no plan to offer, but he hopes for a solution to appear organically.
The second reason why I wouldn't say I liked the book was that it was very redundant. The main ideas are quickly exposed and then repeated over and over in each chapter. This lead to a constant decrease in my interest.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars because it was too subjective and did not offer any solutions. The author manages to formulate his discontent with civilization, but his arguments are debatable and a bit too extremist, for example, in marriage or science. The book might appeal to people interested in personal world views but not suited for scholars or philosophers.
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Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness by Chet Schupe is structured as a critique of civilization as we know it. It is a book with the author's reflections and thoughts, not a scientific analysis. His ideas emerge from his struggles with mental health issues and his experiences as an employee in a corporation.
The book is a potential answer to why aren't we happy as human beings living in modern civilization? To answer this, he mainly uses the antithesis between two states: the one in which humans lived in sisterhoods and brotherhoods, in a state of complete interdependence and trust versus the state in which humans have to surrender their freedom to institutions. Chupe successfully highlights that rules are artificial and often contradict our instincts and feelings, leading us to isolation, subjugation, and, ultimately, anxiety and depression. The failed promise of institutions, laws, and civil regulations is that of a safe future. Humans need to accept that the future cannot be predicted nor controlled. "Taking care of life, when it happens, will be the unintended consequence of regaining our natural state of contentment," the author argues.
I liked this book because the author shared the intense feelings of belonging that soldiers develop when exposed to life-threatening situations, war, or various conflicts. Also, I liked the reinterpretation of the myth of Adam and Eve that he describes as follows: "I believe the authors of Genesis were trying to warn humanity that we had made a huge mistake by thinking we were capable of controlling life."
I was not too fond of the book because the author could not see any positive aspects about civilization or foundations on which to built upon. It is impossible to return to the state of living in tribes run by sisterhoods, so where do we go from here? Schupe confesses that he has no plan to offer, but he hopes for a solution to appear organically.
The second reason why I wouldn't say I liked the book was that it was very redundant. The main ideas are quickly exposed and then repeated over and over in each chapter. This lead to a constant decrease in my interest.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars because it was too subjective and did not offer any solutions. The author manages to formulate his discontent with civilization, but his arguments are debatable and a bit too extremist, for example, in marriage or science. The book might appeal to people interested in personal world views but not suited for scholars or philosophers.
******
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe
