Review of Modern Wisdom
- Lene Lena
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Review of Modern Wisdom
When I hear the phrase “Modern Wisdom,” I think of a mixture of knowledge in view of the present times and the eternal truth. It evokes the concept of gaining knowledge from various scholars and existence to solve current challenges. This idea draws attention to the principle of skepticism, individual development, and the significance of the need for change in an increasingly complex world. To me, modern wisdom symbolizes a human’s search for one’s identity among people and society, and that’s what drew me to Brian Lipkin’s book.
“Modern Wisdom” by Brian Lipkin is a provocative exploration of contemporary issues, tackling subjects such as mental illness, religion, politics, social media usage, family, philosophy, and psychological challenges. The author employs humor and sarcasm to engage readers while presenting his critical viewpoints on societal norms and conventional beliefs. I found Lipkin’s writing style as both introspective and controversial, which makes the book incredibly insightful.
One of the standout features of “Modern Wisdom” is Lipkin’s ability to blend humor with serious commentary. His sarcastic tone often lightens the weighty topics he addresses, allowing readers to digest complex ideas without feeling overwhelmed. As a result, this approach not only guarantees amusement but also contributes to a critical analysis of the presented topics. For example, he begins by stating that “Christianity is dead or dying, and even the Pope knows it.” To me, that was quite laughable but also felt like attacking Christians.
Lipkin’s analysis of religion, politics, childhood traumas, homelessness, family contribution to mental illness, social media usage, gun violence, and fentanyl use is particularly noteworthy. I like that he does not shy away from critiquing their influence on society, which can resonate with readers who have experienced similar frustrations. His insights into how religious beliefs shape moral frameworks and societal structures are compelling and stimulate important discussions about faith in the modern world. I find his emphasis on defeating mental illness commendable because it raises awareness of this issue affecting many people who cannot seek help because of stigma. I agree with him that “the mind is the loneliest place on earth” because it can be challenging to break the cycle of loneliness that results from trying to connect with people while feeling confined in one's own thoughts. His ability to explore psychological issues like childhood trauma adds another layer of depth, providing valuable insights into human nature.
Also, the broader argument Lipkin provides in the book in concentrating on some political figures like Donald Trump can be perceived as rather bitter by many readers, especially Trump supporters. He enunciates some of the contemporary political issues and stands he has in an articulate way that readers can easily follow. For instance, he says that "America was won with the gun and is now being lost to the gun," which is true considering the current rate of mass shootings in the USA. I found his quotes on personal development quite uplifting. Indeed, the goal in life is not to reinvent oneself but to rediscover oneself.
“Modern Wisdom” is not without its downside. Some of the readers might consider Lipkin’s attitude cavalier, though it is potentially due to his outspoken manner when he deals with religion, family, and politics. Readers seeking an in-depth analysis might feel that some subjects are treated too superficially or that key arguments are left unexamined due to the wide-ranging scope of the book. Lipkin’s humor may not resonate with everyone; some jokes might come off as insensitive or inappropriate given the serious nature of certain topics. This could detract from the overall message for those who prefer a more sensitive approach to discussing complex issues.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 because of the above drawbacks and the fact that it lacks chapters and has no organization in terms of the topics discussed. It was easy to read the book and I did not find any grammatical errors, as it is organized in quotes and questions and answer form; it is professionally edited. Those willing to engage with its controversial viewpoints will likely find value in its pages.
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Modern Wisdom
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- Magdalyne chebet
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Thank you for your comment!Magdalyne chebet wrote: ↑18 Jan 2025, 03:12 "Modern Wisdom" by Brian Lipkin offers a humorous yet critical exploration of contemporary issues like mental illness, religion, politics, and social media. With sharp insights and wit, it challenges societal norms, making it a thought-provoking and worthwhile read.
- Lene Lena
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Thank you for your comment Massimo!NetMassimo wrote: ↑18 Jan 2025, 08:11 This is a thought-provoking book whose author comments on a number of topics expressing opinions that can be controversial, especially concerning politics and religions. In my opinion, that's what makes it interesting to read. Thank you for your great review!
- Lene Lena
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Thank you Gerry! It's because you're open-minded despite having different viewpoints. I'm sure you'll find this book intriguing.Gerry Steen wrote: ↑18 Jan 2025, 10:32 Your review has piqued my interest in this book. Our minds and viewpoints are often complex. Sometimes, I find myself agreeing about certain subjects with people whose political viewpoints I disagree with. It is then that I must ask myself "why?" I am interested in "Lipkin’s analysis of religion, politics, childhood traumas, homelessness, family contribution to mental illness, social media usage, gun violence, and fentanyl use." Great review!
- Lene Lena
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Thank you Seetha! I hope you'll be able to read the book. Let me know what you think.Seetha E wrote: ↑19 Jan 2025, 02:39 I am in agreement with Magdalyne, NetMassimo and Gerry's statements, these kind of open expressions makes it appealing. I'll look out for this book. the themes around the role of a family toward mental illness, religion which is often misused and politics interest me. Thank you for your great review!
- Lene Lena
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Thanks for your comment Priya! It'll definitely be an interesting read.Priya Murugesan wrote: ↑20 Jan 2025, 06:42 I am very much interested in this book. I would like to read the author's outspoken opinions on various topics. I believe it will be an intriguing read!
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