Official Review: Insights of a Madman by Robin R Rabii
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- mmm17
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Official Review: Insights of a Madman by Robin R Rabii
Insights of a Madman is a non-fiction title written by Robin R. Rabii using the first person. The author uses the acronym “GUDLLERT (God, the Universe, The Devil, Love, Luck, Evil, Retribution, and Terror)” to highlight some of the most important questions humanity struggles with throughout life. The book discusses theories about each of these fundamental components, and the author examines various philosophies and beliefs related to the themes in the acronym.
Rabii structures the book around eight theories; they revolve around the separation between good and evil and the idea that the God of the Bible doesn’t exist. Among other things, the author asserts that God is a neutral intelligence that does not label anything right or wrong.
What I liked the most about Insights of a Madman was the explanation of theory #3, which involves a striking recollection of human history. Using many examples, the author analyzes some of humanity’s darkest deeds. This part of the book is an impressive examination of genocides, massacres, rapes, murders, wars, and various heinous crimes. No stone is left unturned, and there are several impressive illustrations not easy to look at. The pictures of maimed Congolese children during the reign of King Leopold II of Belgium, “the Hitler of the European colonial era,” had a particular impact on me. I was sadly touched by the author’s discussion of how humans can do so much evil. Rabii, however, argues that we should perceive God as a supreme force or hierarchy of forces, not as someone who controls the world and its outcomes. Therefore, He can’t be blamed for the atrocities men often commit in His name. I felt that this was a comforting conclusion.
On the other hand, I was a little uncomfortable with some of the author’s controversial and borderline disrespectful remarks such as “God and The Devil are real, but both are a**holes.” The author sometimes mixes profanity with references to religious beliefs, and this aspect was what I disliked the most about the book. Rabii does acknowledge that it may offend those who believe in the traditional portrayals of God and states that this was never the intention. Still, I believe these comments might bother religious readers, and for this reason, I am subtracting a star from the rating.
Therefore, in conclusion, I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. For the reasons previously explained, I would not recommend it to sensitive readers, especially those who follow traditional religions. Otherwise, if you are fond of open-minded philosophical discussions of good and evil, you might enjoy it.
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Insights of a Madman
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I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
- mmm17
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I agree that it's interesting, albeit challenging, to read philosophy that reflects a perspective different than our own. Thanks for commenting!sirbobthewise wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 04:34 This sounds like a really interesting premise and a curious way to continue the debate on good and evil. The use of the acronym seems like a smart move to make the topics easier to get into and follow. I can definitely see the lack of respect for religious beliefs might be an issue for some, but I also think it’s an interesting task to read philosophy that reflects a perspective different than yours. Great review!
- mmm17
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Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments.Ediomis_Enwongo01 wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 06:40 The acronym GUDLLERT defines life in its entirety. One can live the desired lifi if he/she strikes a balance among the components of the acronym. Thanks for your honest review.
- mmm17
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Thank you for reading and commenting!book_fanatic_ wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 10:22 I would love to read about the philosophies and theories discussed in the book. It's sad to see people use such derogatory remarks for religious things. Thanks for the detailed and well-structured review.
- mmm17
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I see what you mean, and I agree. Thank you for your remarks.
- mmm17
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I agree. I appreciate your comments. Thanks!
- mmm17
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Thank you for commenting!Nath_chuks wrote: ↑01 Jun 2020, 16:42 I might not be enjoying certain controversial borderline statement by the author, so it's best I avoid. Thanks for the review.