Review by kimoy13 -- Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human N...
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Review by kimoy13 -- Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human N...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature" by Chet Shupe.]
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe is a very inspirational and eye-opening novel. In this book, the author causes the reader to question almost everything that he knows today as his daily life.
Indeed, he highlights the fact that for over 6 thousand years, man has lived his life according to man-made rules and laws. He opines that such way of living is contrary to man's true human nature. He further suggests that men are social primates. As such, our innate nature demands that we depend on one another to survive. Our human nature dictates that we can only find true happiness through interacting with one another and forming brotherhoods and sisterhoods.
This novel argues that due to the many rules and institutions that govern us, we live in juxtaposition to how we truly ought to live. I especially like the fact that Shupe compares human beings to animals in their way of living. He shows how animals act on instinct. They cannot talk yet they can communicate in such a way that they live in harmony with one another. Each member of a specific species has a role to play and executes it to ensure the survival of its species. This is done without written rules.
On the contrary, humans no longer live in the present but are fixated on the future. Humans are depicted as selfish beings. Furthermore, due to factors such as modernity and money, they all strive for success. According to Shupe, success for humans means wealth. Often times such wealth can only be achieved through independent as opposed to interdependent behaviors. This way of life goes against our very innate human nature.
The harsh reality is that life today is very fast moving and there is a breakdown in relationships among mankind. Even in our own families, dinnertime with our immediate relatives is seen as an ancient tradition no longer practiced. Parents no longer have real conversations with one another or their children. Everyone is always in a rush.
The author also speaks about institutional subjugation. He opines that humans no longer think on their own but are blindly led by various institutions such as marriage and formal education. We cannot be happy if we are on our own and also living solely in accordance with man-made rules.
In spite of the bleak picture painted by Shupe in this novel, he still gives us hope. He believes that it is not too late for men to be truly happy. Relationships between humans need to be developed, strengthened and maintained. It is only through such bonds that men can feel a sense of belonging and support.
This book is very well-edited. However, I did not like the fact that a lot of technical terms were used throughout the book. This factor caused the reading to become a bit heavy and complicated at times. Nevertheless, the lesson taught was readily caught and greatly appreciated.
On this basis, I will have to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The technicality of the content really was a bit much. In spite of this factor, the reader will most definitely rethink what is important in life. Too many of us run around on a daily basis trying to achieve some far-reaching goal while at the same time neglecting what can really make us happy. Our families, our friends and us serving others are the factors that truly bring joy and peace in our hearts and in our minds.
I must also commend Shupe for summarizing all of his points in a table towards the end of his novel. He reveals the many differences between a spiritually based reality (a life guided by our innate human nature) and a legally imposed reality (a life guided by laws and rules). It is Shupe's desire that we all revert to a spiritually based reality.
Based on the technical content of this novel, I will recommend it for readers aged 18 years and older. I think that younger readers may get put off by some of the terms used in the book and lose interest in it. Persons of all religions can also read and enjoy this book as very little reference is made to religion. Furthermore, such reference is by no means a controversial one.
I truly believe that after reading this book, many of the readers will take a step back from the hustle and bustle of life and seek to reconnect with their innermost selves and their loved ones. This book can change lives.
******
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe is a very inspirational and eye-opening novel. In this book, the author causes the reader to question almost everything that he knows today as his daily life.
Indeed, he highlights the fact that for over 6 thousand years, man has lived his life according to man-made rules and laws. He opines that such way of living is contrary to man's true human nature. He further suggests that men are social primates. As such, our innate nature demands that we depend on one another to survive. Our human nature dictates that we can only find true happiness through interacting with one another and forming brotherhoods and sisterhoods.
This novel argues that due to the many rules and institutions that govern us, we live in juxtaposition to how we truly ought to live. I especially like the fact that Shupe compares human beings to animals in their way of living. He shows how animals act on instinct. They cannot talk yet they can communicate in such a way that they live in harmony with one another. Each member of a specific species has a role to play and executes it to ensure the survival of its species. This is done without written rules.
On the contrary, humans no longer live in the present but are fixated on the future. Humans are depicted as selfish beings. Furthermore, due to factors such as modernity and money, they all strive for success. According to Shupe, success for humans means wealth. Often times such wealth can only be achieved through independent as opposed to interdependent behaviors. This way of life goes against our very innate human nature.
The harsh reality is that life today is very fast moving and there is a breakdown in relationships among mankind. Even in our own families, dinnertime with our immediate relatives is seen as an ancient tradition no longer practiced. Parents no longer have real conversations with one another or their children. Everyone is always in a rush.
The author also speaks about institutional subjugation. He opines that humans no longer think on their own but are blindly led by various institutions such as marriage and formal education. We cannot be happy if we are on our own and also living solely in accordance with man-made rules.
In spite of the bleak picture painted by Shupe in this novel, he still gives us hope. He believes that it is not too late for men to be truly happy. Relationships between humans need to be developed, strengthened and maintained. It is only through such bonds that men can feel a sense of belonging and support.
This book is very well-edited. However, I did not like the fact that a lot of technical terms were used throughout the book. This factor caused the reading to become a bit heavy and complicated at times. Nevertheless, the lesson taught was readily caught and greatly appreciated.
On this basis, I will have to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The technicality of the content really was a bit much. In spite of this factor, the reader will most definitely rethink what is important in life. Too many of us run around on a daily basis trying to achieve some far-reaching goal while at the same time neglecting what can really make us happy. Our families, our friends and us serving others are the factors that truly bring joy and peace in our hearts and in our minds.
I must also commend Shupe for summarizing all of his points in a table towards the end of his novel. He reveals the many differences between a spiritually based reality (a life guided by our innate human nature) and a legally imposed reality (a life guided by laws and rules). It is Shupe's desire that we all revert to a spiritually based reality.
Based on the technical content of this novel, I will recommend it for readers aged 18 years and older. I think that younger readers may get put off by some of the terms used in the book and lose interest in it. Persons of all religions can also read and enjoy this book as very little reference is made to religion. Furthermore, such reference is by no means a controversial one.
I truly believe that after reading this book, many of the readers will take a step back from the hustle and bustle of life and seek to reconnect with their innermost selves and their loved ones. This book can change lives.
******
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
