Review by Koyna -- Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
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Koyna
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Review by Koyna -- Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
[Following is a volunteer review of "Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature" by Chet Shupe.]
Why has the rate of suicide and domestic violence increased? Do we feel less connected with the people around us? Is this because of the unnatural setting that we have created under the name of civilization? In rediscovering the wisdom of human nature, Chet Shupe has attacked all that we know and believe about our civilization. He believes that civilization has broken our natural order of interdependence. It has emotionally and spiritually isolated us and has caused immense unhappiness among us.
Usually, the word civilization has a positive connotation of order and discipline. Additionally, civilization is synonymous with progression in the way we think and behave. Hence, when someone violates the order, they are tagged barbarous. This book, however, questions the very notion of civilization. The author states that civilization wants us to follow a different recipe—one that tells us to ignore what we feel and act otherwise. It has broken the bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood. It has changed the way we think and act. Now instead of living in the present, we plan and stress about the future. Chet’s arguments are put forward well. Especially, the example about brotherhood seen in the documentary "Restrepo” is convincing. We are led to questions “do we see such a close, spiritual bond in our current setting?”
I particularly liked the table given at the end of the book. It summarized the book and compared the social-emotional bonds between the current times and the pre-historic times. Currently, our lives are governed by laws. Our identity, and to some extent our survival, depends on the physical wealth we own. On the other hand, Chet talks about the ancient times where success and security were measured in terms of the closeness people shared. This shows that, earlier, people gave importance to more realistic values of friendship and love. And with evolution, we have started to emphasize more superficial and monetary value.
There are two things that I did not like about the book. First, I feel that each argument against civilization is well-explained, but multiple times. This repetition makes the book lengthy and tiresome to read. Next, I feel that his perception of the ideal world is left ambiguous. Like sisterhood is the crux of his book, yet it took a careful reading of a few chapters to understand what it means, and why it is the focal point of a family. The author’s idea of the ideal world is so different, I feel he needs to explain the ideas and connections clearly.
I felt the book explores a unique thought. I will yet rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The arguments against civilization are biased yet, quite persuasive. However, there is too much repetition, and some concepts were ambiguous. The book is professionally edited. I feel people who are fond of philosophy will enjoy reading this book. In some places, Chet interprets the Bible quite differently from the traditional way, so people with a strong faith in Christianity may not enjoy the book.
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Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Why has the rate of suicide and domestic violence increased? Do we feel less connected with the people around us? Is this because of the unnatural setting that we have created under the name of civilization? In rediscovering the wisdom of human nature, Chet Shupe has attacked all that we know and believe about our civilization. He believes that civilization has broken our natural order of interdependence. It has emotionally and spiritually isolated us and has caused immense unhappiness among us.
Usually, the word civilization has a positive connotation of order and discipline. Additionally, civilization is synonymous with progression in the way we think and behave. Hence, when someone violates the order, they are tagged barbarous. This book, however, questions the very notion of civilization. The author states that civilization wants us to follow a different recipe—one that tells us to ignore what we feel and act otherwise. It has broken the bonds of sisterhood and brotherhood. It has changed the way we think and act. Now instead of living in the present, we plan and stress about the future. Chet’s arguments are put forward well. Especially, the example about brotherhood seen in the documentary "Restrepo” is convincing. We are led to questions “do we see such a close, spiritual bond in our current setting?”
I particularly liked the table given at the end of the book. It summarized the book and compared the social-emotional bonds between the current times and the pre-historic times. Currently, our lives are governed by laws. Our identity, and to some extent our survival, depends on the physical wealth we own. On the other hand, Chet talks about the ancient times where success and security were measured in terms of the closeness people shared. This shows that, earlier, people gave importance to more realistic values of friendship and love. And with evolution, we have started to emphasize more superficial and monetary value.
There are two things that I did not like about the book. First, I feel that each argument against civilization is well-explained, but multiple times. This repetition makes the book lengthy and tiresome to read. Next, I feel that his perception of the ideal world is left ambiguous. Like sisterhood is the crux of his book, yet it took a careful reading of a few chapters to understand what it means, and why it is the focal point of a family. The author’s idea of the ideal world is so different, I feel he needs to explain the ideas and connections clearly.
I felt the book explores a unique thought. I will yet rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The arguments against civilization are biased yet, quite persuasive. However, there is too much repetition, and some concepts were ambiguous. The book is professionally edited. I feel people who are fond of philosophy will enjoy reading this book. In some places, Chet interprets the Bible quite differently from the traditional way, so people with a strong faith in Christianity may not enjoy the book.
******
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign
