Review of Philosophy from the Mud
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Ogunleke Stephen Ibukun
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Review of Philosophy from the Mud
[Following is a volunteer review of "Philosophy from the Mud" by Erik Quisling.]
Philosophy from the Mud authored by Erik Quisling, presents a captivating journey into life's fundamental truths through a collection of fables. Through the experiences of unlikely protagonists—a worm, an ant, and a clam—the book explores profound existential questions, using smaller beings to illuminate larger human concerns. Quisling's narrative blends elements of self-help, humour, and philosophical ponderings, drawing from Eastern philosophy and contemporary thought. The stories challenge conventional perceptions, pushing the boundaries of absurdity to reveal deeper insights into existence and the human condition.
Central to the book is the concept of "Masterful Effortlessness" (M.E.), advocating for living in harmony with the universe's flow. This philosophy serves as a guiding principle throughout the tales, offering a framework for navigating life's complexities with grace. Beyond entertainment, the book catalyzes personal reflection and growth, inviting readers to contemplate their actions and place in the cosmos while enjoying the whimsical adventures of Quisling's wise creatures.
The reason I thoroughly enjoy this book is twofold. Firstly, the character of General Tullius Guntner Weems, the earthworm war hero, deeply resonates with me as he navigates an existential crisis, mirroring the human quest for meaning and self-discovery. His transformation from a mighty warrior to a truth-seeker is both inspiring and relatable, highlighting our potential for growth and enlightenment. Secondly, the storyline of Glen the ant in "Adventures of Glen in My Stone Garden" captivates me with its witty portrayal of societal complexities and the individual's struggle for identity. Through Glen's adventures, the book cleverly explores themes of resilience, self-belief, and challenging societal norms, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The reason I struggle to fully embrace this book is multifaceted, as there are aspects of the book that I genuinely dislike. Primarily, the character of the clam left me feeling disconnected, as its journey into existential frustration often felt overly abstract and challenging to relate to. The narrative's wandering nature made it difficult to empathize with the clam's struggles or draw clear parallels to human experiences, which I found frustrating. Additionally, while the writing style is descriptive, it occasionally veers into esoteric territory, which I dislike as it can alienate readers less versed in philosophical concepts.
The heavy reliance on allegory and metaphor, while intellectually stimulating, sometimes obscured the storyline, diminishing my engagement in a way that I found disappointing. Moreover, the book's structure, with its abrupt transitions between fables and didactic sections on Masterful Effortlessness (M.E.), disrupted the narrative flow and pulled me out of the immersive world of the fables, which I found jarring and unsatisfying. These factors collectively detracted from my enjoyment of the book, leading me to rate it lower due to these challenges in connection and engagement, ultimately resulting in a sense of dislike. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 3 out of 5 stars for its captivating exploration of existential themes through fables. Quisling's blend of self-help, humour, and philosophical musings draws from diverse sources, offering intriguing insights. While characters like General Tullius Guntner Weems and Glen the Ant provide compelling narratives, the abstract journey of the clam may hinder reader engagement. Occasional esoteric writing and heavy allegory could alienate some readers. Additionally, abrupt transitions disrupt the narrative flow, detracting from immersion. Despite these challenges, the book offers thought-provoking content, warranting a favourable rating for its depth and creativity. I would recommend this book to readers interested in thought-provoking narratives exploring existential themes through allegorical storytelling.
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Philosophy from the Mud
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Philosophy from the Mud authored by Erik Quisling, presents a captivating journey into life's fundamental truths through a collection of fables. Through the experiences of unlikely protagonists—a worm, an ant, and a clam—the book explores profound existential questions, using smaller beings to illuminate larger human concerns. Quisling's narrative blends elements of self-help, humour, and philosophical ponderings, drawing from Eastern philosophy and contemporary thought. The stories challenge conventional perceptions, pushing the boundaries of absurdity to reveal deeper insights into existence and the human condition.
Central to the book is the concept of "Masterful Effortlessness" (M.E.), advocating for living in harmony with the universe's flow. This philosophy serves as a guiding principle throughout the tales, offering a framework for navigating life's complexities with grace. Beyond entertainment, the book catalyzes personal reflection and growth, inviting readers to contemplate their actions and place in the cosmos while enjoying the whimsical adventures of Quisling's wise creatures.
The reason I thoroughly enjoy this book is twofold. Firstly, the character of General Tullius Guntner Weems, the earthworm war hero, deeply resonates with me as he navigates an existential crisis, mirroring the human quest for meaning and self-discovery. His transformation from a mighty warrior to a truth-seeker is both inspiring and relatable, highlighting our potential for growth and enlightenment. Secondly, the storyline of Glen the ant in "Adventures of Glen in My Stone Garden" captivates me with its witty portrayal of societal complexities and the individual's struggle for identity. Through Glen's adventures, the book cleverly explores themes of resilience, self-belief, and challenging societal norms, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The reason I struggle to fully embrace this book is multifaceted, as there are aspects of the book that I genuinely dislike. Primarily, the character of the clam left me feeling disconnected, as its journey into existential frustration often felt overly abstract and challenging to relate to. The narrative's wandering nature made it difficult to empathize with the clam's struggles or draw clear parallels to human experiences, which I found frustrating. Additionally, while the writing style is descriptive, it occasionally veers into esoteric territory, which I dislike as it can alienate readers less versed in philosophical concepts.
The heavy reliance on allegory and metaphor, while intellectually stimulating, sometimes obscured the storyline, diminishing my engagement in a way that I found disappointing. Moreover, the book's structure, with its abrupt transitions between fables and didactic sections on Masterful Effortlessness (M.E.), disrupted the narrative flow and pulled me out of the immersive world of the fables, which I found jarring and unsatisfying. These factors collectively detracted from my enjoyment of the book, leading me to rate it lower due to these challenges in connection and engagement, ultimately resulting in a sense of dislike. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
I gave this book a rating of 3 out of 5 stars for its captivating exploration of existential themes through fables. Quisling's blend of self-help, humour, and philosophical musings draws from diverse sources, offering intriguing insights. While characters like General Tullius Guntner Weems and Glen the Ant provide compelling narratives, the abstract journey of the clam may hinder reader engagement. Occasional esoteric writing and heavy allegory could alienate some readers. Additionally, abrupt transitions disrupt the narrative flow, detracting from immersion. Despite these challenges, the book offers thought-provoking content, warranting a favourable rating for its depth and creativity. I would recommend this book to readers interested in thought-provoking narratives exploring existential themes through allegorical storytelling.
******
Philosophy from the Mud
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise by John K Danenbarger
