Review of In It Together

[Sushan Ekanayake]

[Following is a volunteer review of "In It Together" by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"Wait, what?" was my first thought when I read the 'Opening Question' of In It Together by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes:

If you went to sleep in your body in your bed with your memories, and awoke in my body in my bed with my memories instead of yours, would you notice a difference? Would there even be a difference to notice?

As I delved deeper into the book, however, the meaning of this question began to unravel, revealing layers of philosophical insight that lingered long after I finished reading.

Hughes masterfully explores the intricate relationship between consciousness and the physical body, proposing that what we commonly identify as "human" is merely a label. According to Hughes, we are more than just individuals; we are the embodiment of a shared universe, a collective consciousness that transcends the superficial boundaries of our physical forms. This profound concept challenges our perceptions of identity and selfhood, inviting readers to explore new ways of understanding themselves and others.

Despite the heavy themes, Hughes employs simple and accessible language, making the book easy to read even for those who might not typically engage with philosophical literature. This accessibility is one of the book's strongest points, as it allows a broad audience to explore deep ideas without feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, the author has taken great care to ensure that the book is suitable for readers of various beliefs, making it relevant to a wide range of perspectives.

Practical examples are used effectively throughout the book to illustrate the concepts discussed. These examples ground the philosophical discussions in real-world scenarios, making abstract ideas more tangible and relatable. This approach is particularly helpful for readers who might struggle to grasp the deeper philosophical concepts on their own.

The book also incorporates several famous quotes, adding depth to the discussions. One of my favourites is the well-known phrase by René Descartes:

Cogito ergo sum. (I think, therefore I am.)

These quotes complement the author's ideas, providing additional philosophical context and enriching the reader's experience.

If there is any criticism to be made, it’s that some of the concepts overlap with ideas found in Stoicism, which may feel redundant to those already familiar with that philosophy. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise outstanding work.

The heart of the book lies in the suggestions offered towards the end, which are aimed at helping readers find and maintain inner peace. While I won’t spoil these for potential readers, I will say that they form the core of the book's practical advice, encouraging a conscious and unconditional love for oneself and others. The author’s emphasis on inner peace and self-love resonates deeply, aligning with the book's overarching message of unity and shared consciousness.

The editing of the book is exceptional, with not a single error that I could find. This flawless presentation adds to the overall quality of the work, making it a pleasure to read from start to finish.

For all these reasons, I confidently rate In It Together 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a book that not only challenges you to rethink your understanding of the self but also provides practical advice for achieving a more peaceful and fulfilling life. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring deeper philosophical concepts in an accessible way, as well as those seeking practical guidance for self-improvement and inner peace.

As Hughes wisely advises towards the end of the book,

If you think the advice is good to follow, then follow it yourself.

This is a book worth reading, not just once, but multiple times, as it continues to offer new insights with each read.

******
In It Together
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Adina Lutinger]

I read this book too and I agree a lot with what you said in your review. I especially relate to part where you wrote about how confused you were at the opening question of the book, and how the meaning of this question began to unravel as the book progressed. These were my exact thoughts too.
Thank you for your interesting and insightful review!

[Sushan Ekanayake]

I read this book too and I agree a lot with what you said in your review. I especially relate to part where you wrote about how confused you were at the opening question of the book, and how the meaning of this question began to unravel as the book progressed. These were my exact thoughts too.
Thank you for your interesting and insightful review!

I am glad to hear that a fellow reviewer felt exactly as same as myself while reading this interesting book, and found it relatable. Thank you for the kind comment.

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

I have read this book. I loved how deep it was. It wasn't too intimidating, but it retains its sense of seriousness so the author could come across as genuine in his approach. Thank you for your sharing.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

I have read this book. I loved how deep it was. It wasn't too intimidating, but it retains its sense of seriousness so the author could come across as genuine in his approach. Thank you for your sharing.

I totally agree with you. Thank you for the kind comment