A valuable, transformative prescription for a life of greater truth.
A guide offers a journey into the nature of truth.
In Hinsley’s view, truth is the result of a balance of “Form & Essence”—an interconnection between the measurable, physical world and the invisible threads of spirit that give life larger meaning. But the culture that readers know is frequently out of balance, valuing force and focusing on superficial hallmarks of success. Sidetracked by the allure of comparison, people praise high grades and trophies over mental health and allow social media obsessions to supplant social interactions. In this Form-focused world, people’s peace of mind is sacrificed in the pursuit of status symbols, resulting in a society that is at best distracted and at worst polarized and toxic. But, as the author asserts, hope for a better life is not lost. The peace of mind that readers seek lies buried amid their material possessions, competitions, and social media feeds in the realm of Essence. Though intangible, Essence surrounds people in emotions, personality, and creativity—all the subtle qualities that make them human and wonderfully unique. While Hinsley is not alone in suggesting that immaterialism offers a path to greater well-being, he does not advocate a life devoid of measurable achievements. Instead, he asserts that Form & Essence yield interconnected value, revealing and empowering success through truth. Drawing on numerous real-world examples, the author skillfully illustrates how fear, defensiveness, and perfectionism can stifle achievement. Supporting these stories with the writings of various thinkers, such as Eckhart Tolle, Nir Eyal, and Angela Lee Duckworth, and citing popular works like David Wan, John de Graaf, and Thomas Naylor’s Affluenza (2001) and Jim Collins’ Good to Great (2001), Hinsley crafts a meticulously researched argument that will keep readers engaged and inspired. Discussing subjects ranging from education and fundraising to business and family, the author shows that readers can choose to master their awareness, consume content that uplifts them, and uncover motivations that ignite their sense of purpose. Moreover, this emotional evolution comes not at the expense of success but through creating it—resulting in joy for both readers and their communities.
A valuable, transformative prescription for a life of greater truth.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 425
Publisher: Envision Arts
Review Posted Online: Dec. 29, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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