A thought-provoking, if sketchily supported, examination of the role of intuition in a changing world.
A nonfiction book about the rise of modern reason.
Retired research chemist Johnson argues that one must cast off one’s trust in instinct and instead embrace scientific understanding. Specifically, the author suggests that intuition, though vitally important to our ancestors, now provides fertile soil for the proliferation of destructive beliefs. Intuition, he says, is the realm of “first thoughts,” or untested impressions, which are akin to a gamble. Without the imposition of reason, which can reveal fictional narratives, first impressions can foster fear and social division, he says. The author further asserts that continued belief in a traditional creator god is a product of a similarly limited perspective, which has driven generations into blind adherence. Johnson argues that an increased reliance on science has resulted in more people moving away from traditional religion, which, he says, will no longer be a dominant force by the next century. The author draws upon his own scientific training as a research scientist at the Universities of Chicago and Arizona, his time in the pharmaceutical industry, and his Catholic background to offer an analysis that readers will find to be reminiscent of the works of famed skeptics such as Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett. However, although the work is often engaging and easy to follow, it leaves some aspects of his premise unexplained. The author does acknowledge that science can’t answer all questions, but readers may take issue with Johnson’s idealization of scientific thought; for instance, he states a belief that science can eliminate racism without addressing the long history of scientists pursuing discriminatory ideas and policies. Additionally, Johnson’s assertion that an increase in modern technology results in a decrease in irrational belief lacks detailed support. That said, the author’s advocacy for collective reason and increased scientific education is welcome.
A thought-provoking, if sketchily supported, examination of the role of intuition in a changing world.Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-578-94938-3
Page Count: 210
Publisher: Ric-Tungsten Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 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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