A fascinating—if not particularly convincing—theory of everything.
A debut author blends science and philosophy in this metaphysical reconceptualization of the universe.
“Since the dawn of human history,” writes Vaessen in the book’s opening lines, “mankind has been consumed by an insatiable curiosity to understand the very fabric of existence.” In this exploration of the ubiquitous questions asked by humanity across time and culture (“Why are we here? What is the origin and purpose of life?”), the author begins with an analysis of religion, noting that since the rise of organized civilization, humans have tended to answer these questions with the existence of a deity. First looking at religion through a philosophical lens (for example, cosmological and teleological arguments for the existence of a divine being), Vaessen also includes scientific scrutiny of spiritual systems and considers the failure of empirical evidence to provide insight into the existence of God. Taking a broad view of spiritualism beyond the conventional Abrahamic religions focused on by the West, the author argues that “The Golden Rule” (or, the ethical maxim to treat others as you would like to be treated) is universal to all religions, as well as secular philosophies like humanism. After his analysis of religion, the author transitions to more scientific topics related to quantum physics, Einstein’s theory of general relativity, and the nature of time itself. Blended with his quantitative, data-driven scientific explanations are metaphysical reflections on how they apply to human life and meaning.
Boldly offering a new “model for the Origin of Everything” that blends scientific data with philosophy, the book suggests that engaging with its ideas could “reshape our perception of the universe.” While this sweeping declaration may be overselling things a bit, the work does offer intellectual fodder for those left frustrated by science’s failure to answer questions about meaning and by traditional religious explanations centered around anthropomorphic deities. Calling his theory “Potentiality-based-Panpsychism” (PBP), Vaessen posits the existence of “two intertwined realms”: the first is traditional spacetime as articulated by Einstein, and the second is an existential state the author calls Non-Spacetime, which transcends the confines of spacetime and the laws of physics. A key aspect of PBP is the positioning of consciousness as the primary force that triggered the Big Bang and spacetime as we know it. This concept is intriguing, and a useful thought experiment; Vaessen urges skeptics to approach PBP with an open mind and invites scientists and philosophers alike to dissect its arguments. It is unlikely that most readers will be convinced, though the author displays an impressive interdisciplinary grasp on both metaphysical philosophy and science and a keen awareness of classical philosophy, world religions, and modern scientific theorems. The text’s engagement with complex scientific and philosophical arguments makes for an occasionally jargon-heavy read, though the more scholarly-minded may be dismayed by a lack of formalized citations and references. Helpful charts, diagrams, and other visual aids are provided throughout the book, and each chapter includes “Key Takeaways” and summaries, which help to mitigate against the more esoteric passages. While his self-aggrandizing claims often ring hollow, Vaessen offers a rare blend of science and philosophy that provides ample avenues for readers to question existing paradigms in an intellectually safe environment.
A fascinating—if not particularly convincing—theory of everything.Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2024
ISBN: 9789090376936
Page Count: 250
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Feb. 14, 2025
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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