Review by John Stewart
(Australian evolutionary theorist, author of the book Evolution's Arrow and a number of scientific papers on evolution and its implications for humanity)
This review of Matters of Consequence was written on 28 April 2004 for Amazon.com. The reviewer gave the book a five-star rating. A link to the Amazon.com page can be found at http://mattersofconsequence.com/booksales.html.
‘Matters of Consequence’ is a wonderful guide to answering the age-old questions that confront all human beings: What should I do with my life? How should I spend my time? The book provides great resources and wise advice for discovering a larger purpose and meaning in life that will lead to positive and productive engagement with the world.
A central message of the book is that direction and purpose will come naturally to a person who acquires what the author calls ‘deep understanding’. To achieve deep understanding, two key ingredients are necessary. The first is knowledge of humanity’s place in the cosmos and of the complex processes that impact on humanity and that will determine our future. The second is self-knowledge and spiritual development. The author argues convincingly that it is only when this second essential ingredient is added that individuals will know how to respond appropriately to the great challenges facing humanity and will find the motivation and energy to do something positive about them. Knowledge alone, no mater how comprehensive and intelligent, is not enough.Importantly, the book makes out a strong case for a spirituality that is fully and deeply engaged with the world and that will drive social and political activism. It convincingly rejects a sterile and sequestered spirituality that is disengaged from the human condition and disinterested in political and social issues.
In large part ‘Matters of Consequence’ is a manual for achieving ‘deep understanding’. It provides an integrated and cutting edge survey of all the key areas of knowledge that must be mastered for a proper understanding of the human condition – the book includes wonderful syntheses of cosmological, evolutionary, socio-cultural, economic and environmental knowledge. It then integrates these with approaches to developing introspectively acquired self-knowledge and creating a life of purpose, meaning and significance. The book concludes with a thorough examination of the key challenges facing humanity over the next 50 years and how deep understanding can be put to use to respond to these. It identifies the personal and societal transformations that we must implement. A series of detailed Appendices identify further resources that we can use as we engage with these challenges.
Despite the complexity and breadth of the issues and knowledge that the book covers, I found it effortless to read. It is written extremely clearly and simply.
I do not know anyone who would fail to learn something of significance from reading ‘Matters of Consequence’, and who would not enjoy doing so. This is an important and timely book.
