- Paperback: 147 pages
- Publisher: HarperBusiness; Worn Condition edition (31 May 1987)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0060906111
- ISBN-13: 978-0060906115
- Product Dimensions: 20.4 x 13.6 x 1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 700,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Review
The late E.F. Schumacher understates his case in titling this book "A Guide for the Perplexed; " what he undertakes is to provide nothing less than a Manual for Survival, concerned not merely with individual physical or even societal endurance (though that, too), but more importantly with the full realization of human potential.
Does that sound impossibly ambitious? It's only the beginning. In the process of articulating his view of life, Schumacher proceeds to knock the foundation from under much of what science has been about these past few centuries, and then to bring into synthesis the definitive tenets of the world's major religions. All this -- and more -- in only 140 pages.
But hold the snickers; the man pulls it off. Compelling reasoned and persuasively presented, this "Guide diagrams a view of humans and the world in which they live that will challenge and stimulate every thoughtful reader."-- "Newsday""A Guide for the Perplexed offers us a harvest of utterly insane, consoling, and life-afffirming insight from one of the wisest minds of our time. It is and unapologetic defense of traditional Christian humanism which I am certain will light many a darkrned path."-- Theodore Roszak, "Los Angeles Times""A Guide for the Perplexed deserves wide reading. It deserves in fact a Place in the college curriculum, as a text for introductory courses in philosophy....It does as much for the defense of traditional civilizational values as C.S. Lewis's "The Abolition of Man did in the last generation, and it does so on a metaphysical foundation."-- "Greensboro Daily News""A Guide for the Perplexed is really a statement of the philosophical underpinnings that inform "Small is Beautiful.Those who have read neither book should be wise to read the latest book first. Those who have read "Small is Beautiful will benefit from careful reading of this new book. It's impact may be less immediate, but perhaps more substantial and lasting."-- "Chicago Tribune"
Book Description
A reissue of EF Schumacher's classic work of philosophy to celebrate the centenary of his birth.
--This text refers to an alternate
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First Sentence
On a visit to Leningrad some years ago I consulted a map to find out where I was, but I could not make it out. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
On a visit to Leningrad some years ago I consulted a map to find out where I was, but I could not make it out. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book about 10 years ago and I still read it again and again. The author widens our perspective on science and point to the fact that 3/4 of reality can not be investigated by conventional scientific methods. I am a scientist and I read thousands of scientific reports and also report some myself. When I read this book I instantly felt that the author was absolutely right about the limitations of conventional science. Thus, his book changed my whole perspective of science and I started to investigate the "other areas". I have never regretted that. This book is beautifully written. It is one of my 3-4 favourite books which I very often take out from the bookshelf to read in silent mornings when the family is asleep. I recommend this as a first read of my favourite books. It is particularly important reading for scientists.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A guide for the perplexed is a "philosophical guidemap" by the author of "Small is Beautiful". He develops some beautiful and perceptive ideas in the book, which is worth reading just for the quotes alone.
The basic thrust of the book is that throughout the history of humanity, there were considered to be "different levels of being", with increasing levels of awareness and consciousness, and that only relatively recently has the progress of science been so successful that consideration of our "inner" nature and being has been displaced.
Schumachers book is highly pertinent and relevant and every bit as useful and brilliant as his "Small is Beautiful". It is however a book about man, his purpose and meaning in life, and the role (if any) of spirit. At various times Schumacher was a Buddhist and a Christian and his quotations cover a wide spectrum of sources and views from both eastern and western philosophies.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a profound piece of writing, well worth a mere ten dollars. Schumacher, even though he was a high ranking economist in the British government for over 30 years, understood that numbers and other forms of quantifiable (observable) knowledge were phantoms of true knowledge. This book, in a very dense and deep, yet perfectly rational and understantable way, describes the failure of modern societies (and people) to reconcile themselves with their past and their place in creation. Your life has a meaning and a purpose beyond your physiological composition and the consumption of material goods. Read this book to find out why.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Simple but rare insights
I read this book many years ago, and its simple insights have stayed with me. Many scientists are doubtful over whether animals have minds and are conscious - Schumacher... Read more
Published 1 month ago by reddit
A Blueprint
The author reaches lofty heights in this book.
He sees with penetrating laser sharp insight and cuts to the very life of life. Read more
He sees with penetrating laser sharp insight and cuts to the very life of life. Read more
Published 2 months ago by MattC
Insights into problem solving.
Schumacher begins by describing his difficulties travelling through Leningrad, attempting to reconcile his map with the major landmarks he could see. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Steven Unwin
Should be compulsory reading for all schoolchildren!
Although written in the 1970s this is a very thought-provoking book for the 21st century, especially with the concern regarding sustainability in energy and food.
Published 12 months ago by Jill
Getting ready for Schumacher
E. F. Schumacher is mostly known for his book "Small is beautiful", the title of which became a popular slogan. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Ashtar Command
A Must
The other reviewers have said it all - this book is the perfect iconoclastic riposte to the religion we have made out of science. Read more
Published 23 months ago by M. Lawton
A teasure whose brevity belies its depth
In this short book, Schumacher challenges head on the empiricalist philosophy of the present age. Its strength lies in the fact that it successfully manages to paint a picture of... Read more
Published on 5 July 2008 by Aquinas
A fantastic book on philosophy/religion, and a mind opener
Schumacher was one of the most important Western thinkers of the last century.
A Guide for the Perplexed is often regarded as a good introduction for someone interested... Read more
A Guide for the Perplexed is often regarded as a good introduction for someone interested... Read more
Published on 15 Feb 2007 by A. Verma
We should all ask ourselves these questions
Do you wonder whether humanity has the correct view of itself? Do you think that we need a radically different worldview? Do you think we need to awaken from our spiritual sloth? Read more
Published on 15 Nov 2003 by DAVID-LEONARD WILLIS
Scientists: prepare to have your horizons broadened
First published in 1977, the Daily Mail review said "The most exciting philosophical book for ages." I can’t disagree. Read more
Published on 20 Sep 2003 by Derek Slone
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