All Things Shining: Reading the Western Classics to Find Meaning in a Secular Age [Kindle Edition]

The somewhat "mysterious" title of this interesting book is derived from a little story cited in the epilogue. The "reading" that the subtitle refers to, starts with the ancient Greeks (Homer and the Tragedians) and, through the Romans, it scans the relevant sources of the Middle Ages: Augustine, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Dante to reach Luther, Descartes, the Enlightenment (Kant) and eventually the modern secular age. A special chapter-almost fifty pages- is devoted to Melville's (what the authors call) "Evil Art". This elevation of Melville to the pantheon of Western culture might at first sight appear capricious and illogical but in fact proves to be the core of the book and the most eloquent argument against the evils of monotheism. The reader who is unacquainted with the immense literature on the rich symbolism of Melville's masterpiece might find this chapter so breathtaking that he might well forget or ignore whatever shortcomings or omissions exist in the other chapters and especially the last, titled " Lives Worth Living in a Secular Age".
Here one would expect to find at least a citation of the Socratic "anexetastos bios"(the unexamined life- which , as Socrates proclaimed in his "Apologia"- is not worth living); the ethical life with the performance of noble acts; the contemplation of the beauty and mystery of the cosmos and some works of art (especially music) or even the meditation and various practices of oriental cultures as a substitute of the medieval "beatific vision". The authors instead seek this substitute in the elation brought about by the glimpsing of perfection of great athletes or teams of popular sports and other epiphanies of mass events. Presumably they find this more consistent with our modern mass, democratic culture....
However, one might be permitted to conclude that, since most of the people who experience such epiphanies are rather religious than secular (witness the modern American scene with its mass culture, adoration of athleticism and simultaneous religiosity), the advice of the authors and message of this rich and well written book-if it is not disappointing or wrong- is at least superfluous. Read more ›

I have not read this book but the recipient was very pleased with this item. It was used as a 'course book' whilst studying for a particular qualification.

In many ways this is an excellent book. It is erudite and informative and conveys the profound in a simple and entertaining manner. It is worth reading in particular for its chapters on Homer and Moby Dick. Also its emphasis on gratitude was refreshing. However in the final analysis I found its conclusions a little anticlimactic and disappointing in not providing greater hope. To any who feel as i do I would recommend reading David Hoffmeister's "awakening through a course in miracles" which for me provides many of the answers to the questions posed by "all things shining"

Given the ecstatic (U.S.) press reviews for this, I opened it with high expectations. Sadly, I was to be disappointed: the writing style is dry and uninspiring, the texts chosen, even though 'cherry-picked' for content, are quite unable to bear the weight of interpretation put upon them, and much of the analysis given is of questionable worth.

I also found the choice of 'Western Classics' debatable, given it begins and ends with David Foster Wallace, who according to the authors is the "greatest writer of his generation; perhaps the greatest mind altogether." (p.22) Wallace and his concept of nihilism, plus Melville's 'Moby Dick' comprise the bulk of this book's focus, though Homer & Aeschylus, and Dante and Kant are also used to illustrate 'Western' society's drift from Polytheism, via Monotheism to Wallace's (and hence our!) Nihilism.

It sounds an interesting premise, even if you question how representative the authors selection might be, but the notion that "this inspirational book offers (advice) on how to live" would be frankly laughable, were it not for the fact that this is an expensive volume purporting to offer us new meaning for our lives. All this dull, and badly proof-read, volume offered this reader, was an increasing sense of the 'Emperor's New Clothes', and a much greater sense of nihilism than I had before opening it.

If you want to add greater meaning to your life, go for a walk in the countryside, or in the park, relax with some tranquil/meditative music, tell someone you care about how important they are for you, but avoid this shining disappointment.