Sustainable History and the Dignity of Man: A Philosophy of History and Civilisational Triumph [Paperback]

The book "Sustainable History and the Dignity of Man: A Philosophy of History and Civilisational Triumph" by Al-Rodhan is the fifth book in a series of books regarding governance and politics by this preeminent philosopher, scientist and thinker that I have read. As usual, Al-Rodhan does not disappoint in suggesting novel approaches for how humans can and possibly should interact with the goal of less conflict and more justice for all in mind. This book is touching on a number of subjects and is the most complex of his works that I have read. If a reader is not familiar with Al-Rodhan, I would highly recommend to start with a less complex work, such as his treatise on the multi-sum security principle. Starting off with a less complex book will make it easier for the reader to get to know Al-Rodhan's style of discourse, which is a mixture of traditional philosophy interspersed with significant amounts of hard core science. This mixture makes Al-Rodhan unique, but also challenging to the reader and may form the foundation for the uniqueness of Al-Rodhan's theories.
This book is dealing predominantly with governance and what type of governance Al-Rodhan recommends for a peaceful co-existence that is in the best interest of all people inhabiting the planet. Governance has been touched upon in other books by Al-Rodhan, but never was, as it is here, the focus of a book. I was therefore looking very much forward to this book and the author did not disappoint.
The book is split up into three main sections. The first section is laying the groundwork for his later theory. This initial section is a very condensed summary of a number of philosophical theories and referring to some of the other work by Al-Rodhan, namely his work on emotional amoral egoism (another good entry work for readers new to this author). As in his other works, Al-Rodhan again draws heavily on science, namely neuroscience, to suggest novel interpretations to the meaning of our existence.
Following this introductory writing, the second part of the book deals with idea that only justice for all people of this planet will result in a chance to achieve a conflict-free existence. This again was touched upon in his other works, specifically the importance of justice, a new interpretation of what constitutes human rights as well as the importance of minimizing injustice in specific areas of the world, a given if we want to achieve human rights for everyone.
In the third part, Al-Rodhan allows himself to look into the future. This part of the book is relatively brief since Al-Rodhan can not focus on evidentiary reasoning, which is clearly his strength. He calls the attention of the reader towards the way technology will change us ranging from gene therapy to the much newer field of nanotechnology. Besides stating in very general terms what possible dangers and benefits applying these technologies may have on human survival, Al-Rodhan lays in this chapter the groundwork for possibly future works by him, but more importantly makes the reader think about what the future may hold in place for us. Al-Rodhan in his theories recommends going away from the current governance that is very much focused on states and to think in more global terms. But just as politicians must change how they conduct their business, we as inhabitants of this world must also change how we live our lives, set our priorities and see each other. I believe that by leaving this final part brief and listing some of the possible developments, Al-Rodhan sends the clear message that each individual must rethink his or her life and change how we exist as individuals.

Dr. Al-Rodhan writes books that are full of so much information that isn't part of mainstream published penmanship that his books can be intimidating and challenging to read. When I saw the size of this book I admit that I was afraid that I would get lost! However, I am happy to report that this is his best book yet and it is surprisingly simple to follow. By this I mean that he has taken his previous works and presented them in a very practical and easily understood way. I found so much of the writing to be thought-provoking and super interesting, and at some points even frightening (like when he discussed the possibility of trans-human civilization! Yikes!). This book is an awesome summary of some of the key points of major world religions, philosophies, political issues, and the like. What totally intimidated me at first turned out to be a wonderfully enjoyable read as well as an excellent piece of reference material that I'm sure I'll use many times in the future.

This book is extremely interesting, and may seem to be a little on the, hard to grasp, side, but once you start reading, Nayef R.F Al-Rodhan, makes so much sense, and really creates the kind of atmosphere comparable to having a discussion amongst friends.
This is the 2nd book I have read from this author, and I enjoy them both very much! They are both 5 star books in my eyes, and I intend on reading more from him.
I am a long time fan of Stephen Hawkings, and not to put the 2 in the same category, but Nayef R.F Al-Rodhan's books, remind me a lot of Stephen hawking's books. I can sit and read and comprehend everything in it's entirety, and I get lost in the words, the thoughts, amazed at the mass scope at which it is presented and when somebody asks me a question about it, it's like they zapped me out of some sort of trance where I was learning and was able to see and think and come to many, many very strange and peculiar realizations. (Yes, lol, that irks me quite a bit, but I have 4 children, so....)
Anyway, I can't lie, this is not an easy read, it won't be read in one night, nor will it be read while you are doing your daily activities, no, you must take the time and make your mind like a sponge of sorts, take it all in, and be able to concentrate. So, if you are a mom, a dad, a busy person, schedule some time, and relax. Please do not speed read, and skip any sections. This would be a waste of your time.
This book is basically set in 3 sections, 1st part is a kind of explanation for the end, which is like a blueprint of sorts, describing and explaining. The 2nd part is where it starts to get a little crazy, (in a good way!!), and the author will then follow through with several different reasons, aspects, everything from many different religions, civilizations, governments, even touches on technology, and then the 3rd part, which is what the author sees as where we as a world or human race, are headed.
The religion and meaning of life sections were quite possibly my favorite, and really open your mind, and oddly enough, things start to come together. I believe we may each take something different from this book, and maybe that is the key? It flows very nicely, sort of like music, and again, this is truly going to be something that is all very simple to understand as you are reading it.
The meaning of life for instance, has never really been explained to me at least, in such great detail. It opens many doors and definitely broadens your horizons, You may find new meaning to life, where we came from, where we are going, who we are, if not, you will certainly have a terribly interesting discussion for your next date or date night:)
I like this author's style, there is no right and wrong, there is no black and white, everything seems to have a purpose, each and every word, and many ponder moments in this book.
Lots of footnotes in this book, just as the first book I read from this author, (I love footnotes) I also love how he questions things, as if there is a voice in your head at the same time as you are reading the words, you and the book are asking the same question, Are we really all simply one consciousness?
I recommend this book to anybody who adores a challenge, anybody who loves to think and have lots to discuss with friends. This book is definitely for you if you have ever asked yourself, what is the meaning of life? Is there life after death? No matter who or what you believe in, if you have faith in somebody or someone or something, you have surely thought about the afterlife, what is your purpose? Who or what decides your fate? (PS and this is just a section of the book that jumped out at me and had me re reading over and over and over again)

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **