The author of the world wide best-seller, Small Is Beautiful, now tackles the subject of Man, the World, and the Meaning of Living. Schumacher writes about man's relation to the world. man has obligations -- to other men, to the earth, to progress and technology, but most importantly himself. If man can fulfill these obligations, then and only then can he enjoy a real relationship with the world, then and only then can he know the meaning of living.
Schumacher says we need maps: a "map of knowledge" and a "map of living." The concern of the mapmaker--in this instance, Schumacher--is to find for everything it's proper place. Things out of place tend to get lost; they become invisible and there proper places end to be filled by other things that ought not be there at all and therefore serve to mislead.
A Guide for the Perplexed teaches us to be our own map makers. This constantly surprising, always stimulating book will be welcomed by a large audience, including the many new fans who believe strongly in what Schumacher has to say.
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"
