Review of Mythic Worlds and the One You Can Believe In
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Andrada Madalina
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Review of Mythic Worlds and the One You Can Believe In
[Following is a volunteer review of "Mythic Worlds and the One You Can Believe In" by Harold Toliver.]
Mythic Worlds and the One You Can Believe In by Harold Toliver is a non-fiction book, which encourages the acceptance of evidence on both natural and psychological history. It illustrates the evolution of humankind through science and a parallel between ancient and modern myths.
Briefly, the book emphasizes the progress of people by synthesizing collective beliefs and illusions. Harold Toliver highlights the contrast between natural and spiritual. The trail of evolution consists of ideas in which someone believes. The impossible is replaced with the power of anticipation. Also, the author presents the development of language and communication, pointing out prosody and semantics.
I liked how the book illustrates the myths as a heritage that helps strengthen the structure of the nation, such as the arc of Noah or the crossing of the Red Sea. Also, I appreciated that Harold Toliver explained the brainwashing of individuals due to the spread of misconceptions and how a social group creates illusions, which have repercussions as a result of their exaggeration. The author gave the example of the invasion of Russia by the Holy Roman Empire when chaos took over Teutonic Knights. I think that beliefs must be consistent with solid evidence. Ideas can be manipulated and disconnected from reality. We should see the essence of things and filter the facts, not just deny them.
I disliked that Harold Toliver highlights that only the visible universe produces information, and the revelations are delusions. Also, he points out the questionable nature of ancient texts and artifacts that should be reliable and doubts the legends because of the lack of solid evidence. For me, reality does not mean just science or philosophy but my own beliefs and expression of imagination. I believe in alternative realities and do not consider that the accuracy of facts is imperative.
I think that people perceive things both objectively and subjectively at the same time. They focus individually on things depending on their circumstance and position. Their focal point is also important. For instance, the author pointed out how the beauty of celestial phenomena like black holes swallowing stars is viewed differently by the observer if he has suitable equipment to see it and is far away from it.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars because it provides a point of reference for readers to build their own opinions and beliefs. I only found a few typographical errors, which did not influence my reading. Also, Harold Toliver did some remarkable research supported by various references to history, philosophy, literature, and science. I liked the ones to the natural history studies of Thomas Hobbes, who considered that substance is more important than appearance. However, I think that the world is not all about science but also the power to believe in anything.
I would recommend this book to people who like history and philosophy and have questions about reality or myths, especially to those who hesitate to give credit to legends and are skeptical. Also, it is suitable for anyone who wants to read about the evolution of humanity but not for those who disagree that science is imperative for progress or have no beliefs.
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Mythic Worlds and the One You Can Believe In
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Mythic Worlds and the One You Can Believe In by Harold Toliver is a non-fiction book, which encourages the acceptance of evidence on both natural and psychological history. It illustrates the evolution of humankind through science and a parallel between ancient and modern myths.
Briefly, the book emphasizes the progress of people by synthesizing collective beliefs and illusions. Harold Toliver highlights the contrast between natural and spiritual. The trail of evolution consists of ideas in which someone believes. The impossible is replaced with the power of anticipation. Also, the author presents the development of language and communication, pointing out prosody and semantics.
I liked how the book illustrates the myths as a heritage that helps strengthen the structure of the nation, such as the arc of Noah or the crossing of the Red Sea. Also, I appreciated that Harold Toliver explained the brainwashing of individuals due to the spread of misconceptions and how a social group creates illusions, which have repercussions as a result of their exaggeration. The author gave the example of the invasion of Russia by the Holy Roman Empire when chaos took over Teutonic Knights. I think that beliefs must be consistent with solid evidence. Ideas can be manipulated and disconnected from reality. We should see the essence of things and filter the facts, not just deny them.
I disliked that Harold Toliver highlights that only the visible universe produces information, and the revelations are delusions. Also, he points out the questionable nature of ancient texts and artifacts that should be reliable and doubts the legends because of the lack of solid evidence. For me, reality does not mean just science or philosophy but my own beliefs and expression of imagination. I believe in alternative realities and do not consider that the accuracy of facts is imperative.
I think that people perceive things both objectively and subjectively at the same time. They focus individually on things depending on their circumstance and position. Their focal point is also important. For instance, the author pointed out how the beauty of celestial phenomena like black holes swallowing stars is viewed differently by the observer if he has suitable equipment to see it and is far away from it.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars because it provides a point of reference for readers to build their own opinions and beliefs. I only found a few typographical errors, which did not influence my reading. Also, Harold Toliver did some remarkable research supported by various references to history, philosophy, literature, and science. I liked the ones to the natural history studies of Thomas Hobbes, who considered that substance is more important than appearance. However, I think that the world is not all about science but also the power to believe in anything.
I would recommend this book to people who like history and philosophy and have questions about reality or myths, especially to those who hesitate to give credit to legends and are skeptical. Also, it is suitable for anyone who wants to read about the evolution of humanity but not for those who disagree that science is imperative for progress or have no beliefs.
******
Mythic Worlds and the One You Can Believe In
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Butterfly Cage by Rachel Zemach
