Review of Modern Wisdom
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Review of Modern Wisdom
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Modern Wisdom" by Brian Lipkin.]
Modern Wisdom: Thoughts, Maxims, and Sayings about Man and His World is a nonfiction book by Brian Lipkin that will challenge and provoke the reader’s thoughts on many issues. Change and transformation can only result from confronting issues head-on, and I can say that Brian Lipkin has undoubtedly mastered the art of communicating in a way that captures one’s attention. Starting from the individual, the author includes many sayings and thoughts that can help one live a more meaningful life. For instance, he states, “There are only two lives: a life of love or a life of fear.” He also touches on the need to live life to the fullest.
Brian Lipkin does not stop at the doorstep of the individual. He goes on to address how parenting can affect a child and how these effects shape who they will be as adults. More importantly, I loved his exposition of the plight of the majority of the elderly in our world. After benefiting from their care from childhood, do we then abandon them and view them primarily as ‘ATMs’? The author also speaks about how humankind is one and hence the need for love and empathy, not domination and lies, among other vices.
Additionally, the author touches on the political and religious spheres, including what he terms “Trumpism.” On religion, Brian Lipkin criticizes many religions, including Christianity and even God. However, I would not say the book is unsuitable for believers. I remember reading about someone who would read one book that supported their beliefs and five that were contrary to them. This could apply to Christians, Muslims, and others. You can read this book.
However, there are instances where one is left wondering how the author arrived at certain conclusions. For example, the author states, “Mental illness is always a consequence of the dehumanization of the child by the parent. And so mental illness is a necessary but wonderful journey back to human-ness!” Mental illness does not arise from such a cause alone. Many other factors contribute to it. This was not the only controversial statement in the book—there was another suggesting that ill health and disease are often associated with a different cause (readers will find this cause in the book), one that would require scientific backing.
While there are many aspects of the book I could highlight, the one that stands out the most is that it is provocative, and this will definitely leave a mark on the reader’s mind—whether or not you agree with the author’s statements. Due to the passage of time and the nature of some issues, such as convictions, I suppose the book could be updated someday. However, this is not a downside, as it is bound to happen with any material that includes facts, which are subject to change. Nevertheless, due to the statements that lacked background information or scientific support, I rate the book three out of five stars. It does not deserve a lower rating, as it is thought-provoking and informative to a large extent.
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Modern Wisdom
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
(Lipkin, Brian. Modern Wisdom (p. 23). Kindle Edition.)“Men are willing to take many risks, throwing all caution to the wind sometimes, but being who they really are is a gamble they are rarely willing to take, given the dire possible consequences!”
Modern Wisdom: Thoughts, Maxims, and Sayings about Man and His World is a nonfiction book by Brian Lipkin that will challenge and provoke the reader’s thoughts on many issues. Change and transformation can only result from confronting issues head-on, and I can say that Brian Lipkin has undoubtedly mastered the art of communicating in a way that captures one’s attention. Starting from the individual, the author includes many sayings and thoughts that can help one live a more meaningful life. For instance, he states, “There are only two lives: a life of love or a life of fear.” He also touches on the need to live life to the fullest.
(Lipkin, Brian. Modern Wisdom (p. 55). Kindle Edition.)“It has been said before, but make the most of every minute, for one day there will be no more minutes left, nor clocks sitting on dusty mantelpieces to measure them.”
Brian Lipkin does not stop at the doorstep of the individual. He goes on to address how parenting can affect a child and how these effects shape who they will be as adults. More importantly, I loved his exposition of the plight of the majority of the elderly in our world. After benefiting from their care from childhood, do we then abandon them and view them primarily as ‘ATMs’? The author also speaks about how humankind is one and hence the need for love and empathy, not domination and lies, among other vices.
Additionally, the author touches on the political and religious spheres, including what he terms “Trumpism.” On religion, Brian Lipkin criticizes many religions, including Christianity and even God. However, I would not say the book is unsuitable for believers. I remember reading about someone who would read one book that supported their beliefs and five that were contrary to them. This could apply to Christians, Muslims, and others. You can read this book.
However, there are instances where one is left wondering how the author arrived at certain conclusions. For example, the author states, “Mental illness is always a consequence of the dehumanization of the child by the parent. And so mental illness is a necessary but wonderful journey back to human-ness!” Mental illness does not arise from such a cause alone. Many other factors contribute to it. This was not the only controversial statement in the book—there was another suggesting that ill health and disease are often associated with a different cause (readers will find this cause in the book), one that would require scientific backing.
While there are many aspects of the book I could highlight, the one that stands out the most is that it is provocative, and this will definitely leave a mark on the reader’s mind—whether or not you agree with the author’s statements. Due to the passage of time and the nature of some issues, such as convictions, I suppose the book could be updated someday. However, this is not a downside, as it is bound to happen with any material that includes facts, which are subject to change. Nevertheless, due to the statements that lacked background information or scientific support, I rate the book three out of five stars. It does not deserve a lower rating, as it is thought-provoking and informative to a large extent.
******
Modern Wisdom
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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