Eudaimonia: Happiness is not Enough
M.J.Newby
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Buy NowWhy I wrote this book
My work deals with the most important issues for humanity today, and shows where we stand, what needs to change and how we can change it. It had to be shared before it is too late to do so. Books on such themes are desperately needed.
I attempt here to reach a wider public than the academic world , yet without forsaking its key insights. It comes from the heart as my autobiography of ideas. These led me from traditional religious belief through critical rejection by means of reading and teaching philosophy of education and the history of ideas, towards a more recent reappraisal of the meaning of spirituality freed from the bonds of credal loyalties and embracing a rich humanism put simply as love of the world. The rich meanings of this, and its transformative power for self-understanding, life-styles, and vision of a better world cannot be left unshared. My work may have not one original idea, but it expresses in easily-grasped terms the state of things for us today and how our own inner change can change the world. Whilst deeply critical of religious institutions, I also see the power of its language to be deeply rooted in our lives and without which we cannot begin to move forwards as individuals and communities.
Synopsis
A non-religious account of human spiritual development to maturity which opposes the current emphases on happiness as our supreme goal in life. Aspects of decadence in our common ways of life in developed countries are clarified calling upon major philosophers from Socrates to current writers such as MacIntyre and Habermas. The path towards wisdom and love of the world, seen as the virtuous life, is developed, calling upon lesser-known modern sources. Throughout, the focus is upon the development of a meaningful life narrative, both for individual and community, our personal life-stories harmonising with the shared master story for all, that of the salvation of our world from the forces we employ to destroy it. As individuals, living in the age of fiction, we grow through the love of story-forms without we fail to develop in spirit. The age of belief and unbelief is surpassed by the age of irony, which is the age of fiction. However, fiction is the greatest medium of truth to live by. Implications for our growth towards love and wisdom in sustainable living, effective democracy, and meaningful educational aims, form the climax of the work.
Key themes include: Life story as narrative; losing and finding oneself; well-being contrasted with happiness; the virtues and wisdom as well-being:love of the world; internal and external goods; ecstatic values in and beyond childhood; story forms and personal development; fiction, irony, truth and faith; loss of master story and its rediscovery through science;; sustainable development as an aspect of well-being; communication in democracy; educational aims and the status of teachers.
About the Author
Mike Newby has degrees in Theology, Philosophy and doctorate in Philosophy of Education, all from London University. Former teacher and Kingston University lecturer in education, religion and philosophy, he retired after 35 years and became a chauffeur, estate manager and founder of communal gardens at Poundbury, Dorset. He has three daughters and six grandchildren, three in England and three in Australia.
Book info
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Format
Paperback
188 pages pages
Author
M.J.Newby
Publisher
Matador
Publication date
29th October 2011
ISBN
9781848767508
