Title: Fully Human/Fully Alive
Author: Lyle Simpson
Publisher: Studio of Books, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-964928-19-7
Pages: 334
Genre: Philosophy / Self-Help
Reviewer: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
In the grand scheme of things, there is a fine line between philosophy and spirituality. Religion has been a foundation for many civilizations throughout the world over the course of human history, guiding leaders and the masses equally in establishing the pivotal moments that have defined those civilizations. Yet as the modern world has brought with it a divide between religion and philosophical discussions, there has been an emergence of those who believe the fate of the world and individual lives at the same time is not reliant on supernatural means, but instead on the actions people dictate over time.
That belief or philosophy is known in modern terms as humanism, and that is the basis for author Lyle Simpson’s Fully Human/Fully Alive. The book is meant not to tear down long held beliefs but instead open the mind to new possibilities and eliminate some of the blind spots which form for those who find themselves embedded so deeply into a religious mindset. Digging into the history and evolution of humanism over the course of human history, the book examines Maslow’s social level of living and how readers can evolve their own way of thinking by embracing the levels above the ones they find themselves in.
Thought provoking was the first thing that came to mind when delving into this book’s message. The exploration of religion more as a social “glue” that evolved over time as humanity changed from a hunter-gatherer society to a more agrarian one was so fascinating to read, and the way the author wrote in a way that felt both academic and relatable all at the same time allowed me to connect with the source material of this book clearly. The amount of detail and passion for the subject matter the author gave to each and every chapter allowed me to feel a sense of knowledge and education that elevated my own consciousness in many ways, driving me further and further into the book.
What stood out to this reader was the unique blend of history, philosophy, and theological studies that this non-fiction book held. The analysis of historical moments like the relationship between Egyptian priests and kings and how their symbols of power rested in obelisks was thrilling to learn about, while philosophical terms like skatoms, which filter out information that may be contradictory to the beliefs that one has and scrutinizing the ways in which emotional bonds and moments during formative years can drive those faith-based skatoms made the book so engaging on a personal level. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.