Book Review: Ishmael

Citation: Quinn, D., 1992, Ishmael: New York, Bantam Books
Link to Amazon.com

I never expected to write about fiction on this blog, but here I am! Ishmael is a novel by Daniel Quinn that explores the history of human civilization through a unique perspective that challenges us to reconsider our fundamental relationship with nature and the Earth. The book is deeply philosophical, and the plot built around this philosophy is not overly compelling nor important. That is, the plot is merely a way for Quinn to deliver this philosophy, to get the reader to consider alternative worldviews, to see that many "fundamental" ideas we view as human are really cultural beliefs and are not intrinsically tied to man. The point of the book is to get you to think about the philosophical assumptions that inform the way we live and question whether or not that philosophy is flawed. In other words, Quinn ask us "what if it's not simply a problem of poor execution? What if we are fundamentally approaching man's place on Earth, and man's destiny, incorrectly?"

Typically when I post on this blog I digest the books I review so that readers have a general idea of what they will take away from these titles. In this case, as much I as I really really really want to spill the beans and quote the book incessantly, it's not appropriate. I would ruin the fun for you. I will say that one of the reasons I loved this book so much is that it explores the philosophical and cultural changes necessary to save the planet. An idea I have long held dear is that we need to rely on cultural change, not legislative change, to ensure our long term survival. I also strongly believe that we would generally be a happier people if we adopted this culture, if we enacted this story, as Daniel Quinn would say.

In the spirit of the book, I ask you to consider the following questions (of my own design). If you are interested in the answers, than I suggest reading the book!!

Many of us are familiar with famous explorers such as R. Amundsen, R.F. Scott, and E. Shackleton for Antarctic exploration, correct? Similarly we are aware of E. Hillary and T. Norgay for their ascent of Everest. Why are we so interested in their accomplishments? True, during these expeditions we made some new scientific discoveries, but do we celebrate these discoveries? No, we primarily celebrate the men for their feats. Why did these explorers set out to reach these places in the first place? Is there anything inherently wrong with their reasons for such expeditions? After reading Ishmael, you may answer these questions differently...  

Back to non-fiction and my standard style in the next post! Cheers, -James