I gave up on philosophy because of the airy ivory tower view of most academics. Paul Woodruff renewed my faith in philosophy as a practical tool with this short volume.
Although it is written in the discursive modern style, this book employs insightful reasoning to get to the root of our modern neurosis: we have lost reverence for life, leaving us only with ourselves -- and how fascinating can we be? It is as if we have created a world inside of ourselves and gotten lost in it.
Using plain language, and common sense examples as well as references to events through history, Woodruff explains how when we approach life with respect, awe and a sense of discovery, we become better people. His approach is not limited to any religion or culture, or political viewpoint. Everyone can use it and will improve with it.
Some have criticized this book as "self-help." Part of that is the informal style, which I prefer to the ivory tower stream of abstract language. The other part is that this is a practical book because Woodruff, like all the great philosophers, believes philosophy is a tool to improve life -- and that is in itself proof of reverence in action.
I recommend this book to anyone who is curious about how we got to our present time and what failing in common unites our screwups. With the ideas in this book, we can avoid attacking the symbols and instances of our failing, and go for the throat of the Hydra itself. It's easy and fun to read as well as informative.Get more detail about Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue.
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