The Atheist’s Way by Eric Maisel
The Atheist’s Way: Living Well Without Gods by Eric Maisel. © 2009 New World Library. ISBN 978-1-57731-642-8. Paperback. Personal Growth. 187 pages. $14.00 US. [ Purchase ]
Synopsis
In The Atheist’s Way, Eric Maisel teaches you how to make rich personal meaning despite the absence of beneficence gods and the indifference of the universe to human concerns. Exploding the myth that there is any meaning to find or to seek, Dr. Maisel explains why the paradigm shift from seeking meaning to making meaning is this century’s most pressing intellectual goal. (from back cover)
Review
Unlike other atheist books, The Atheist’s Way, explains to both new atheists, those on the cusp of atheism and non-atheists what exactly it is that atheists believe in. Most people equate atheists with negative cynics and stoics, but the reality is that atheism can mean an extremely positive and beautiful existence; “…the atheist’s way is a rich way, as rich as life itself” (page 2).
This books shows everyone just how meaningful, fulfilled and ethical an atheist’s life is. I’ve seen so many questions on sites like Yahoo Answers where people will ask ethical questions of atheists expecting that question to make them doubt their path in life, but many don’t realize that religion and ethics are not hand-in-hand. You don’t need one to have the other.
Dr. Maisel uses anecdotes from fellow atheists to weave a picture of their lives and their tribulations. Yes, that’s right, you think problems end with the removal of religion from life? No, far from it. He does a brilliant job of explaining how an atheist would deal with crisis and the “blues“. He shows that atheism is not just a lack of belief in deity but a “complete worldview“.
For the most part, this book was courageously bracing, well-written and thoroughly refreshing. Highly recommended to those seeking an atheist path or spiritually minded persons who would like to understand the atheist’s way. However, I don’t believe long-time atheist’s will find anything new here.
Rating
I’m giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 only because in a few places I felt Dr. Maisel was being a little condescending to folks, like me, who are drawn to a spiritual way of life.
About the Author
Eric Maisel, PhD, psychotherapist, philosopher, and cultural observer, is widely regarded as American’s foremost creativity coach. His books include Coaching the Artist Within, Fearless Creating, and The Van Gogh Blues. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family. Visit his websites at www.ericmaisel.com and www.theatheistsway.com.
