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"I found much of the book fascinating. The science sections are admirably lucid presentations of rather complex and sophisticated material. The author's account of the history of science is clear and accessible, providing a nice sweep in short compass." |
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-John
Carriero, Ph.D. |
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"This is a book for anyone who has ever been captured by life's big questions, the classic 'religious' questions: How did it all begin? When will it end? Who am I? Who are we humans? How do we know what we think we know about ultimate matters? In short, what's it all about? Here, set against the development of Western philosophy, science, and psychology, are also traditional religious answers to these questions - all in a lucid and lively style. Highly recommended." |
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-Glenn Yocum,
Ph.D. |
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"Among humanity's greatest traditions is our search for ultimate truth. Dr. de la Chaumière explores this rich history and the world views that thrive today in an unbiased manner that is both passionate and compassionate. Avoiding one-size-fits-all answers to life's questions, this book empowers readers from all walks of life to discover their own paths to truth that are personally meaningful." |
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-Samuel B.
Larson, Ph.D. |
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"A stimulating and insightful investigation of the diverse ways humans perceive the universe and the deeper mysteries of life. Strongly recommended as an honest, much-needed, and thoroughly interdisciplinary guide for persons seeking surer foundations for their personal lives." |
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-Victor R.
Defilippis, Ph.D. |
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"A magnificent, comprehensive and fair-minded account of contrasting views of what life is all about - distilled to their essence and applied to our personal lives. A book of hope and wisdom for seekers who want to judge for themselves what is true and meaningful. Thank you de la Chaumière!" |
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-Harry J. Lieberman, MFT |
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"There is no book quite like this book. It is for intelligent people who want to find answers for themselves, instead of merely repeating the traditional answers offered by our culture. This is a book of philosophy in the original sense of the term: philo-sophia is the 'love of wisdom,' and wisdom is the ability to make wise choices that lead to a good life. Richard de la Chaumière provides guidelines that lead to wise choices. This book is not only a sensitive exploration of the greatest traditions of philosophy and psychology; it also includes the latest and best scientific explanations of world views and human life." |
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-Robert B.
Zeuschner, Ph.D. |
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"At last, here is a book that combines a thorough understanding of the sciences with a deep appreciation of the spiritual quests of mankind. This beautifully written, pioneering work will appeal to reflective adults of all ages, including university students who seek to expand their perspectives beyond their specialized studies." |
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-Christopher T. Trevino, MD, Ph.D. |
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"The book focuses on worldviews, the big questions of life, and how the reader can discover true and meaningful answers that relate to their personal philosophy of life. As Richard de la Chaumière combines eloquent prose with lucid summaries, reading this book is not only enriching in ways no other book of this kind is, but also immensely pleasurable - a rare achievement. A thoroughly interdisciplinary guide for person's seeking surer foundations for their personal lives. This is a truly inspiring book, which pictures humanity's quest for truth and wisdom as a heroic enterprise." (ABRIDGED REVIEW. Click here for FULL REVIEW). |
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-Lydia B.
Amir, Ph.D. |
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" There are certain basic questions which thinking human beings have asked for thousands of years. The questions remain the same today as they were eons ago. On the other hand, the answers to those questions have varied with the ages and the characters wrestling with them. The author provides a sweeping interdisciplinary view of how others have wrestled with these questions, expanding your knowledge so you are better informed and competent to deal with these questions, in the hope that you can formulate your own philosophy of life for the simple reason that doing so will enable you to have a life that is truly worth living. This book is a guide to achieving practical wisdom, not the final pronouncement of practical wisdom itself. You will be provided with the recipe for thinking about the basic questions, but you'll have to mix the ingredients and do the baking yourself. Dr. de la Chaumière has provided a valuable service to those who ask these basic questions and I recommend his book to everyone." (ABRIDGED REVIEW. Click here for FULL REVIEW). |
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-Jonathan
Dolhenty, Ph.D. |
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"Richard de la Chaumière's investigation into life's basic questions and answers is an insightful interdisciplinary masterpiece. The sheer immensity of information presented is in itself remarkable but the fact that it successfully engages different domains of expertise is exceptional. To achieve his goal of assisting truth seekers, de la Chaumière realized that a full picture required inquiries into philosophy, science, religion and psychology. A licensed psychologist himself, his studies include philosophy, science, and religion. In addition to his own expertise, he surrounded himself with experts from the various fields so as to receive counsel of specialized scholars. The successful outcome of these collaborations is evident in the quality of the information presented." (ABRIDGED REVIEW. Click here for FULL REVIEW). |
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-Ann
Bossé |
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"In What's It All About?, Richard de la Chaumière does not offer 'the' answer to life's basic questions, but he does so much more. The author provides a comprehensive overview of the major philosophies and philosophers and scientific discoveries that have shaped cultural history. His synopsis is masterfully rendered in both its breadth and conciseness. The philosophies and scientific breakthroughs are so artfully elucidated that the novice may easily grasp the subtlety and significance of each milestone. Indeed, the book would be recommended reading even if this were the only noteworthy feature, but, again, there is so much more. "The depiction of the various philosophers and their struggle to find, define, and defend truth as they saw it is like a volume of 'Profiles in Courage.' In this vein, the book is quite simply inspirational. There abides a heroic grandeur in the stature of these pioneers of thought. One such hero is found in Socrates' obstinate refusal to allow death to intimidate his principles. In another example, the emotionally barren childhood of Isaac Newton miraculously does not stifle his brilliance or irretrievably impair his ability for social intercourse. Many of the philosophers appearing in the book stood boldly, without compromise, against censorship, criticism, exile, and ostracism. When such courageous action repeats itself page after page, the reader's heart dares to make his own spirited quest for truth. That is one of the many reasons I found de la Chaumière's work stirring and encouraging. "Mr. de la Chaumière prudently includes philosophical approaches to life that are not associated with the great minds and thinkers found in college philosophy courses. Familiar and unfamiliar religious beliefs are also recognized as a source for answers about where we came from? Why am I Here? and Is this all there is? For instance, some seekers of truth surrender the search for truth and life's answers to authority figures whom they trust or in whose guidance they possess tremendous faith. The author acknowledges that life's experience teaches some the answers to life's question. Others may immerse themselves in the arts and find meaning and purpose through that devotion. One of the marvelous aspects to this book is its consideration of an enormously wide range of answers to life's basic questions without discounting or dismissing one because of its lackluster origins or promoting and endorsing another because it was derived from a genius. Simple approaches may prove equally efficacious as an elaborately reasoned answer about life's purpose. "Certainly what de la Chaumière seems to celebrate above all else is the quest for truth itself. There abounds in this book exhilaration for humanity's greatest and longest search - the search for truth. Here truth is not necessarily acquisition of an ultimate truth that answers every mystery of life, but enough answers so that life and our existence in it assume some purpose and meaning. And from my perspective, this volume offers significant hope that such consolation can be found. Why? First, this single volume if filled with examples of seekers who found answers that satisfactorily served them or some segment of the world's population as a legitimate and valid source for answers. Second, if that answer failed, others consistently found substitutes. Implicit in all these answers to the same questions is that answers can be found. In addition, all this searching and thinking sings out as an affirmation to the wisdom of the oft repeated adage that 'arriving' at the truth 'is what you're destined for,' 'but don't hurry the journey at all' for the search for truth 'gave you the marvelous journey. Without her you wouldn't have set out' nor would you be 'wealth with all you've gained on the way.' 'Ithaka,' C. P. Cavafy. "This beautifully written history of the world's unending ritual of discovery and the pursuit of understanding offers a magnificent testament to the fundamental and core elements embedded deep within the heart of humanity throughout the march of time. This book is a celebration of the majesty of humanity and an uplifting reminder of what is best in human nature." |
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-Angus Crane,
Alexandria, Virginia |
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"'We are tiny creatures living in a vast cosmos,' writes the author. 'With a reflective consciousness unparalleled among other species on our planet, we ask foundational questions about our existence and the universe.' His engaging, informational style creates a backdrop for honest confrontation of reality and purpose. Anyone with expertise in one area is unlikely to excel elsewhere, but this author manages to pull off an unapologetic and considerably well-balanced understanding of many fields. Reading this fascinating book is like having a college education brought up to the twenty-first century. In the attempt to most accurately understand reality and create lives of greater truth, good, and beauty, any help is desirable. This work, highly suitable for educated and non-educated truth-seekers, is one such generous and balanced effort." (ABRIDGED REVIEW. Click here for FULL REVIEW). |
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-Foreword
magazine |
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"In What's It All About? A Guide To Life's Basic Questions And Answers, psychologist and clinical consultant Richard de la Chaumière offers his readers a straightforward survey of philosophical, scientific, and spiritual viewpoints on the most basic questions of life itself: Is there a God?; What is the ultimate reality?; Does the Universe have a purpose?; How do I know what's true?; and more. Rather than espouse any one specific dogma, What's It All About? tries as comprehensively as possible to present all that is reasonably known, as well as (often conflicting) points of view concerning matters that cannot, by definition, be conclusively proven in the manner that a scientific hypothesis can. What's It All About? is very highly recommended for non-specialist general readers with an keen interest in what philosophy, science, psychology, and religion have to offer them in terms of answering some of life's most persistent and important questions." |
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-Midwest
Book Review |
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"Well researched and flawlessly delivered, de la Chaumière masterfully transforms hours of interviews (he met with a diverse group of armchair philosophers, including a physicist, a pastor and Nazi death camp survivors), into a deliciously complex, accessibly intellectual feast, rumbling through such chapter title-premises as 'Is There a God?' 'What is the Ultimate Reality?' 'Why Should Truth be So Important?' 'How Rational Are We?' and 'What Can We Hope For?' What's It All About? is, above all else, original, stirring, entertaining - and yes, completely worthy." |
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-The Boox
Review |