pursuit of certainty, The
Book Description
In an era where global connectivity promises unity, humanity finds itself increasingly divided by fierce attachments to cultural identity, religious certainty, and ancestral heritage. Wendy James examines this profound paradox through the lens of anthropological wisdom, revealing how our interconnected world has paradoxically fueled the rise of exclusive spiritual and cultural commitments.
This thoughtful exploration delves into the complex terrain where ancient traditions meet modern realities. James investigates how communities across the globe are responding to unprecedented social integration by retreating into what they perceive as unshakeable truths about their place, their bodies, and their sacred inheritance. These new forms of certainty often carry divine authority, creating powerful barriers even as technology brings us closer together.
Through careful anthropological analysis, the book illuminates why tolerance and pluralism face such resistance in our contemporary moment. James traces the emergence of what she terms "post-Enlightenment" thinking, where religious justification increasingly shapes human affairs and decision-making processes.
For readers seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural forces shaping our world, this work offers valuable ground-level insights into how different communities navigate the tension between global citizenship and local identity. The book provides a framework for comprehending why diversity, rather than creating harmony, sometimes intensifies the human pursuit of absolute certainty in an uncertain age.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 316 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Toleration
- ✓ Explore Tolerationstudies
- ✓ Explore Pluralism (Social sciences)
- ✓ Explore Philosophical anthropology
- ✓ Explore Religionstudies
- ✓ Explore Études transculturelles
- ✓ Explore Cross-cultural studies
- ✓ Explore Humanism
