Review of Being Human
in ForeWord Magazine, April 2004
"I am ready to fight the jihad
within," writes one of the authors, "to overcome the petty
thief within me that usurps my self and allows ego, will
and emotions to wreak havoc with my life. Like Ala'din, I
must learn to polish my vessel and understand the unseen
forces that both help and thwart me." Through personal
reflection, Solihin Thom motivates the reader to fight the
inner battle for the health of the spirit within. Rich in
metaphor, this book examines the unseen forces that shape
the content of one's "self." Leading the reader rung by
rung up the hierarchical ladder, the authors explore each
of the life forces from the material self (our genetic
blueprint) to the noble self, which seeks alignment with
the Divine (the primary life force) and the essential
qualities connecting them. For example, the animal self
(third in the hierarchy) "is the force that motivates us to
rise to the challenge." If the animal self "becomes
dominant we will assume an identity that is based on power,
attraction, reaction, habit, sexuality, and ambition. We
may be easily sidetracked, tempted to stray and drawn to
greener pastures." Through reflectiveness in our inner life
we can rise above the instinctive animal self to the human
self, which allows us to "see things from a different
perspective." Being Human goes a step beyond today's
popular teachings to explore the ancient philosophy
centered on the life forces. Although initially
distracting, the authors' individual reflections, injected
as separate essays, add a distinctly personal tone,
enabling the reader to relate more directly to the
material. Enlightening for those seeking a greater
awareness of the forces that shape and influence the
content of one's "self," this book is an insightful tool
for re-establishing order and balance in life.
Sharon R. Winberg