The Perennial Philosophy

Rating:
Summary: the capstone
Review: This is my most essential book. I have so many underlined passages, dog-eared pages, high-lights, and scribbled writing in my copy of this book that I wouldn't get $2 for it at the Wee Book Inn. But it is an absolutely indespensible part of my library. Actually, because I truly subscribe to the Perennial Philosophy, this book is the capstone of my library. This is the book I recommend more than any other.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful wisdom that is indeed perennial
Review: This is one of the most comprehensive and well written books on the mystical path, which is the core of the religious/spiritual experience. Huxley unites all the world's traditions offering the intrinsic philosophy underlying all paths to God. I humbly recommend this book to anyone seeking an understanding of the sometimes hidden truth in religion.

Rating:
Summary: Not for atheists
Review: _The Perrenial Philosophy_ is a masterpiece of English literature - one of the most important books of the twentieth century written in our language. It is the ultimate introduction to all forms of Eastern philosophical and religious thought. But it is more than just an introduction; it is a comprehensive and exhausting crash course in Eastern religion. This book is an indispensible guide to improving the quality of life simply through a change in attitude. There is an unreal amount of information crammed into this volume. It is in fact a "bible" of sorts. If our society were to be annihilated in some sort of catastrophe, and only one book were to survive for the remaining people to discover, this book would probably be the most advantageous one they could find. It may not be the most profound book ever written, but it is extremely valuble because of the amount and variety of historical information conveyed. It provides wisdom from the viewpoints of dozens of important philosophers and religious thinkers, and reads like some kind of greatest-hits albulm. There are other works that may be more modern and far-reaching, and others that may be more unique and individualistic. But the _Perrenial Philosophy_ accomplishes exactly what it set out to do, which is catalogue and explain profound quotes from a wide variety of great thinkers. Some readers might have preferred that Huxley interject more of his own ideas, but if you want to benefit from the wisdom of dozens of great authors without having to buy each one of their books (if they're even available), then I highly recommend that you buy this book.