An Explanation
This book presents a discussion that dares to examine the who, what, why, and how of us. It is not a difficult read as it is presented as a dialogue between two searchers, savants in their own fields, those of medicine/science and of theology/philosophy. It does, however, pose a challenge to think as the presentation unfolds. This is simply because the examination delves into areas that have always bothered us but seem too esoteric for us to contemplate.
You see, on the one hand, we can see ourselves as a blob of flesh, even a sophisticated fungus that lives as a complicated interaction of chemicals for a limited time. We are born, we interact with our environment at a variety of levels, and we die.
On the other hand, we think, individually and invisibly. We act out our thoughts and impact the world of things and others. We want to see ourselves as more than the blob of flesh but we do not know where to look, why it is important to look, and how to use that information if and when we get it.
In this book, the author attempts to tackle that apparently impossible task, not by making it a story, but by analyzing and examining the components and then putting them together with better insight. It uses an easily followed dialogue that dissects science, philosophy, modern medicine, history, and theology to achieve this end.
Therefore, though the topics discussed may seem at first glance to be a difficult read, that is only because they examine conditions many of us have not included in our regular life experiences. As we contemplate them, however, they will take what at first appears to be unnecessary information and make it an integral part of our vision and understanding. The important distinction in the way it deals with youth is that it encourages the reader to see the youth who is engaged in unhealthy behaviour or experiencing unhealthy moods, not as mentally sick or disturbed, but as insufficiently enlightened or guided to rise above their chaotic world.
Therefore, it focuses instead on how to help them build deductive reasoning by considering and understanding the different natures of physical reality and of mental or existential being. This leads them to strengthen resilience, reduce impulsive choices, and elevate mental health and mental strength. This allows them to do better because they know better and believe in their ability to build power of self rather than treat, suppress, or defend a behaviour that represents their past ignorance.
About the Author
Albert de Goias
I am a physician recently retired. For the last forty years I have worked with people from all walks of life, from drug addicts to stressed executives, disenchanted physicians and disillusioned pastors helping them to see and understand their calling to live with insight and purpose despite the chaos and complexity inherent to their world. First working alone with adults then, through the Prometheum Institute, with youths to discontinue the use of cannabis and other experimental drugs, I was able to help them focus on better understanding and managing adolescent angst through a more enlightened approach to the maturity of adulthood. The majority of those I have seen were able to see life as a font of perpetual and unstoppable change we are required to examine, analyse and understand. They learned and applied the insight that our job is to use these challenges as food to build the power of self, not as obstacles that deplete us. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work with youth and this book is hopefully my legacy to youth everywhere to be able to see themselves as souls with the mandate to grow, not just bodies with the need to survive.

Reviews
Reviews taken from Amazon
Sam Tsang- Canada
Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2025
Helder Pacheco - Brazil
michelle - Canada
Reviewed in Canada on April 21, 2025



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