Man Is Not Alone : A Philosophy of Religion

Maybe it's because I do not follow the Jewish religion, but I found most of the book to be very abstract and difficult to follow. If the author had provided some anecdotes or examples, this book could have been easier for me to understand.

Your delivery person walked this book up my steep, snowy driveway to bring it to my front door-- s/he is to be commended!! I cherish this wise author so to have this book is a privilege. Thank you!

Although written in 1951, this book is more than just of historical interest. It is timelessly relevant. Heschel takes the reader on a journey, starting from a sense of the Ineffable, to its meaning, to how to live a meaningful life. It should be no surprise that his definition of a meaningful life is to do the Will of God. But, the journey is important. It was useful to follow along, as he built up to that definition.The only weakness of the book is Heschel's assertion that the ineffable should be obvious to everyone. The tone of the book is that the journey should be obvious to anyone following along with his book. But, he also describes the worldly obstacles that some erect to block the spiritual. Those obstacles are very effective. Those folks will miss the entrance to his journey and so will , I think, dismiss this book right from the beginning.So, if readers already believe, this book with help them believe better. But, for readers who do not already believe, I don't think this book will convince them to do so.

This was easier to read than many Philosophy books. There were often lines to ponder. A little collection of ferverenos can be found in my notes.

I love Heschel. My first foray into his works was "The Sabbath" which I immediately fell in love with. His bigger works were a little bit more daunting, but I read Man is Not Alone (this book) and God in Search of Man, which are known to be companion volumes to each other. I loved them both.Heschel has a kind of writing that is very apparently typical of continental philosophers of his time. My friend, an analytic philosopher, didn't take too well to it, but his style resounded in my soul. The language is reflective, thoughtful, and pensive. It's as though you are sitting at the feet of a mystic and he is expounding his knowledge to you: not systematically, not analytically, not dogmatically, but kindly, lovingly, and experientially.I liked this book a little better than I did God in Search of Man, since it can relate to a broader audience, but also because it discusses the human heart and its struggles. Heschel is what is referred to as a mystic, but really, he is a man acquainted with the mind and questions of a seeker. I love the way he uses language and the descriptions he uses. It made me feel that I was not alone in this search and not alone on this road. I'm glad I read both books and would recommend the same for others.

There was no story, no plot, it was a book on philosophy written for philosophers. The author provides an outline of his ideas and then discusses them with high level vocabulary requiring a dictionary. The reader may get the impression they are taking a course with the author.

I could be arrested for the overuse of a highlighter with Mr. Heschel's "Man is Not Alone," because it is written so beautifully and powerfully that I feel the need to highlight most of each chapter. Mr. Heschel's exploration of man's need to delve into the "inexplicable" is not only done in breathtakingly beautiful prose but the thoughts are substantial and enlightening. You will find yourself pondering the points he makes and -- if you're lucky -- finding good friends to discuss it over a glass of wine and an good evening's conversation. My copy came quickly and in excellent shape.

I read this many years ago and decided to read it again. It's just as beautiful this time around. Heschel's writing is like poetry-- thoughtful, poignant, and transformative. This book will speak to anyone who is open to the experience of something more than themselves.

Read and enjoyed this book very much. Would recommend it to anyone interested in living life to the full.

Well worth reading

Anyone who ever wonders what is the point of life or what is the meaning of my life, especially as you age, will find true solace in this book. Not the sappy kind of reassurance but the rigorous intellectual exploration of the existence of God and who are we. And the reasoning and understandings are clothed in Heschel's unique style. A writing style full of metaphors, comparisons and profound statements that are so simple so brief. You pause when he hits a peak remark that is so simple. There. That is the meaning of life and you see and it hits home. Any reader of a philosophical bend or angst ridden doubter, of any or no religion, can be reached by this great Jewish theologian.

He is a passionate writer who questions life and questions the unknowns of God. This is a topic I find totally fascinating. Just as Rev. Sun Myung Moon showed a totally different angle to think of God, Heschel also makes me think, This is a book worth reading.

Grande livro