Book Musings

I usually read two books at once, one fiction and one non-fiction. The fiction read is for escapist fun (fast read) and the non-fiction is for thinking development (very slow read). I usually make notes and thoughts on the non-fiction book I am reading, so they may as well go on this blog.

The two books I am currently reading are "Pursuit of Honor" by Vince Flynn and "The Evolution of God" by Robert Wright. The books were bought from Harris Bookstore at 1Borneo Hypermall in December 2009.

The Evolution of God is a good read so far (I read a few pages each sitting and re-read often), very thought-provoking.

The book starts with primitive religion (defined as the religion of non-literate people or so-called savages). If you noted the words non-literate, you would realise that that the lack of words - written (definitely) and spoken (maybe limited range), would mean that these primitive "religions" are but only certain rituals followed.

Primitive man, as a Hunter-gatherer, would be concerned about the things around him that related to his hunting and gathering (a life and death affair). Also the family unit was small and members were closely related. So the rituals all related to the objects around him (whether animate or in-animate) and were aimed at ensuring survival.

The small number meant that they all lived in close proximity (eg a cave). Therefore, as an example, no rule (law) on stealing was necessary. How are you going to use the item you have stolen if everyone is living in the same cave?


Food For Thought - All Laws and Regulations are brought about by humans grouping together in large numbers forming societies.