Affirmations: Joyful and Creative Exuberance [Paperback]

Paul Kurtz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1591022657 | ISBN-13: 978-1591022657 | Publication Date: September 2004

In this optimistic, life-affirming book, philosopher Paul Kurtz succinctly outlines the main characteristics of happiness. Centered on human concerns and employing rational and scientific methods to determine objective truth, "Affirmations" is dedicated to the development of individual human potential.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Kurtz, professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, is the author or editor of forty-two books, including FORBIDDEN FRUIT, THE COURAGE TO BECOME, and THE FULLNESS OF LIFE. He is also the founder of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, editor-in-chief of "Free Inquiry," and the chairman of the Center for Inquiry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 123 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591022657
• ISBN-13: 978-1591022657
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,077,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Kurtz, professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Transcendental Temptation, The Courage to Become, Embracing the Power of Humanism, plus nine hundred articles and reviews. He is the founder of the Center for Inquiry/Transnational, the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He has appeared on many major TV and radio talk shows, and has lectured at universities worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very very short, but pretty good content, June 1, 2005

By 

Wyote (Seoul) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Affirmations: Joyful and Creative Exuberance (Paperback)

In some sense, this book is 123 pages long. But that is a shame for the forests of the world, because I estimate it has about 40 pages of content. There's a lot of white space in this book!

But to be fair, that's a criticism of the publisher's judgment, not the content. The content is reasonable.

Kurtz hopes that the affirmations (which are marked by bullet points) "can provide guidelines for courageous inquirers seeking paths toward a New Englightnment."

The book is first of all a basic explanation of humanism, mentioning political goals such as democracy and freedom of speech, and personal goals such as integrity and creativity.

Second, it's a brief account of the meaning of life. He writes, "What is vital... is that humanists are not overwhelmed by the tragic character of the human condition; they are willing to face death, sorrow, adversity, and suffering with courage and equanimity." Later, "The humanist accepts the fact that the human species has imperfections and limitations and that some things encountered in existence may be beyond redress or repair. Even so, he or she is convinced that the best posture is... to exert the intelligence and fortitude to deal with life's problems."

In fact, Kurtz's main message is to embrace life with passion; he evidently prefers the word "exuberance." I think the best bullet point in the book is on page 72, "The so-called secret of life is... found in the experiences of living: in the delights of a fine banquet, the strenuous exertion of hard work, the poignant melodies of a symphony, the appreciation of an altruistic deed, the excitement of an embrace of someone you love, the elegance of a mathematical proof, the invigorating adventure of a mountain climb," and so on. That's the meaning of life, says Kurtz.

He includes chapters on eroticism, marriage or civil union, parenthood, and political activism. An interesting chapter dealt with facing death with courage, and included this remark, "My life... is my project; it is my own work of art. Every part of my life fits together... [it] is of my own making."

It seems that Kurtz meant to make declarations, to announce to the world these affirmations of humanism, and not to review the thought behind them at all. He seems to have the enthusiasm of an activist, and with it an impatience for quiet reflection. ("Who has time for navel-gazing?! Let's get busy!")

I agree with 95% of what he actually writes, and I don't want to seem to criticize that at all. But personally, I was hoping for a more thoughtful exploration of the meaning of life. I think, despite its simplicity, it's suitable for self-exhortation or self-encouragement, and perhaps it would be helpful for a "seeking" young person, or as a point of departure for a discussion group.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great little book of positive affirmations for those who follow humanistic philosophy., August 29, 2009

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Affirmations: Joyful And Creative Exuberance (Paperback)

Though I have read a lot of material on the approach that Humanism promotes, I do have some disagreements with some its philosophical premises. Nevertheless, I do agree with their non-mystical and scientific approach to much of life. This little book attempts to go into detail on the various humanism ideals. It covers ethical issues, the fullness of life, creating your own meanings, eroticism, loving another person, facing death with courage, and many other topics. In general, I agree with much of this philosophical treatise, but I personally think many of the humanist views are pure unrealistic idealism that often ignores the cruel facts reality. In spite of these flaws, I do recommend this book.

Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors).