Customer Reviews

The Case for Rational Optimism

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This book reveals the optimistic side of post modernism. Faith is not necessary to believe life has meaning, and that things are getting better. Chock full of interesting perspectives and quotable quotes. A must read for atheists, agnostics, and people of faith, like myself.

This book is an excellent counterpoint to the negativity, hype, and defeatist attitudes we are bombarded with by the major media outlets. Frank Robinson deals with a wide range of topics from an optimistic, realistic point of view. Since the topics are so wide-ranging it is unlikely you'll agree with all his views, which he readily admits. But even the points I disagreed with were presented in a fair and thought-provoking manner. And getting me to see things from a different perspective makes for a rewarding read!

Table of Contents

Introduction: Up from Pessimism
1. The Human Condition
2. How Human Nature Makes Us More Good than Bad
3. Reason and Morality
4. Living a Good Life
5. Happiness as a Choice
6. Satisfaction
7. Mind, Thought, and Free Will
8. Why We Are Judgmental -- And Should Be
9. Science, Technology, and Nature
10. Freedom from Fear
11. Love, Marriage, and Sex
12. Individualism and Society
13. The Problem of Government
14. America the Beautiful
15. The Two Americas: Rich and Richer
16. The Virtues of Free Market Capitalism
17. Gloabalization, Trade, Growth, and Poverty
18. Why Corporatons Are Not Monsters of Evil
19. The Democratic Revolution
20. War and Peace
21. Clash of Civilizations?
22. Don't Believe the Prophets of Doom
23. Global Warming
24. Modern Times
Conclusion: The Rational Optimist