A Willful Volunteer: Examining Conscience in an Unconscious World [Paperback]

D. Bray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2002

What if one has inquired and examined what it means to be human, only to find, in seeking the truth, that the answer is ugly and the nature of humanity often selfish and brutish? What does one do then?We humans are not saints.This book in its hodge-podge mélange of narratives, ideas, and imagery was written before the tragic events of 11 September 2001. In some ways, the musings contained within this book, especially given the author's employment with the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program (BPRP), seem almost to be eerie precursors for the terrorist events (suspected to stem both from international and domestic sources) which occurred in the last three months of that year. Can one still be optimistic about the future of humanity?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Insightful narratives on philanthropy, globalization, and national reform from someone whose job is bioterrorism preparedness -- are provided by Mr. Bray in this book. Home for him is currently Atlanta, GA where he lives in the company of two cats, March and Mitchell. Giving is living, and living is loving.

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (January 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059521620X
• ISBN-13: 978-0595216208
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,938,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Moments of clarity in this book -- food for thought, March 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Willful Volunteer: Examining Conscience in an Unconscious World (Paperback)

The confusion wrought by what happened to our national has to me grown, rather than dwindled. Initially, I read 9/11, by Noam Chomsky, which was good. When I ordered that book, this book (A Willful Volunteer) was also recommended, and I was able to check out some of the text. I decided that I would give it a try, to help alleviate a little of that confusion.

The author gives us some facts and some personal stories to think about. How do we respond to such ruthless acts? Do we turn the other cheek? Or is there some better way to influence the world positively?

The only shortcoming of this book is its brevity and that it is slightly disorganized. Overall, though, I recommend the book as food for thought. Insightful narratives and streams of consciousness.