Being Human [antikvár]

PrefaceWhen this writing project began sixteen months ago, the book I had in mind is somewhat different from the one you are holding. What started as a treatise on abnonnal behavior evolved into a contemplation of what it means to be a human being. What initiated as a systematic consideration of one psychological topic morphed into a series of philosophical reflections on the human condition.In various ways, this collection of essays addresses the question: What are human beings thinking, feeling, and doing when we are merely being humanl The subtitle. Philosophical Reflections on Psychological Issues, is not a suggestion that together, philosophy and psychology definitively address the meaning of the term human being. We are too complex for any combination of disciplines to exhaustively describe and analyze.The biblical statement that we are made in God's image (Genesis 1:26) characterizes us as cognitive, reflective, egos. This is to say that each of us can acquire knowledge, but never be omniscient; think, but never fully comprehend; and be self-aware, but never completely understand ourselves. If this anthology adds to your knowledge, provides new thoughts, and enhances your self-understanding, then it will have served its purpose. The Book of Ecclesiastes posits that there is no end to the writing of books (12:12). It is my hope that this is one of many books you encounter that will add to your understanding of yourself and what it means to be human.Max Malikow Syracuse, New York November 24, 2009