Paul Woodruff (1943–2023)

An interesting meditation on the virtue of reverence and its relevance to modern life. Drawing on both Ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy, the author explains what reverence is and why it is important.
This is not some 'new-age' feel good attempt to make a quick buck out of making philosophy easy for non-philosophers. Rather it is an in-depth look at virtue, discussing not just reverence but also such things as the difference between morals and ethics.

The subject itself was interesting, but at some point, I just had to push my way through what felt like wet cement. (I don't think this is a fault of the author; it's probably just due to the fact that I prefer my philosophizing more in the style of Barthes and Derrida.)

Interesting, made me think. Would've helped if I'd had more of a classical education so I could understand all the references to Greek literature. Was pleased to read his opinion of reverence as a virtue, a virtue that I think is sadly lacking in so many people these days. Disappointed that the final chapter didn't tie everything together or summarize his thesis. The book simply ended.

In this book, some of the most penetrating communicators of our time turn their attention to the dark side of the human psyche. They speak from the heart about mass murder, racial discrimination, war, and nastiness both personal and institutional. The explore ways to confront Evil and perhaps transform it into Good. In the end they ask: What is to be done? This book contains the proceedings of the famous symposium at Salado, Texas, subject of the Bill Moyers PBS special "Facing Evil."