ARA Review by Gabriella Menenedez of In It Together
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ARA Review by Gabriella Menenedez of In It Together
In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All- Rating 5/5
"In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All" is a transformative literary work that delves deeply into the uplifting and unifying power of love—specifically, the concept of true conscious love. This book posits that, at our core, we are profoundly and literally interconnected. Through its exploration of self-discipline and spiritual freedom, the book redefines these concepts as synonymous, suggesting that true discipline is about embracing freedom, and being free-spirited inherently involves a form of discipline.
The narrative of the book employs a friendly, kind, loving, and humorous tone, making complex philosophical and spiritual concepts accessible and engaging. This unique approach ties together philosophy, spirituality, and self-help with long-standing universal truths from all ages, regions, and times. The result is a comprehensive guide that bridges diverse wisdom traditions to offer a unifying, loving, and deeply compelling message.
One of the book's distinctive features is its eclectic selection of quotes from a wide array of philosophers, artists, scientists, and spiritual teachers. These include figures such as Alan Watts, Carl Jung, Osho, Sam Harris, Ram Dass, Meister Eckhart, Eckhart Tolle, Rabbi Tina Sobo, Friedrich Nietzsche, Socrates, Voltaire, Voltairine de Cleyre, Jesus, Dr. Wayne Dyer, René Descartes, and Rev. Dr. John Watson. Additionally, the book draws insights from artists and writers like Vincent Van Gogh, George Bernard Shaw, and Shakespeare, as well as scientists like Albert Einstein. Unique perspectives are also offered through the inclusion of quotes from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and his jailer, providing a broad and nuanced exploration of human experience and wisdom.
The book's genesis is equally unique. It was inspired by the profound question, "What is the opposite of temptation?" This question served as the catalyst for a successful Kickstarter campaign that funded the book's writing even before it was completed. The book aims to answer not only this question but many others, offering a message that is both unifying and loving, without being preachy. It seeks to pave a path to inner peace, true happiness, and spiritual freedom, leaving readers feeling empowered, motivated, and inspired.
A central theme of the book is the interconnectedness of humanity. It emphasizes that deep down, we are truly one and the same. This theme is articulated through the redefinition of "self-discipline" and "spiritual freedom" as referring to the exact same thing. To be "self-disciplined" is to be "free-spirited," and vice versa. This concept challenges conventional understandings and invites readers to see discipline and freedom as complementary rather than opposing forces.
The book's opening letter sets a tone of resilience and hope: "Stay strong, my friends. There's beauty in the struggle. There's so much to overcome, but imagine what it could mean to overcome it." This message encapsulates the essence of the book, which acknowledges the challenges of life while highlighting the beauty and potential for growth inherent in those challenges. It encourages readers to find strength and beauty in their struggles, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity.
"In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All" is more than just a book; it is a guide to realizing the interconnectedness of humanity through love, discipline, and freedom. By blending diverse philosophical, spiritual, and artistic insights, the book offers a holistic approach to personal and collective growth. It provides readers with the tools to achieve inner peace, true happiness, and spiritual freedom, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
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