The Great Transformation: The World in the Time of Buddha, Socrates, Confucius and Jeremiah - Softcover

Armstrong, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1843545071 ISBN 13: 9781843545071

Publisher: Atlantic Books, 2006

Synopsis

In the period from the ninth century to the second century BCE, the peoples of four distinct regions of the civilized world created the religious and philosophical traditions that have continued to nourish humanity to the present day: Confucianism and Daoism in China, Hinduism and Buddhism in India, monotheism in Israel, and philosophical rationalism in Greece. Later generations further developed these initial insights, but we have never grown beyond them. In The Great Transformation, Karen Armstrong reveals how the sages of this pivotal era-whose ideas share the values of selflessness, empathy, and respect for others-can speak clearly and helpfully to the violence and desperation that we experience in our own times and teach us to revive the spirit of compassion that is the basis of all religious traditions. She traces the development of the Axial Age chronologically, examining the contributions of such figures as the Buddha, Socrates, Confucius, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the mystics of the Upanishads, Mencius, and Euripides. All of the Axial Age faiths began in principled and visceral reaction against the unprecedented violence of their time. Despite some differences of emphasis, there was a remarkable consensus in their call for an abandonment of selfishness and a spirituality of compassion. With regard to dealing with fear, despair, hatred, rage, and violence, the Axial sages gave their people and give us, Armstrong says, two important pieces of advice: that first there must be personal responsibility and self-criticism, and it must be followed by practical, effective action. In her opening and concluding chapters, Armstrong urges us to consider how these spiritualities challenge the way we are religious today. The Great Transformation revives for its readers the most wise and sensible of ancient spiritual practices-practices that hold the possibility for healing in our own troubled times.

About this title

Review:

"'A remarkable history... fascinating and highly readable... profoundly relevant.' Julie Wheelwright, Independent '[Armstrong] shows a formidable grasp of sacred history and biblical scholarship.' Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, The Times 'Armstrong writes with her customary elegance and lucidity... It would be hard not to learn a lot from this substantial book.' Diarmaid MacCulloch, Guardian 'This book deserves nothing but praise.' Bryan Appleyard, Sunday Times"

Book Description:

Now available in paperback: The Great Transformation is nothing less than a global account of the time when religion was born.

'A remarkable history... fascinating and highly readable... profoundly relevant.' Julie Wheelwright, Independent

About this edition

• Publisher: Atlantic Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1843545071
• ISBN 13: 9781843545071
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 464