Robert C. Solomon is the Quincy Lee Centennial Professor of Business and Philosophy and Distinguished Teaching
Professor at the University of Texas, Austin. His books include A Short History of Philosophy, A Passion for Wisdom,
and The Joy of Philosophy, all published by Oxford.
Summary
A radical approach to spirituality that blends emotion, intellect, science, and common sense, and that urges
a passionate enthusiasm for the world
Is it possible to be spiritual and yet not believe in the supernatural? Can a person be spiritual without belonging
to a religious group or organization? In this book, philosopher Robert Solomon offers challenging answers to these
questions as he explodes commonly held myths about what is means to be spiritual in today's pluralistic world.
Based on Solomon's own struggles to reconcile philosophy with religion, Spirituality for the Skeptic offers a model
of a vibrant, fulfilling spirituality that embraces the complexities of human existence and acknowledges the joys
and tragedies of life. Solomon has forged an enlightened new path that synthesizes spirituality with emotions,
intellect, science, and common sense. His new paradigm, "naturalized" spirituality, establishes as its
cornerstone the "thoughtful love of life"--a passionate concern for the here-and-now, and not the by-and-by.
Being spiritual doesn't mean being holed up as a recluse, spending hours in meditation and contemplation, Solomon
argues. It demands involvement and emotional engagement with others in the struggle to find meaning in our lives.
As such, this modern-day spirituality encompasses a passionate enthusiasm for the world, the transformation of
self, cosmic trust and rationality, coming to terms with fate, and viewing life as a gift, all of which are explored
in depth throughout this book.
Spirituality for the Skeptic answers the need for a non-institutional, non-dogmatic spirituality that leads to
personal fulfillment and satisfaction. By examining the ideas of great thinkers from Socrates and Nietzsche to
Buddha to Kafka, Solomon arrives at a practical vision of spirituality that should appeal to many seekers looking
to make sense of the human condition.