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Religious Studies Review - April-July 2004.
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This is the first work detailing the "intellectual biography" of a brilliant autodidact whose foundational contributions cannot be ignored. Visser admirably captures Ken Wilber the person, spiritual practitioner, developmental psychologist, philosopher, integral theoretician, and most translated American author of academic books. An adequate overview of this prodigious "oeuvre" required interviews with Wilber and his written foreword. The text follows Wilber's self-described four phases of personal evolution, wherein his "All Quadrant, All Level" map of human potentiality was gradually envisioned aiming at a mystical and transformative spirituality. An enthusiastic Visser Calls for many specialists to assess Wilber and concludes by suggesting future discussions engaging materialism, orthodox psychology, transpersonal psychology and metaphysical sources for Wilber's premises. Based on the "Great Chain of Being" in all major wisdom traditions, Wilber's integral model may be received by religious adherents as threatening or exhilarating, but always challenging. This is an excellent introduction written for the average reader, but the Wilber veteran will find it an insightful synthesis and framework for this comprehensive vision. For those whose own passion inquires at the door of integral spirituality, Visser as butler leads us into Wilber's loft where an extraordinary processing of the Formless is being formed and reformed. Steve Spina, University of Wisconsin.
CHOICE: Current Reviews for Acadamic Libraries - February 2004.
Ken Wilber is a significant contemporary thinker who is difficult to categorize succinctly. His most recent academic work seeks to synthesize Eastern and Western philosophical, religious and psychological insights concerning human subjectivity with the more objective human experiences of body, culture, and society. The name he gives to this is "integral psychology". Visser (an independent scholar) offers a chronologically organized account of the development of Wilber's thought that incorporates significant biographical detail. The result is a clear, helpful and in-depth introduction organized around four chapters describing the stages that Wilber himself has identified as significant in the development of his thought. Visser's personal access to Wilber brings warmth and nuance to the presentation, while reference to the works of Wilber's critics ensures balance. Visser provides a comprehensive bibliography of Wilber's publications, helpful notes, and an index. Summing up: Recommended. Advanced undergraduates and above. E. S. Steele. University of Scranton.
Library Journal Review:
Described by the publisher as "an Internet specialist who studied the psychology of religion," Visser more than adequately acquits himself in expounding the thinking of Ken Wilber-the popular "guru of transpersonal psychology." This relatively new field of study considers the whole gamut of human endeavors that can lead to self-actualization, including consciousness studies, mind-body relationships, and spiritual inquiries, among others. Wilber's especial concern in this field is spiritual; his many published works are all oriented to showing how contemporary thinking (especially the scientific) is materialistic and also mistaken in devaluing the ultimately more important subjective, spiritual elements of human existence. He has developed an elaborate system based on Eastern mystical experiences (he meditates regularly, we are told) and ideas that Visser clearly finds compelling. It is clear that Wilber considers himself a pioneering "philosopher," but contemporary academic philosophy would insist that mystical revelations must, in the final analysis, be judged on the truth claims they make, and here it would find that Wilber had not adequately dealt with that aspect of his system. Public libraries would be the most logical and natural place for this book.-Leon H. Brody, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Lib., Washington, DC Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Reader Reviews on Amazon.com:
Excellent roadmap and introduction to Wilber, April 13, 2007
I have read most of Ken Wilber's work and have been studying his thought for years. The breadth of his work is incredible and difficult for the average person to wrap their arms around. It is also very difficult to know where to start or to position any particular work in the evolution of his thought. This book is an excellent roadmap in this respect.
(Patrick D. Goonan)
Excellent introduction, January 23, 2006
I've tried to read K.Wilber in the past, i've never got more than through the first few chapters. I realize i ought to come to grips with his ideas and this book is an excellent place to start. For not only does it carefully look at the thought but is stimulating enough to get me (i hope) through some of the hard spots in K.Wilber's writings, in the near future. That makes it an outstanding book, not just informative but inspirational, nice job.
(R. M. Williams)
Provides an understanding of Wilber, April 10, 2005
I bought this book b/c I was interested in knowing more about Ken Wilber and his theory. I came away with both so I would consider the book a success... I felt the author was complete and performed a remarkable feat in compiling and organizing Wilber's material and theory. Recommended if you are interested in a theory that expands on psychological theories to include the spiritual realm.
(Nothing new "biased_perspective")
Making Ken Wilber Assessible, March 4, 2004
If you want well researched, thorough overview of the work
of Ken Wilber, then Frank Visser's Ken Wilber: Thought as Passion is a
great choice. It's well written, covers a broad scope, and
is a relatively easy read. (Paul M. Helfrich)
Original Contribution
, January 18, 2004
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Visser is a
capable thinker in his own right. Not only does he manage
to clearly and concisely convey the gist of Wilber's vast collection of
writings,
but he also contributes many insights that help put
Wilber's work in context and in perspective. (thinkingheart)
Wilber Revealed
, January 7, 2004
It's refreshing to finally have a text that is able to
represent
Wilber's work and life in a way that is at once informed,
critical, fair and inspiring. Visser echoes and reverberates Wilber's clarity
of style,
while infusing a revealed humanity in the process. (Bert
Parlee)
Super Book
, December 15, 2003
If you want to know about Ken Wilber's philosophy, this is
the book to get. In many instances he is more clear than Wilber.
Many people have attempted to present the works of
Wilber, but this is by far the most
in depth and complete study available. Get this Book!
(Daryl S Paulson)
Remarkably Thorough Overview Of Wilber's Work
, December 5, 2003
Visser's book is
what I really needed to put the whole thing together. If
you want a thorough overview of his work and a better understanding of the man
then read this book. Also if, like me, you want to know
which other of Wilber's books you want to read, then this is a great guide.
(Rick Bateman)
Wilber 1 through 4
, December 1, 2003
If you want to know about Ken Wilber and his work, without
reading all of his collected works, this is the book to read.
I have read Ken Wilber since 1977, and have learned things
about Wiber's thoughts that I never knew. A must read for those interested
in Integral Studies. (Talia Brann)
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