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The Hamster Wheel of American-style Modernity
Onward, At Last looks at the reasons why the American Dream is not what it once was, what people are led to believe it can be, and what can be done to fix things. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Onward, At Last is a clarion call to those of us who are grinding on the hamster wheel of American-style modernity to stop, quiet the external noise of our busy lives, and reconnect with the inner voice of our true selves. Some people may refer to this inner voice as conscience, but regardless of the label, this quiet voice reflects the steeped wisdom of our lived experience. For far too long, we have been influenced by external interests to defer our sense of truth to social expectations & norms (virtues), public figures & leaders, credentialed experts, and social narratives. The book reminds us the truth we have come to know has been far more a function of the wisdom of our lived experiences than the reasons provided by external sources.
Did you do a lot of research to maintain the accuracy of the subject?
In the preparation of the book, I did no specific research. Outside of the book project, and over the course of a 30-year career in banking, I have done deep reading and research on American history, economics, politics, climate science, philosophy, Christianity, spirituality, music, and a variety of topics. See the Starting Points of Reference section of the book for a sample list. Yet, I do not ask the reader to trust my recounting of these topics. The value of my recounting is whether the commentaries resonate with the lived experience of the reader.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Nothing in nature lives independently.
We are each far more than these uniforms we wear.
Truth is found by looking inward not outward.
Sustainability is symbiotic not competitive.
The economy exists within the ecology.
Utopia has always been the next stage of our social evolution.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have no plans for a next book. Onward, At Last is my opus. The conversation continues with new commentaries which can be found on the blog tab at https://onwardatlast.com.
Author Links: Amazon | Website
I work hard, built a successful career, possess all the trappings of an American middle class success story, and yet I feel deeply disillusioned. As I look around, I realize most everyone I meet shares my disquieting sense of dread from experiencing our society and nation in decline. Where is this all heading?
Onward, At Last provides a deep exploration into the virtues that define our lives…freedom, independence, self-interest and competition, and asks the foundational question: What if our own defining virtues are actually the root cause of all that afflicts our society and ourselves? Onward, At Last presents a series of social commentaries that utilizes our shared experiences to examine what has gone so terribly wrong and what each of us can do to make it right.
Onward, At Last
Onward, At Last by Kevin Howard is a thought-provoking exploration of modern social issues and shows how we can improve humanity and our interconnected societies. We analyze these issues through a series of commentaries divided into five volumes. Each chapter has a catchy title and is quite short. The arguments are always illustrated by current and historical events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the direct consequences of climate change, or the history of America’s economy. Howard’s main thesis is that he believes in “universal oneness”.
The strength of the book is that it takes inspiration from several religions and is quite inclusive in that respect. This illuminating book also provides rationale that is backed up by numbers or historical facts, ensuring the information is grounded as well as insightful. The author also raises an interesting issue in education where he sees a lack of preparation for children and teenagers becoming adults.
While the length of the chapters make consuming the information very easy, I would have liked to have taken a deeper dive into some subjects and taken more time to fully shape an assertion or commentary. The reader should be aware that, although the book offers answers, the examples and politics mentioned are centered around the United States.
Onward, At Last is a stimulating read that highlights contemporary societal issues and provides some answers. I recommend this book to readers in search of meaning in life, or to someone wondering how humanity can unite, or to anyone that wants to understand how we can improve if we join forces. I was able to find hope for society in this book, given the current events occurring around the world.
Pages: 196 | ISBN : 1639886303
LITERARY TITAN 