The Way We Are

by Allen Wheelis

This brief book, containing a lifetime of wisdom and experience, challenges our cherished assumptions about human nature. Allen Wheelis starts from the premise that human beings do not know themselves because deception―including self-deception―is not only a strategy for survival, it is the basis of the social contract whereby man trades his individual freedom for the security of a tribe or state. Are we really motivated by ideals such as freedom, equality, and justice? In fact these are only distractions useful to the state, which demands conscience of us but is itself above all moral constraints, seeking only power. Were we to understand or dwell on our individual mortality, we would not be willing to make the necessary sacrifices or participate in the bloody business of the group.

This unsparing map of the human condition is presented in hypnotic prose and illustrated by vivid fictional narratives. Unsparing as it is, the book finds its way to an episode of transcendent love, for this too is part of the way we are.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy, Social Science

144 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Mr. Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely has the "hypnotic prose" critics praise. Not Wheelis' best work but there are some beautiful moments, especially the last chapter on love. He has such a touching way about his writing and cannot help but feel sympathy for this loner of an old man with profound thoughts nobody will ever know except for through his writing. Perhaps the image is created but it is there.

[Daisy · Rating 1 out of 5]

this isn’t psychological or eye opening at all. this guy is a pompous, over analytical jerk

[Artaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hace tiempo que un libro no me hacía llorar.

4/5

[Zoltan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a short book, concise, and cuts to the core of the human condition. Death, consciousness, love and power: the things we all are struggling with. It was written near the end of his life, with great clarity, but somehow with little hope or optimism. This is the way we are.

In one sense, it's comforting to know that I'm not alone, that everyone is struggling with these, that this is the human condition. On the other hand, I hope, I hope there is hope.

[Maribel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Psychology and philosophy, my two favorite subjects. This is a short book but there is so much to think about in every paragraph. It was thoroughly thought provoking either inciting positive or negative reactions to his personally developed ideas.

[Kenneth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did you ever wonder how many words you could use to say absolutely nothing? I'm really amazed at how far up his own ass this author got. Well done.

This book was a good way to exercise my willpower (to finish it), but not much else.