Existential Meditation

by Simon Cleveland

In this three-part discourse, Simon Cleveland offers a perspective on life derived partly from the latest scientific theories in cosmology and quantum mechanics and partly from analysis on the works of some of the greatest writers and philosophers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The book explores topics such as the meaning of time, consciousness and the development of the essence. The author also examines the genesis of the concept of immortality.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

100 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2005

About the author

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DR. SIMON CLEVELAND is the author of:

There Is No Box(2022) - a practical guide for leaders who recognize how critical it is to draw outside the lines of typical guidance in order to rethink leadership development and gain competencies that make them more inclusive, culturally aware, and empowered to facilitate collaboration.

Descent The R. Connors Story(2009) - a psychological suspense delivering a rare glimpse into the minds of identity-shattered individuals.

The Basenji Revelation(2004)-a mystery thriller about the oldest secret of ancient Egypt.

Existential Meditation - On the questions of Beginning the Meaning of Existence and the Consequences of the End(2005) - a nonfiction discourse on the meaning of life, development of consciousness and the concept of immortality.

Dr. Simon Cleveland is a philosopher, literary critic, faculty at Georgetown University and the Johns Hopkins University, a graduate of George Mason University, The George Washington University, Nova Southeastern University, Purdue University, City University of Seattle, and Northeastern University.

Interests include existentialism, magical realism, modernism, postmodernism, symbolism, deconstruction, multiculturalism, phenomenology, cosmology, quantum theory, realism, abstract expressionism, impressionism, literary theory, biocentrism, behavioral economics, randomness, sociology, psychology, and general non-fiction. Occasionally, the author enjoys reading books from the mystery thriller and horror genres.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Existential Meditation 'On the questions of Beginning, the
Meaning of Existence, and the Consequences of the End' has a basic
underlying message: Get back to the simplicity of life. The words
themselves sound simple enough, but if you look around, human
beings tend to take the simplest of things and create havoc. Simon
Cleveland has penned what could be considered a highly
controversial subject and approached it without sounding accusatory,
vain, egotistical, or self-righteous. There are no preachy sermons or
in-your-face nagging. In fact, through quality research, quotes,
theories, and opinions, the author presents to you a book poised with
thought-provoking ideas that make an enormous amount of sense. It,
of course, depends on how you choose to view his ideals and how
they mesh with what has been ingrained inside you since the day you
were born. It is thinking outside of the box, but at the same time
taking into consideration what is inside the box rather than ignoring it
completely.
The book consists of three main parts: Why is there a
beginning? What is the meaning of existence? and Consequences of
the end. They in turn have sub-parts that delve deeper into fact,
fiction, truths and myths. It is through these sub-parts where the
author really shines with findings to support this book.
Simon Cleveland asks us to take the time to answer the
questions we are faced with everyday. Questions of who we are, why
we react the way we do, why we internalize everything and analyze
things to death. Why we do not take things at face value but spend an
incredible amount of time reflecting on – rather than living – our
lives. Always looking for a message, or even looking to an outside
force that may never answer those “all important” questions. Why we
do not trust our own instincts and question what we know to be right?
Anyone can read a phrase and interpret it a thousand different
ways. You might take something from this book that differs from
what I took. If you allow yourself the time to read Existential
Meditation 'On the questions of Beginning, the Meaning of Existence,
and the Consequences of the End' without reacting defensively, you’ll

find a wealth of interesting facets about the way we behave. If you
really take the time to consider the author’s words, rather than argue
for argument’s sake, I feel you will walk away with knowledge and
insight. What I have gathered is that humans are not the complex
creatures we make ourselves out to be, but we certainly know how to
complicate things. I encourage you to explore these motivational
pages and take away from it what you will, and appreciate it for the
clarity it can bring if you let it.”

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very insightful book that made me ask myself a lot of questions and reflect on what truly is the meaning of life. I found that what religion, common perception and history teaches us is not necessarily the real deal about life and its true meaning. The author gives a very interesting argument about the beginning of life on Earth, the development of consciousness and the impact of society on human essence.
I found it very though provoking and even a bit controversial.

[Jenny K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down once I started it. The author glued me in especially with the parallel apologies of feral and normal children. I recommended the book to my husband who is a bit of a fundametal Christian we always end up arguing about why life exists in the first place. This book helped me come across some points that I lacked in the past.