Remembering in a World of Forgetting: Thoughts on Tradition & Postmodernism

by William Stoddart

This book contains a wide-ranging selection of writings by perennialist author William Stoddart that expose the many false ideologies of postmodernism (forgetting) and call for a return to traditional religion, especially in its mystical dimensions (remembering).

Genres: Religion, Philosophy, Theology

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Bjørn · Rating 3 out of 5]

As most books this one has its merits and weaknesses. On the one hand it formulates a somewhat simplified summary of the Sophia Perennis, which makes a comfortable read. On the other hand, this simplified summary tends to skip important nuances that I would claim is quite important and which was emphasized by both Guénon and Schuon. An example is when the author repeatedly keeps equating terms like mysticism, metaphysics, esoterism and spiritual. By doing this, I am afraid that he adds yet another unnecessary veil that might confuse certain readers, even though he admits that there are nuances within the terms mentioned. Regardless I would recommend the book as an introduction to the Sophia Perennis if the reader don’t settle for this as some sort of definition of the school of thought. The book has many merits, like the way it elucidates some concepts that at first might be hard to comprehend for a reader that is new to the material. The essays in this collection make it very clear that Stoddart first and foremost is a follower of Schuon and not Guénon, which clearly shows in his more religious and moralistic outlook, rather than the more non-sentimental and pure metaphysical outlook that characterizes Guénon’s writings. An annoying detail in this book is the arrogance the author radiates when treating some worldly and political questions, which is far from as simple as the author seem to think they are. It is quite apparent that this book is a collection of essays as the same formulations and the same concept are being introduced several times. All in all, I appreciated this book. I especially valued the recounts of his travels in India and Greece, visiting the Jagadguru of Kanchipuram and Mount Athos, respectively.