The Pursuit of Wisdom: A Chronological Inquiry of the World's Most Influential Seekers of Wisdom in the Fields of Theology, Philosophy, and Science

by Dean Chavooshian

Like many, I have given the origin and meaning of life a great deal of thought in an effort to live it fully-with grace and intelligence. In the process, I discovered that theological/philosophical discussions on reality are empty without the consideration of scientific inquiry as they inform each other on the nature of human existence. We can benefit immensely from the great minds chronicled in this book that have dramatically changed the world and helped man imagine himself in it-leading to one's own self-discovery. DISCOVER: In Theology (1) Is the soul immortal? Is reincarnation possible? (2) Islam's holiest shrine in Mecca was built by the founding father of the Jewish nation. (3) How one man uprooted 1500 years of Roman Catholic domination with a simple document. In Philosophy (1) Is the world pre-determined with orderly harmony or governed by man's free will? (2) Is knowledge gained solely from experience and reasoning-or is it innate? (3) How the self-awareness of existentialism allows one to live an authentic life. (4) How 9th century Muslim scholars contributed to the foundation of modern civilization. In Science (1) What makes all physical matter stable? How does matter reproduce itself? (2) Isaac Newton described gravity's effect, but it was Einstein who showed how it originated. (3) Did man evolve or was he created? (4) The search for a unifying theoretical basis of all the sciences.

444 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

After earning a degree in Theology/Philosophy, I followed what appeared to be a foreordained path to study architecture. I received a Master’s Degree in Architecture and harnessed a thirty- year profession in the field of real estate development. My position in prominent New York architectural firms and with international real estate developers resulted in the successful design, development and construction of over 25 million square feet worldwide. I continue to passionately pursue a multi-layered life that includes philanthropy, sport, and academics: as the head of the venerable Village Temple Soup Kitchen in New York City since 1999, an ardent fly fisher for trout, a certified United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) teaching pro and high school tennis coach, and an author who continues a quest for knowledge and an elevated understanding of human existence. My life in New York City, with my wife of 36 years and adult daughter, continues to be filled with great majesty.

Reviews

[Zack Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the concept of the chronological order, this book is a fantastic source of knowledge. Quite complicated dialogue I found myself googling definitions to expand my vocabulary. Was quite difficult to read cover to cover but I can see myself going back to this book over and over again for insight into the great minds that changed the course of human history.

[Dean Chavooshian · Rating 5 out of 5]

KIRKUS REVIEW:

An exploration of man’s evolving search for answers, featuring short profiles of historically influential theologians, philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians.

Chavooshian’s debut is a chronicle of figures who dared to ask the most significant questions about man’s existence. Some were theologians, such as Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and Ramakrishna, positing man’s place in the universe and the nature of his creation; others were scientists, such as Hippocrates, Charles Darwin, or Albert Einstein, who dared to question the mechanics of the physical world. Many of them owed the language and manner of their ideas to early philosophers, including Plato, Socrates, and Sun Tzu, whose methods would be adopted (and sometimes rejected) by later figures, such as Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Friedrich Nietzsche. Chavooshian profiles all these people, along with more than 70 other great thinkers from throughout history, in loose chronological order, summarizing their contributions in succinct but thoroughly researched chapters, sometimes accompanied by images. Despite each chapter’s thrift, they present their subjects’ achievements with great enthusiasm, offering commentary on how earlier schools of thought helped shape their ideas. Each chapter ends with a helpful, encouraging list of each figure’s principal works. Chavooshian presents theologians of Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindi origins alongside Christian teachers, and features Arab and other Eastern philosophers alongside Western peers. In nearly all cases, he presents their ideas without judgment, although he does take note when he believes that certain ways of thinking lead to violence, fascism, or anti-Semitism—such as Muslim theologian Al-Ghazali’s development of Sharia law or the twisting of Karl Marx’s communism. Although it’s by no means a comprehensive collection—it’s particularly light on philosophers, theologians, and scientists from the 20th century, for example—it makes for an excellent reference source on some of the most influential people in mankind’s pursuit of knowledge.

A tribute to humanity’s inquisitive spirit, and a useful guidebook for readers looking for a little inspiration or purpose.

[Nora C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book illuminates many of the pivotal historical thinkers in Science, Theology and Philosophy who explored new terrains which shifted and propelled human perception. Written chronologically, each concise chapter is dedicated to a seeker of wisdom, offering nuggets of information and a distillation of their major accomplishments along with a list of principal works at the end of each chapter. Written in an accessible, rich and exciting manner, one can see the author’s deep personal appreciation and regard for each of these historical figures. Not only is this book an enjoyable read, it is an invaluable resource to return to time and again to refresh your memory on each person’s major contribution…a great addition to anyone’s library.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. The author profiles those that have advanced the wisdom of mankind throughout history. Here we find many well known as well as lesser known figures with useful lists of the principal works of those profiled. Illuminating and enriching.

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book