For Deep Thinkers Only: How Culture Manipulates Your Reality

by John J. Ivers

Dr. John J. Ivers, a professor of Languages & International Studies, and former college dean, intends not only to inform readers about profound cross-cultural differences, but attempts to do it in an interesting and entertaining manner. Ivers' work demonstrates how all people, in a sense, are victims of their cultural paradigms and how a deeper understanding of these manipulative models can lead to a more fulfilling existence and a more rational and healthy self-concept. He believes it is a sin to bore people and the cross-cultural material in the book is interspersed with stories from the ancient Greeks and Romans such as the Oracle at Delphi, the Vestal Virgins, and a number of accounts from the venerable Plutarch. He discusses archaeological and cultural mysteries from the jungles of Mesoamerica to the diverse subcontinent of India. The material in the book allows one to delve into the deeper psychological realm of our distinct cultural realities in an engaging and provocative way.

Genres: Nonfiction

179 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2018

Reviews

[BookTrib.com]

Ivers lays out his unique take on the study of cross-cultural differences. These differences, he posits, are not only a cause of international strife — from misunderstandings to prejudices to all-out hate and war — but are also at the root of how we perceive ourselves, others and reality itself, for better or worse.

Throughout, he calls upon a host of philosophers, psychologists, historians and social scientists to help explain differences between cultures and the effects of culture on individuals. If all of this sounds rather academic to you, take heart. Ivers includes plentiful, illuminating (and often colorful) examples from history and personal experience that will open your eyes to the vast variety of cultural norms across place and time, challenging your notions of concepts like truth, honesty, status, respect, decency and beauty.

Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/02/05/much-...

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took Dr. Ivers' Cultural Paradigms course in college and this work is almost exactly his class in book format. I read almost every line of the book in his voice, which was easy since it was written in a conversational manner. The information was not necessarily new to me (because I took copious notes in class and would tell my wife everything), but the material was fascinating all the same. One thing that stuck out to me that I didn't remember from class was the comparison of how we treat animals (or anything alive really) with greater care and provide a more nurturing environment when we perceive it to be more intelligent. Of course, had we provided the same treatment to animals that were not perceived as intelligent, they would have (more often than not) turned out to be just as intelligent/successful as the animals with perceived intelligence. Dr. Ivers then quickly turns the tables on teachers and parents by saying the same goes for our treatment of children with "perceived" intelligence, which we learn could mean the child is possibly just average (but cultural norms would push him or her to the forefront) and the real genius(es) of the class will be lost because precious time was devoted to one rather than spread out proportionally. This book is full of interesting tales and how our cultural norms shape our views, as well as provides a basis for how we can attempt to free ourselves of our own "cultural chains" that are holding us back from enlightenment. But, then again, do we need to "free" ourselves if our culturally shaped enlightenment provides what we "desire?"

A fascinating book written by a fascinating professor.

[Tim & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivers' book, fortunately doesn't have to be "For Deep Thinkers Only," although it will certainly help any reader do just that by encouraging an examination of our own cultural paradigms, biases, and blind spots. It is an exceptionally entertaining and intriguing read, accessible for readers of all (or none!) academic backgrounds in its ability to breakdown exciting and sometimes abstract concepts, down to relatable real-life situations spanning the workplace, politics, religion, social, family life, and more. Full of memorable facts, historical happenings, and cool concepts -- this book will leave one better informed of life as perceived across the globe and human race, and at very least leave one better equipped to carry on interdisciplinary discussions in the boardroom, salon, or Thanksgiving table!

[Anna Hawes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a book club. I found the writing oddly casual at times and the title unnecessarily pretentious. The material of the book itself comes from a college class, presumably intro level. The idea that you should examine your cultural assumptions and that one way to do so is to be exposed to other cultures is a solid one and something all college students should definitely learn. As a 17-year-old I would have been very impressed by this book and learned a lot. As a 35-year-old who was traveled and made a point to learn about other cultures, there was very little new for me.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book that gives you a great perspective on how culture affects every part of our lives. We all have different ways of understanding different cultures and we all can definitely learn something new every day.