Technological innovations in this 21st century maybe adversely affecting the choices you make more than you realize. Relying on technology or trusting our god-given instincts for making significant decisions, where do we draw the balance?
I want to thank kwadw(o) Naya Baa for such beautifully written and thought provoking book.
Here is my review for the book. From chapter 1-9
*The Choice: Chapter 1*
The concept of a new cycle, transitioning from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius (Information Age), marked by increasing heat due to Earth's proximity to the sun. The forthcoming changes will have a dual impact, yielding both beneficial and adverse consequences. The trajectory of these outcomes will be significantly influenced by the choices made by individuals.
*Transhumanism: Chapter 2*
This chapter introduces transhumanism, highlighting the diversity of approaches and opinions on the topic. It presents a contrast between Elon Musk's advocacy for transhumanism and the author's differing viewpoint, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the concept's implications. Everyone with his choice
*Robots - Chapter 3*
The role of robots in technological advancement cannot be overemphasized, but the author believes that robots should enhance human capabilities, not replace them. While robots are increasingly used in various industries, reducing manpower needs. Maybe not, or Yes. It's subjective!
*People - Chapter 4*
The author opines that many people act with no integrity and clear intentions. I think it's wide spreading here in Nigeria and could be a result of not being grounded in thought, if a man should fail to answer the question of why should I do this?, self-awareness and clarity will be compromised, making them easily influenced and prone to changing their stance.
*Relationships - Chapter 5*
Modern day relationship in compare to that of our grandparents is short. Due to changes in our values and orientation as the world advances, the love and respect attached the relationship is losing its value. The author's view of the situation in England is the same with me view here in Nigeria.
*Life - Chapter 6* As we go in our daily activities, trying to find good things of life and fulfillment, spending time working our life out. We forgot to spend time on what matters which is ourselves, we forgot to do things that make us happy, like spending time in nature or being with love ones, until we are the last laps of our life.
*God & Religion: Chapter 7*
This chapter made me think about what I believe in. The author questions if we should believe something just because we were taught to, or if we should learn and understand things for ourselves. He talked about how everyone is different and that’s something to celebrate. Good or bad depends on how we see it, which made me realize that we all have our own way of understanding the world. We are us to think for ourselves and respect others’ beliefs.
*Technology vs Nature - Chapter 8*
In today's world, there's a growing tendency to replace natural processes with technological solutions. While many embrace this shift, the authors argue that it's essential to reconsider our reliance on technology and appreciate the value of nature. The chapter cautions that unchecked technological advancement can lead to adverse consequences, and that we risk losing the beauty and benefits of the natural world, if second thought is not taken.
*High Times: Chapter 9*
As time passes, we somehow drift apart from one another due to the cumulative effects of our choices, circumstances, and the passage of time itself. Even those who were once close, like family, can grow distant, while others may become like family despite not being related. Life is a mix of solitary moments and shared experiences that create lasting memories, a bittersweet reality that becomes more apparent with age.
*Conclusion*
Conclusively, the book is a voice of the mind tried out on a new technology tested to convert speech to text. May be vague, may be deep, shallow, imagination or a test....how do we find out except one watches out for Choices 2?
Kudos to you Kwadw(o) Naya for sharing your thoughts in such conceptualized manner
Your book is an extraordinary depiction of life and offers a good insight into what life is all about in modern society. And, it is always heartening to see authors take on themes such as love, loss, personal and cultural identity and innovation, tradition, and change with a thoughtful and sensitive approach as seen in your work.
The tone of writing is narrative, and you express yourself honestly while analyzing your journey and voicing concerns. The author doesn’t shy away from challenging the status quo, particularly in the chapters on relationships and societal changes. This boldness is refreshing and makes the book stand out as a thoughtful and provocative read.
I will say that the most notable feature of this book is the sincerity and disclosed emotion for the purpose of the readers who have to identify themselves with the given stories and writers opinion. This authenticity is one of the book’s biggest assets I found because it draws an instant affection from the reader’s side.
I find every content touched from transhumanism to religion very relatable. And it is sad to see how life is degrading and even depressing how we choose to turn a blind eye especially when it doesn't affect us or concern us.
Although personally after reading the book, I do think that knowledge is a part of today's problem. We mix things of old and things of this century together then we degrade and upgrade anything to our convenience, then sugarcoat it to be normal. Then it becomes a trend. It is really a dark knowledge! Plus who wants to find out the truth or fix things when it is already a societal norm
But the author sharing these concerns in his own point of view is really an appeal and wake up call to anyone who have lost their faith in today's society or those who are actively searching for a back to nature, back to basics kind of life. And i am quite impressed that there are people like Kwadw(o) who sees the actual shift from the natural order of life in today's society and how technology is gradually taking us away from the definition of humanity
Another part of the book that struck me is the choices that touched the relationship aspect. Love is private but it also applies to all people, which makes it popular and philosophical.
The author kindly shared a personal story of investing in a relationship that ultimately ended, despite his efforts and good intentions. This experience shows the uncertainty and unpredictability of modern relationships, where commitment and hard work don’t always lead to lasting results. And it made me re-think my choices. Choices isn't a book to be rushed, you really have to think the book through else you will criticize everything you read there. On the other hand, some readers might find the book’s nostalgic tone and critique of modern values to be somewhat traditional or conservative. While the author’s perspective is valid and well-argued, it may not resonate with those who have a more progressive or optimistic view of contemporary society.
This book is a compelling read for anyone interested in a reflective journey through life’s ups and downs. It’s a book that encourages readers to pause and reflect on their own lives, relationships, and the world around them. I do look forward to what the author will be sharing in the next series.
Kwadwo Naya's Choices is a collection of mind-blowing introspection that are centered on life experiences and humanity in general. In most cases, I feel like the author's idea are thoroughly personal and overly based on his opinion. It's my first time discovering his works and I am taken aback by his knowledge in the field of the things he writes about. The book feels to me like a mini memoir, with a blend of spicy narration.
One of the chapters that stood with me is the one titled "Transhumanism". Here, Kwadwo Naya talked about the evolution of the human person. In lines like, "They have found the science of tranhumanism. So they won't need humans anymore..." The author talked about his background, how he grew up in farm and his family's beliefs in traditional/natural medicine over the modern type. Which is something that I particularly as an African man loves. I admired the section he talked about how humans are been misled. I.e looking forward to human enhancement through technology, replacing our natural bodies with artificial parts, which is very predominant in our world today. The section he made reference to Elon Musk too as a supported of this notion due to his incorporation of chips with hope of it helping to enhance thinking abilities.
In the chapters of Robot, the author called our attention to how fast machines are replacing humans. Emphasizing his frustration on how sometimes you have to call the Robot first before you speak to an actual person. This is very rampant in today's social apps, even in banks and online shopping sites. Where when you have an issue or complaints that requires you to speak to an actual person, but you'd first be directed to an emotionless machine to attend to you.
The pages of the chapter titled "People" is so profound. Kwadwo's take on human ingenuity, falsity and unfaithfulness is so palpable, asking the big question, "What is wrong with humans nowadays?" The section of "Relationship" too is so true to the earth. This part relates with me so much and it's frustrating how these remains an issue across the world. The pages of the chapter that talks about Life too is so deep and mindful. This alongside other chapters are brilliantly written. I can go on and on but I will restrain from giving much information away. The book generally is vast, deep and offering us to look into the author's deep introspection, ideas and his perception about life. I got a free copy from the Akure Book Club and I am submitting this review for the book review competition.
I was uncertain of what to expect when I first picked up the book Choices by Kwadwo Naya: Baa Ankh Em Re A'lyun Eil. The title itself was quite compelling, yet it was the content that really captured my heart and mind. This is no ordinary book; it is an unedited journey in and out of somebody's mind - one who is struggling with the ways of the world. It pulled me in from the very first page, from the author's perspective. Honest musings on issues related to technology, transhumanism, and the general challenges of contemporary living really got me. I had personally wondered how recent trends have been impacting our views and paradigms. He never backed down, never sidestepped a really tough question. The book was raw and unfiltered (maybe a little bit too raw, if you considered the discourse in chapter 5 particularly - relationships). You can feel the writer’s frustration, his hope, and his deep yearning for a return to more natural, human connections.
The most striking chapters for me were still those I felt a little bit indifferent with relationships and life. Living in the world where tangible connections seem to be very elusive and the greatest desire for fulfilment in the things we do. The stories and reflections of the writer became a reminder for me, bringing me back to what I need to be grounded in and true to—my loved ones and ideal values. To these 2, we must remain true. His recounting of his own experiences, from family estrangement to the heartbreak of a failed relationship, are both relatable and deeply touching (maybe I’m a bit personal on these). It made me reflect on my own life and the choices I've made—both the good and the bad.
What struck me most about the book was the way the author smoothly merged personal anecdotes with broader societal commentary. He incited readers to really think critically about the world around them and question the status quo, living out of real values. This is not a call to action but a call to introspection, something I believe we all need in these turbulent times. It is not very polished or perfect, but that is what makes it so real and relatable. It is like a serious chat with a friend not afraid to mince words.
Choices was a powerful reminder that the decisions we make today will shape the world of tomorrow and that each of us actively plays a part in creating a future we experience.
So this book was quite confusing at first…. Especially the first few pages… Basically, it's a compilation of the author's thoughts which are quite interesting I must say. He basically writes about his perspectives on humans, technology, nature, God, Religion and so on… In the 9 chapters of this book, the author argues about… or shall I say express his fears about humans not wanting to do the natural things like taking herbs instead of pills and so on … I also noted a part where the author say he loves technology but not more than necessary, I think that's because he has not found a more natural way to do those things he could use technology for… hehe. Chapter 1 gave the feeling of "dear author, you worry too much.about the future of the world." I mean this current generation might not even be alive when all these things should supposedly happen. It's understandable that the author of comes from a traditional/domestic background… but when he mentions that himself and family do not believe in tablets and medicines, it has me bothered. I personally counter the author on this… Are you telling me you have a way to heal extreme diagnosis of cancer, heart diseases, lungs, infected body parts leading to amputation… naturally? I think there's something we need to understand, that technology is not a general civilization and although it has its failures (which is on the part of humans), technology has done more good than harm. Regarding transhumanism, human enhancement through technology like prosthetics started based on the problem of patients with amputated/ paralyzed body parts and organs not being able to function properly. Would you say that is us turning away from our humanity? Overall, I think the author's thoughts are well justified based on his background, but it edges towards it being a controversy. I have things in the book I'd like to make mention of as well, but as it, my fingers are quite tired. But it's being nice reading another person's perspective of the society and the world generally. I beg to differ in some aspects but I shall rest my case here.
This book was like having a conversation with a friend who has a lot on their mind. It prompted me to take a time to think on how the world is changing, particularly with the advancement in technology and the evolving nature of relationships and values. What stood out for me was the author's honesty and directness. He openly shares his concerns about the way the world is going. The book is like a jumbled up argument; it is not like your traditional book. Instead, it feels like a representation of the author's thought, this makes it more realistic and relatable, at first it was a bit challenging to read, but, that's what makes it more interesting; it was as though I was in a conversation with the author. What I found most engaging is the way the author questions the choices we make as a society. He values nature and human connection and is concerned that we are losing touch with both. I recommend you read the book, I will give it a 9.5 rating.
I just finished reading the book and I must say I’m still reeling from the experience The author’s struggles with identity and relationships really resonated with me. One of the things that struck me the most, though, was how the book literally made me reflect on the choices I have made, especially during this period of my life.
I like that the writing is raw and honest—almost as though the author is having a real-life conversation with the reader. And the book is a fantastic reminder that every decision one maker has its consequences, and we would do well to not forget that in our day to day choices and activities.
All in all, I would give the book a solid 4/5 rating!