What do you think?
Rate this book
Beyond Us: A Humanitarian's Perspective on Our Values, Beliefs and Way of Life
This short and vigorous book consists of a penetrating collection of interrelated essays whose defining characteristic is that they pin down, magnify and mirror back to us, with embarrassing clarity and force, our most dysfunctional yet unexamined ways of thinking, living and relating to each other in the early 21st century. Our ills are diagnosed with x-ray vision and laser precision.
The book assesses our situation from a neutral vantage point outside the cultural echo chamber of values, opinions and beliefs in which most of us find ourselves immersed. In doing so, it reveals what most of us can't see. It confronts us with unpleasant truths about ourselves, the acknowledgement of which is imperative if we are to heal and improve our lives. The book also points to sane ways forward, and the appropriateness of these ways become self-evident once they are elucidated.
The book assesses our situation from a neutral vantage point outside the cultural echo chamber of values, opinions and beliefs in which most of us find ourselves immersed. In doing so, it reveals what most of us can't see. It confronts us with unpleasant truths about ourselves, the acknowledgement of which is imperative if we are to heal and improve our lives. The book also points to sane ways forward, and the appropriateness of these ways become self-evident once they are elucidated.
120 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Fred Matser
9 books11 followersFred Matser is the founder and chairman of the Fred Foundation, founder of Essentia Foundation, and a leading Dutch humanitarian. For the past 40 years he has been active in social and ecological transformation in the fields of health, environment, nature conservation, peace and global transformation. He is available for speaking engagements and interviews both in-person and online.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 18, 2021
Before reading this book, I had the conception that my anchor points would lead me to freedom and flow. However, upon reading this book, I came to the understanding that perhaps the opposite is true “my anchor points only kept me away from freedom and flow”. By changing my focus, I already feel more at peace and I’m able to undertake my actions more inspired and fulfilling. I applaud the author for making this happen through the simple yet effective examples that where given in the book. Thank you for coming forward and writing this gem for those that are on the path of self-development, awakening and those that want to live a more meaningful life!
January 20, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from John Hunt Publishing Ltd - IFF books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was very short but very intense and very interesting. At first I did not know what to make of it. I didn't know if it was a collection of essays, self-help book or a literary piece but whatever genre it belongs in, my eyes were left wide open. Fred Master in his essays talks about how there are some elements of life that just go way beyond understanding and comprehension. This book definitely examines further why the saying 'some things are better left unsaid" and trust me, part of me was shocked to learn a lot that part of me wishes I have never read this book but in the best way possible. At first I think our patrons will be scared but towards the end of the book they will have shock and awe like I did.
We will consider adding this title to our Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
This book was very short but very intense and very interesting. At first I did not know what to make of it. I didn't know if it was a collection of essays, self-help book or a literary piece but whatever genre it belongs in, my eyes were left wide open. Fred Master in his essays talks about how there are some elements of life that just go way beyond understanding and comprehension. This book definitely examines further why the saying 'some things are better left unsaid" and trust me, part of me was shocked to learn a lot that part of me wishes I have never read this book but in the best way possible. At first I think our patrons will be scared but towards the end of the book they will have shock and awe like I did.
We will consider adding this title to our Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
February 8, 2021
“Our artists are explorers that go out into a transpersonal realm of primordial creativity and return with gifts for the rest of us.” So Fred Matser muses over Art in our society—one of the many gems of observation that Matser delivers to his readers of Beyond Us.
Fred Matser has taken his years of experience and brings a commentary on many aspects of our society and how one personally can see how their own role as a person can best fit within a solidly functioning society. For those that may be new to addressing their own inner world of consciousness, Maters proposes probing questions and imperatives on how we can begin to recognize ourselves and the predicament we find ourselves in an ever expanding and changing world.
“To rediscover the ineffable riches surrounding us requires no effort, no action, no doing; much to the contrary: all we need is to let go of the incessant chatter in our minds, so to allow ourselves to be guided by reality.” As an avid follower of yoga practice and psychology, I can affirm this observation and its urgency to be realized by one and all. These types of observations are peppered throughout his essays and are well worth the time to ponder.
While there are many philosophical and spiritual paths that address the issues Matser comments upon, it’s somewhat refreshing in his writings that Matser doesn’t prescribe his own personal beliefs as to how to work with these provocations, but allows the reader to confirm them within his or her own experience and to pursue their own path to freedom.
I received an advanced review copy of Beyond Us, and I’m glad it landed on my desk. I appreciated Matser’s years of seeing into the key aspects on life and it’s well worth the short time needed to read, for the reader to check in on himself and see where improvements can be made.
Fred Matser has taken his years of experience and brings a commentary on many aspects of our society and how one personally can see how their own role as a person can best fit within a solidly functioning society. For those that may be new to addressing their own inner world of consciousness, Maters proposes probing questions and imperatives on how we can begin to recognize ourselves and the predicament we find ourselves in an ever expanding and changing world.
“To rediscover the ineffable riches surrounding us requires no effort, no action, no doing; much to the contrary: all we need is to let go of the incessant chatter in our minds, so to allow ourselves to be guided by reality.” As an avid follower of yoga practice and psychology, I can affirm this observation and its urgency to be realized by one and all. These types of observations are peppered throughout his essays and are well worth the time to ponder.
While there are many philosophical and spiritual paths that address the issues Matser comments upon, it’s somewhat refreshing in his writings that Matser doesn’t prescribe his own personal beliefs as to how to work with these provocations, but allows the reader to confirm them within his or her own experience and to pursue their own path to freedom.
I received an advanced review copy of Beyond Us, and I’m glad it landed on my desk. I appreciated Matser’s years of seeing into the key aspects on life and it’s well worth the short time needed to read, for the reader to check in on himself and see where improvements can be made.
January 21, 2021
I don't know why, but, everytime I pick up a book to read, I tend to fall asleep by the time I'm on page three. It has nothing to do with the content, the author, or even the design of the book cover. It's just me, it's just who I am. You might have something to say about me, and that brings me directly to the chapter of "Self Expression."
This chapter caught my attention right away because it says something about us and the people around us. I like reading articles which contain a level of psychological element to it, which is why I accepted an author’s review copy of this book.
I like the fact that by reading the chapter of "Self-Expression", it immediately triggers one's mind to self-reflect who we really are, our own self belief and values as well as how the outside world sees us.
Very often, we make ourselves extremely small whenever we are criticised by someone, someone who might be as close as our family. That's where we start to doubt our own capabilities.
One of the things that the author has mentioned was : "We, as parents, educators, and guardians, have the responsibility to help our children engage fully with our world and contribute their gifts to the society........."
This sentence is pretty interesting. In my humble opinion, I think only parents who are open-minded and have great leadership can help their children move forward. On the contrary, parents who are closed and do not have a good relationship with themselves will not be suitable to help their children.
That is the reason why this chapter of "Self-Expression" really helps one to dive deep into our own self-reflection. We should not allow the outside world to influence or affect how we feel about ourself, and what we want to do in life.
Chow
This chapter caught my attention right away because it says something about us and the people around us. I like reading articles which contain a level of psychological element to it, which is why I accepted an author’s review copy of this book.
I like the fact that by reading the chapter of "Self-Expression", it immediately triggers one's mind to self-reflect who we really are, our own self belief and values as well as how the outside world sees us.
Very often, we make ourselves extremely small whenever we are criticised by someone, someone who might be as close as our family. That's where we start to doubt our own capabilities.
One of the things that the author has mentioned was : "We, as parents, educators, and guardians, have the responsibility to help our children engage fully with our world and contribute their gifts to the society........."
This sentence is pretty interesting. In my humble opinion, I think only parents who are open-minded and have great leadership can help their children move forward. On the contrary, parents who are closed and do not have a good relationship with themselves will not be suitable to help their children.
That is the reason why this chapter of "Self-Expression" really helps one to dive deep into our own self-reflection. We should not allow the outside world to influence or affect how we feel about ourself, and what we want to do in life.
Chow
January 23, 2021
Lezen verrijkt en dat bewijst dit boek van Fred Matser maar al te zeer. Op dezelfde manier waarop een bioloog een diertje zou bestuderen, kijkt Fred Matser nauwkeurig naar de dagelijkse bezigheden van onze samenleving en vraagt zich af: Leven we eigenlijk wel in zo'n gezonde samenleving? En waar liggen de valkuilen onderweg naar een harmonieuzere manier van samenleven? Het boek geeft je de sleutel voor het antwoord. De lezer maakt opnieuw kennis met de wereld waarin we leven doordat het onbewuste bewust wordt gemaakt. Onze genegeerde destructieve gewoontes worden op een thematische wijze aangekaart en in het licht gezet. Een belangrijke stap die het individu kan nemen om een destructieve omgeving te veranderen, begint met het besef dat ''the prison only exists insofar as we tell ourselves that it exists.''(r.69). Daarin speelt stilte een essentiële rol: ''Silence is not noticeable in and of itself, bus solely through the absence of something else; it is seen only when that which disrupts it ceases.''(r.106). De wereld kan soms een stressvolle en chaotische plek lijken. Mensen kunnen zo druk zijn met de activiteiten van hun dagelijkse leven, dat de wonderbaarlijkheid van de dag verloren kan gaan. 'Maar de wonderen zijn de wereld nog niet uit!' en daarom nodigt Fred Matser ons uit om te gaan leven vanuit ''just silence'' (r.107) zodat we beseffen dat het leven niet vanzelfsprekend is en we de wonderen van de dag weer zullen aanschouwen.
January 18, 2021
This book takes a different approach on various aspects of our life, and I would not recommend reading it cover to cover.
Instead, I advise readers to browse the index, find an interesting chapter, reflect on it, draw conclusions, and lett it sink before reading another section.
“Beyond us” questions the “status quo” offering a view from a higher ground: a different alternative of how things are, or could be, if we just step outside our common worldview. It is the type of book you can go back to when you need to learn a different perspective; a sort of philosophy textbook, with a common and sensible approach.
Is it important to listen to our higher self? To think collectively? To act from our heart? -yes, yes and yes. In these pages you will find some answers to the why, how and what. The prose is easy to follow and the ideas are stated clearly and simply.
I would categorize this book as “light Buddhist philosophy without all the fancy Tibetan words”. It is non-religious, grounded advice for living a happy life in harmony with our inner and outer universe. Pick out a chapter, see what it has to say to you, personally. You may be surprised.
Instead, I advise readers to browse the index, find an interesting chapter, reflect on it, draw conclusions, and lett it sink before reading another section.
“Beyond us” questions the “status quo” offering a view from a higher ground: a different alternative of how things are, or could be, if we just step outside our common worldview. It is the type of book you can go back to when you need to learn a different perspective; a sort of philosophy textbook, with a common and sensible approach.
Is it important to listen to our higher self? To think collectively? To act from our heart? -yes, yes and yes. In these pages you will find some answers to the why, how and what. The prose is easy to follow and the ideas are stated clearly and simply.
I would categorize this book as “light Buddhist philosophy without all the fancy Tibetan words”. It is non-religious, grounded advice for living a happy life in harmony with our inner and outer universe. Pick out a chapter, see what it has to say to you, personally. You may be surprised.
January 26, 2021
I accepted the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review without ever asking what the book was about. When I finally realized this was collection of interrelated philosophical essays, not being a much philosophically-minded reader I became afraid I would not be able to understand the author's perspective or that the vocabulary would too difficult for me to enjoy reading it.
The book however reads like a relaxed but eye-opening conversation with a very wise old friend. The author exposes his vision without the patronizing tone you expect from someone who is obviously smarter and a better observer of our society's way of life than the rest of us will ever be.
I read the book as fast as I could, eager to discover one truth after another, feeling my jaw drop and my mind being awakened whenever I was confronted with thoughts I had never had before. But I do not think this is the best way to read it: I'd advise you to go the list of contents and choose a random topic a day and enjoy the book in small doses. This is not a book to be read once and placed in the shelf. It's a book you should re-read as often as you can and share with friends.
The book however reads like a relaxed but eye-opening conversation with a very wise old friend. The author exposes his vision without the patronizing tone you expect from someone who is obviously smarter and a better observer of our society's way of life than the rest of us will ever be.
I read the book as fast as I could, eager to discover one truth after another, feeling my jaw drop and my mind being awakened whenever I was confronted with thoughts I had never had before. But I do not think this is the best way to read it: I'd advise you to go the list of contents and choose a random topic a day and enjoy the book in small doses. This is not a book to be read once and placed in the shelf. It's a book you should re-read as often as you can and share with friends.
February 17, 2021
I was delighted to receive a digital review copy of this book from author and publisher Iff Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The book uses common facets of modern life to illustrate the cultural constructions of our thinking minds and invites us to go beyond, as the title suggests, to imagine a deeper, more meaningful world based on love instead of fear and scarcity.. The text gives the reader the tools to see how much of our world is conceptualized by our intellect and not the whole picture and potential for our lives. The books invites us to consider the stakes for living in a world of competition that sacrifices the wellbeing of the world. I took my time with this book. Though it is short, it is packed full of meaningful content to be contemplated over time. I enjoyed also watching the author's documentary Beyond Me, which came out in 2020 after finishing this book.
Read
January 18, 2021As a world cruiser "True sailors dance with nature" is one of my favorite quotes of Fred Matser's book Beyond Me. Reading about his authentic approach to a broad variety of life themes has been an adventurous exploration. In this time of Great Awakening his contribution to Community Consciousness appears spot on to me. After the rich experience of a week of Silence, I am highly recommending this transformational book.
January 24, 2021
This book is a lovely guide for people who want to live a more conscious life.
I've read this book within a few hours ( spread in 2 days) and for me, it was pure recognition and beautiful reminder.
I would recommend this book for curious people who want to learn more about our lives, society and beliefs. Get more insights in a easy way and it easy to read.
It will remind people how you can choose and live your life more truly and connected with your environment.
Fred shares wisdom and is openhearted about is learnings and adventure.
A little text from Fred's book:
" There is nothing to our society but ourselves. Therefore, more than victims of our time, we are also the creators of our time"
So you can choose.
I've read this book within a few hours ( spread in 2 days) and for me, it was pure recognition and beautiful reminder.
I would recommend this book for curious people who want to learn more about our lives, society and beliefs. Get more insights in a easy way and it easy to read.
It will remind people how you can choose and live your life more truly and connected with your environment.
Fred shares wisdom and is openhearted about is learnings and adventure.
A little text from Fred's book:
" There is nothing to our society but ourselves. Therefore, more than victims of our time, we are also the creators of our time"
So you can choose.
January 24, 2021
A small book in pages, based on 15 essays, the content is one to think and feel about. Every essay mirrored back to me and raised questions in my way of thinking and beliefs. It touched my conscious and I will read it again and again.
I received an ARC at no cost from the author.
I received an ARC at no cost from the author.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews