You Matter: The Human Solution

by Delia Smith

We know science is awesome, as are its achievements. Yet so far scientists have managed to sidestep the most awesome reality of all, the true nature of human life, the source of their own genius. How is it that in the overwhelming immensity of the cosmos, on microscopic earth, human beings exist? We have not yet looked reality in the face and perceived the nobility and grandeur of who we are, each of us having a responsibility in the universe and being part of a vast and continuing process, which can only emerge from the shadows and darkest corners of our thought when we step aside away from all the noise.

'You Matter' encourages people to think more deeply about the phenomenon of existence, what it means to be a unique human person, and how in unity with one another we can build a future in these uncertain times.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 12, 2022

About the author

Delia Smith CBE is an English cook and television presenter, known for teaching basic cookery skills in a no-nonsense style. She is the UK's best-selling cookery author, with more than 21 million copies sold.

Smith is also famous for her role as joint majority shareholder at Norwich City F.C. Her partner in the shareholding is her husband, Michael Wynn-Jones. Her role at the club has attracted varying media attention, from positive when she "saved" the club from bankruptcy, to negative, when making a controversial on-pitch announcement in 2005.

Already an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Smith was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 Birthday Honours, "in recognition of ... [her] contribution to television cookery and recipe writing".

Reviews

[harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent listen. well-researched but doesn’t offer anything new

[Canem · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In neglecting the deeper aspects of life, we are missing out on what is probably the most important thing we should know. What an amazing thing it is to be a person, and to be part of the collective human venture. This I now know for certainty and it will be the central theme in all that follows."

This book started off really well, with a premise that is much needed in today's world. But then it lost itself towards the middle and end in COVID and climate change blabla. Don't get me wrong; these are important topics to talk and write about, but it's not what this book promised to be.

I wanted this to be an exploration of human wonder - how beautiful and magical it is to be alive... right this moment, right here.

The author Delia Smith wanted to say too many things in too short amount of time. I think she should have focused more on why every human being is a miracle, and why every person's life matters.

That's why this gets an 'OK' from me.

[Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up I can remember Delia Smith’s smiling face on my mother’s favorite cook book. I never imagined I’d be listening to her ramblings about astronauts’ reflections on Earth and uniting spiritual energies. Yet here we are! Nothing ground breaking but I enjoyed her observations and I reckon we would make great dinner time conversation together 🤣

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned:
“In neglecting the deeper aspects of life, we are missing out on what is probably the most important thing we should know. What an amazing thing it is to be a person, and to be part of the collective human venture. This I now know for certainty and it will be the central theme in all that follows…”

I genuinely had no idea that this was from the same lady who brought the notion of moulinex products into my life and had the same hairstyle as my mom cites 1984. Hold on, after cake and kitchen cheats, we now have Smith on philosophy? Happy to give it a go, and pleasantly surprised! Properly researched and cited, and whilst I wouldn’t agree with everything she believes in, this is an amazingly thought out walk through self care during a post pandemic era - lovely inspiring stuff for those pc us looking for positivity

[Love0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll have to admit, I almost fell asleep in the first chapter because the author has such a soothing voice. So grab a six pack of red bulls and you’ll be fine. Anyway, I pushed through with talk about the universe and eventually the whole book became a great sum of themes. Delia inhabits a point of perspective which is neither or and it’s refreshing.

‘We must DARE to believe in LOVE’

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I recommend it for anyone stuck in their own heads that needs a reminder for how vast and amazing our world is.

[Lisa Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it as a book about mental health but it turned out to be more of a manifesto for change and a better way of life for all human kind. Lovely sentiments and well researched but little new. I read in one go in one day.

[James B · Rating 2 out of 5]

A well intentioned and much needed examination of key issues and thoughts on us and our society, but ultimately poorly written and constructed.

The style comes across as a stream of consciousness with lots of repetition and no real point of view beyond than the macro ideas and platitudes. Lots of questions with no real analysis. Perhaps that’s the point to get others thinking- it did do that.

Rather jarring cultural references; Madonna, and phantom of the opera lyrics don’t really amplify points when used, way too many Beatles references even for a fan; that said, I did listen to George Harrison’s ‘Within you and Without you’ more intently having read Deliah’s thoughts (I used to skip that track when first listening to that album years ago).

Lots of repeated references to Deliah’s favourite philosopher, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and a whole reading list from him at the end; perhaps I’ll read him direct to get more clarity.

Sorry Deliah, you remain a goddess of recipes, and I’m sure it would be fascinating talking to you about all these thought pieces, but as a book it just doesn’t pick a punch.

[Maria Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book and well researched. Delia talks about the world needing to unite more on global issues such as climate change poverty, and human connection. She discusses the point that the money is there and the majority of the wealth is held by a few companies. She talks about how that wealth could be used in research to help fight disease. Interesting enough she talks about how with Covid19, the world contributed to finding testing and immunisation against the disease, and when they worked together that was done with such speed everyone was surprised. That sort of collaboration could bring about so much more, rather than people in power building up their countries by tearing down others. She talks about how much smarter we are when we combine many minds rather than working with just one. This would make a great book club book.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is OK, hence the rating. I get the sentiment, similar to the hopeful history of humankind - to be supportive of everyone around us, and not stuck on arbitrary ways to separate and differentiate one person from another. Whilst encouraging a worldwide nation I appreciate her also stressing the individuality of every single being, which I think for many is a point of contention, the identity and history of nations.
But, I found the book a bit repetitive and I didn't feel like the information or message was anything new. In fact some of the quotes or examples really furrowed my brow as it seemed so random and a bizarre choice. Meh.

[Simon Juden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! When you think of Delia you think of cooking and football but this shows the river runs much, much deeper. As we are coming out of covid and working out how to build back better, this incredibly readable and optimistic tour of both popular culture and some of the greatest thinkers, all written in Delia's inimitable, accessible style is such an important book. Everyone should read it! I finished it in a single sitting...

[Karen Kennaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleased that Delia has taken the approach she always had with cooking ie simplify it so everyone can cook delicious recipes perfectly, to the field of spirituality and the human condition. Making some pretty complex and deep writing by authors over the centuries Delia as ever makes them accessible without losing any of the essence or finesse. You Matter… yes you do… and this book is a great starting point for anyone questioning what this life is all about

[Joy Corkery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. More the author’s own thoughts rather than a typical self-help book with action points to take. Some parts made you think but there wasn’t really anything new to it. I listened to the audio and the author has a really soothing voice so I found myself zoning out and becoming sleepy.

[Danial Ahmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing and hopeful book x

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thought I wanted to read this book turned out I didn’t

[Sean Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I think everyone should read, as it gives a very insightful exploration into being a human on this planet, our purpose, uniting together to tackle issues, and believing that we matter. I listened to this on audio and as my first audiobook in a while it was a good one to listen to! I feel so smart and educated from listening to this, as I feel the author has a strong grasp and understanding of the human race which is evident through the ideas she presents throughout this book. It’s a really eye-opening experience and I highly recommend if you want to think more about what it means to be a human in the grand scheme of things and how we all have the ability to come together and face the problems plaguing our planet right now. This also makes it a rather important book too, so please do read it or give a listen!

[Gerry Grenfell-Walford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quiet and gentle book of reflections and musings. Communion and evolution are important to Delia (yes, 'that' Delia). She rightly stressed the dire need for people to go outside their comfort zones and pull together in the face of climate disaster. She sites historical examples of mutual progress and enrichment. It's easy to roll your eyes at some of the optimism which has implications of the 'age of aquarius' style naivete, and yet the idea is, arguably a necessary one. If you don't believe things are possible, we fall into cynicism and are unable to act. And we need to act.
This isn't a systematic philosophy: it remains a personal and private collection of ideas, but it easy easy to listen to and has some food for thought.

[Lily]

Probably a text to be reflected on. I felt aligned with many of the viewpoints but concerned that the topic of population was not addressed...... at all! It would be amazing to rid the world of disease but no concept of how to accommodate an ever-growing community was offered or even mentioned. Or that climate change is connected to many aspects of our desire to feed and home all of the people. Unless, we go back to the beginning of the book where the author talks about Earth being the only populated planet- perhaps some of those trillions of dollars are meant to be spent on space exploration? If that is the author's intention, per has been extremely subtle about it.

[ZzzzzzZ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was quite excited to see that Delia Smith off the cooking shows had a book out, about existentialism(?) but I soon found out that she’s just pushing the climate change and new world order agenda. And why does she mention That Holocaust in every chapter… yet bends over backwards to not mention Palestine 🇵🇸 F this B!!!

[Nicki Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thought provoking read and timely reminder that the universe is vast and we are just a tiny drop in it. This book definitely helps put things into perspective ⭐⭐⭐ #deliasmith #youmatter #selfhelp #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #litsy #thestorygraph #bookqueen #bookstagram

[Holly M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this type of thing. Definitely raised questions that I've thought of many times and gave lots to think about. I didn't rate higher, as at times it felt rather repetative

[James Connolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gifted this book by a monk. Quite pleasant if a little bit dreamy

[Penni Mayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delia tackles some big questions and in the end I understand. Something a lot more people should be exposed to, at least to consider the purpose and responsibilities of humanity.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's alright. Nothing particularly outstanding but a nice listen when lying in bed.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calming, I listened to it whilst gardening

[Gary · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pleasant enough listen, but boils down to quoting a list of reading the author has done. Would probably make a decent A Level Ethics essay.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delia smith and it’s not a recipe book.. well I will try it!

I love Delia Smith, she is the woman that taught me how to make roast potatoes and how to boil the perfect egg so anything she writes I will adore and luckily I adored this book.

It’s premise is quite simple.. You Matter.. and Delia tells you why..

A really good book that has been well researched and well argued… I loved the bit of the book where she tells us about her football team and the techniques they use to get the players playing better

#DeliaSmith #noncookery #matter