Autumn Scott’s Reviews > What Are We Doing Here? > Status Update

Having been reading this books for several months it’s been a pleasure. A challenge to my thinking and restorative to the ideals and interests I value. It is rare you meet a kindred spirit through a book, in Marilynne Robinson, I have found one. Her thinking, interests, and talents are so much like mine, except she better at each. Not even done. Highly recommend!

Having just finished another essay from this collection the temptation to surmise each one is great. And as others have done so in their reviews of this book it seems unnecessary. I also am confronted with the idea that to surmise an essay to a few lines, robs the reader of the enjoyment. It is great for understanding an argument but not for simply experiencing the beauty of her writing and mastery of its execution.

“What is the Freedom of Conscience?” Is the first essay in the collection. Its title reminds me of another essay “Freedom of Thought.” It’s been many years since I read it but will have to, to compare. A compelling start about how conscience is used to initiate agenda or movement and how it results in violence, due to the fallen nature of people. And how we mischaracterize history to fit our agendas now.