In the Tangle of Existence: A Shining Path of Bonding Awareness

By Matthias Cleiren

Morality in the West is often dismissed as trivial and outdated. Concepts of good and evil are highly susceptible to interpretation, with ethics preferably set aside so as not to unduly encroach on our daily pleasures. One of the most ill-considered, unpopular, yet underrated aspects of Western society is the diminishing role of conscience. Though conscience belongs to the mechanisms governing our behaviour, its importance should not be underestimated. But where should the contemporary person derive their ethical code? To what extent should morality be mutually agreed upon versus individually determined? Ultimately, these choices shape the benevolence or malevolence of one’s contribution to the world and the legacy left for future generations.

Age-old monotheistic religions have proffered answers, though not without imperfect results, as enduring conflict and wars fought in the name of God make clear. What guidance do they offer on more modern ethical dilemmas like the mistreatment of animals and nature or emerging technologies like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence?

This testimonial aims to provide a moral compass - a tool that has been useful to me personally. In the quicksand of social media, where complacency lets morality slip into simplistic extremes of ‘good’ versus ‘evil’, this book offers a framework for ethical reasoning and decision making.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Apr 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9781035813902

Matthias Cleiren

Hesitating curiosity made Matthias study philosophy, but the bachelor years were enough to realize that, besides the academy, philosophy can also be defined by one’s DNA. The need to break out and explore the world found a basis in a Master’s in Nautical Sciences. This maritime branch instigated his interest in ethnic and natural diversity and made it possible to build an international management career. Moral awareness has been constant in his life, for decades also including ecology, but sadly way too late. Now he is retired and is a happy grandfather, healthy and enjoying a lifetime fall with his exotic partner.

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