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Title: Arrogant, pompous
Review: Will turn off all but the most credulous. Presents universal philosophical insights common to many wisdom traditions, including Western European philosophy, Christianity, and plain old common sense as if they are exclusively Buddhist insights, as if he really never delved into his own cradle culture. Talks down to readers. Presents himself has having personal authority. Presents himself as enlightened, as having transcended the human condition. Idealizes Buddist teachings as unique and superior to all others. Does not seem aware of his own motives for buying in. As the Publisher's Weekly review above states, he is "didactic." He assumes a teacher-student relationship between himself and his reader. Critical readers will revolt. There is better material out there, e.g. Bhante Gunaratana's Mindfulness In Plain English. Asians who were born into this seem to be more realistic about what this religion can and can't do for you.
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