Between The Monster And The Saint: Reflections on the Human Condition - Tapa blanda

A vigorously argued tract...Richard Holloway brilliantly illuminates the divided spirit of man. -- Mary Warnock * * Observer * * Holloway is probably my favourite former bishop. Since retiring from the church, he has written powerfully and poignantly on the human condition. In this book, he draws on an eclectic set of writings across history, science, poetry, and philosophy to explore just how difficult it is to be human. Ultimately, it is honesty and an analysis of his own failings that put into sharp relief the problem of being an instinctual animal with frontal lobes that sit in judgement -- ROBIN INCE * * Guardian * * This is an inspirational writer at the height of his powers who does not shy away from personal revelation...His message deserves to be widely heard. It stands between us and chaos. -- Bel Mooney * * Daily Mail * * 'Between the Monster and the Saint' is an eloquent disquisition on humankind's self-division between our finer and our baser inclinations. -- Salley Vickers * * Independent On Sunday * * Holloway writes with clarity and compassion, and when whatever differences of means are set aside between him and other friends of humanity, all can agree that the end he has in view - that we should look on one another with eyes of sympathy - surely commands agreement. -- AC Grayling * * The Times * * Holloway's reflections on the problem of evil are arresting and profound. -- John Gray * * Literary Review * * Holloway writes with passion and honesty at all times, and the result is compelling. -- Robin Baird-Smith * * Observer * * Sex and Violence are primal forces in nature, and in this well informed book the former Bishop of Edinburgh wants us to contemplate how these forces have used us in their own lives . . . -- Ian Pindar * * Guardian * * This intriguing tome looks at human frailty and it suggests how we can practically live better, more empathic lives. Written, as ever, with passion and compassion. * * Big Issue * *

Being human isn't easy. We might think that consciousness and free will give us control over our lives but our minds are unpredictable places. We are susceptible to forces we don't understand. We are capable of inflicting immense cruelty on one another and yet we also have the capacity to be tender, to empathise, to feel. In his thought-provoking new book Richard Holloway holds a mirror up to the human condition. By drawing on a colourful and eclectic selection of writings from history, philosophy, science, poetry, theology and literature, Holloway shows us how we can stand up to the seductive power of the monster and draw closer to the fierce challenge of the saint.