God Delusion, The (L) (10th Anniv Edit)

"The God Delusion" resurfaces like a philosophical comet, leaving a trail of fiery discussions and sparking fresh constellations of thought in its wake. Richard Dawkins' magnum opus continues to electrify minds, and this edition, adorned with new insights, feels like an awakening of intellectual exploration. Dawkins' prose is a symphony of eloquence and persuasion, orchestrating an ardent critique of religious dogma with a precision that is both awe-inspiring and disruptive. Like a master sculptor, he carves through the marble of faith, revealing the contours of reason that lay hidden beneath. The verve of his writing isn't just for show; it is the rallying cry of rationality that ignites minds and challenges them to dare question centuries-old beliefs. In this iteration, the book boasts an updated prelude and a concluding reflection by the author. These additions serve as a bridge between past and present, giving readers a compass to navigate the evolution of debates this book has instigated. Dawkins acknowledges the counterarguments his work has faced while steadfastly reaffirming his position—a gesture that is intellectually honest and encouraging of robust discourse. Dawkins' analogies are the torchlights guiding us through the labyrinth of theology. He compares belief without evidence to a spectrum of possibilities, from leprechauns to Zeus, forcing us to confront the arbitrary nature of our convictions. His poignant parables highlight the delusionary nature of faith and invite readers to break free from the chains of inherited beliefs. However, even in its brilliance, the book can be an acquired taste. Dawkins' unwavering conviction can occasionally feel like an unyielding wave crashing against differing shores, potentially alienating those who stand in the intersection of faith and skepticism. The book's focus on fundamentalist aspects of religion, while driving its point home, might not fully encapsulate the entirety of religious experience and expression. "The God Delusion" is a phoenix, reborn from the flames of debate, its feathers now glistening with a decade's worth of insights. Dawkins' words aren't merely text on paper; they are the spark that lights the tinder of contemplation. This edition compels readers to reckon with their beliefs and explore the borders of human knowledge and understanding. In closing, the Edition remains a beacon of intellectual audacity, beckoning readers to dance on the edge of enlightenment. Dawkins' magisterial work remains an essential read for the curious, the daring, and the truth-seekers among us. If you're prepared to embark on a voyage that challenges your convictions, this book will be your compass to navigate the uncharted waters of belief and reason.

However, if sometimes put effort to translate, there is mesmerizing content. All arguments are scientific. For me , prabably a second read is required

This book gives an overview of huge amount of theological arguments, and gives a scientific answer or a counter-question. Discusses about the rise of religions and why it's failing. Talks about old and new testaments, moralities, doctrines, agnosticism, paradoxes and so on. A christian and american would find this book more relatable as the author gives examples from there, still, the people from other religion can learn a lot from that. A must read book for any Atheist who is eager to debate any theist, and also an insightful book for an Agnostic person. The only equipment this book have is scientific reasoning, so this book can not change the perspective of a person who is immune to this.

The God Delusion is not just a defence of atheism, but also goes on the offensive against religion. Dawkins sees religion as subverting science, fostering fanaticism, encouraging bigotry against homosexuals, and influencing society in other negative ways. Dawkins writes very well, and the book is easy to read. Of course, he is introducing some ideas about evolution and natural selection well beyond what most high school biology classes address.

Once you've figured out the ocean of evidence proving the FACT of evolution, and then when you start relating god with whats actual, you notice that everything in these scriptures is just work of a man scribbling what he calls 'holy books' with all sort of non sense ideas. I was born in a Hindu family and the Hindus say that their religion is not a religion in fact. That's true ! Hinduism is the way of living a civilized life. But the great philosophers talk of creation and the supreme entity in many different ways. I am a non believer. I am student of Science. But I have spent time in studying various scriptures on philosophy of Hinduism or what they call 'Sanatan Dharma'. I lived in Hare Krishna temple and therefore had very long classes with the scholars who are studying in philosophy schools in Varanasi. We debate too. The debate and discussion often lead to an impression that all what the sages or the ancient scholars thought about supreme metaphysical entity and about the self and further relating it to life and death and trying to find a meaning in life is merely non sense. The kind of illogical stories one finds in Bible, similar can be found in various Hindu scriptures. For instance, in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (a section of the ancient of Vedas) Chapter 1 - Section 4 : The philosopher has tried to understand the nature of the Consciousness, Universe, People's Nature and has related it to the Supreme metaphysical entity. If you read this section you'll find many assumptions which reflect non sense and no scientist agrees with whats written. This book is one of the highest among direct vedic scriptures.The structure of the universe (Srimad Bhagawatam / Srimad Bhagwat MahaPuran) Chapter 5 : complete non sense. You'll find various commentators struggling to make sense and have somehow managed to do so by saying that the universe is so big that no human can see various oceans of milk and curd and butter (and what not) described in the books with his/her physical eye. Some say that its metaphorical. How ever the commentator tries to explain by given various Pramanas (references from vedic scriptures), he cannot make sense of some non sense stuff scribbled in the books by some day dreaming philosopher. They have no evidence to prove that the universe it what explained in the scriptures. Science has evidence and when you argue with a creationist on evidences they simple give non sense reference and ultimately you find that scientific evidence wins that argument because its intuitive and 'Holy' philosophical sort of things have nothing but non sense and stupid intuition. In fact they have no intuition at all. The God Delusion is the most remarkable work by Prof. Dawkins where he telling how the religion came into existence, how and why (psychologically) the hypothetical intuition of God rules the heart of people. He gives evidences from scientific researches and puts the fact of evolution and physics in the face to believers. He argues that one should let a child to analyse every theory and the scientific facts and accept what makes sense on his own intuition. He also depicts how the believers rise against those who not believe in what they believe. Overall, Prof. Richard Dawkins, in this book, has requested us not to simply believe in what others say without evidence. In fact one shouldn't believe at all. One should accept something after understanding it from every possible angle.

This book is a must-read for all. It touches on the scientific, philosophical and simply pure logical reasons why one must conclude atheism as the viable option. Dawkins makes sure that his deconstruction of religion follows a logical pattern. He starts roughly by defining the terms atheism, theism, etc. He then defines God and as to what type of God he's interested in discussing about. Then follows the classic arguments (all others are mostly variations of these) in favor of God's existence and each one of them is scientifically refuted with logical arguments and data from experiments. He then gives arguments for why probably God doesn't exist. He then goes on to give a possible evolutionary explanation for the beginning of religion (which I found satisfactory) and morality. He then talks about the change in moral values as time goes by and how it is unaffected by religion. He then goes on to explain how moderatism breeds extremism. The abuses of religion especially on children are described which also includes the interference of religion into the educational system to implant unverified ideas into children. He ends the book on an inspiring note on how science and its beauty can replace the so-called God gap in us. Highly recommended read!

A good book against the fake stories about god.

This is my Second Dawkins book after The Selfish Gene and it didn't disappoint. Where as the God Is Not Great by Hitchens is a book for those who already are non believers, this one is for those who - well to quote Dawkins himself - haven't have their "Consciousness Raised". Dawkins goes through all the important aspects to show why religion isn't necessary to to have a meaningful moral and fulfilling life. Though admittedly the book is heavily based on Christian believes and it's atrocities, you can draw parallel to whatever religion you were happened to be born in. God Delusion doesn't really go ahead and disprove the existence of god as you can't really disprove something that doesn't really exist, but it puts a case forward for why you shouldn't believe what those thousands of years old books say. For those who have doubts about the supernaturals and all powerful being(s) who live in the sky should read this book.

This book is definitely a milestone in my life and it has been a great help on becoming a real humanist.

I have read (The God Delusion) from cover to cover with great interest because the subject is close to my heart. CONGRATULATIONS! Dr.R.Dawkins explanation of our narrow window of our burka world is very apropos, the ‘New Ten Commandments’ are refreshing, and the many quotes from Bertrand Russell etc are very revealing. I was hoping to find in his book the following quotes from Nietzsche’s “Beyond Good and Evil” written in 1886. Permit me: From 52: “To have bound up this New Testament (…) along with the Old Testament into one book, as the “Bible”, as the “Book in Itself”, is perhaps the greatest audacity and “sin against the Spirit” which literary Europe has upon its conscience.” From 57: “Perhaps the most solemn conceptions that have caused the most fighting and suffering, the conception of “God” and “sin”, will one day seem to us of no more importance than a child’s plaything…”. The question “WHAT NOW!” repeated itself many times before finishing the book to the point where I had to write to Dr. Dawkins. While investigating the book an inevitable conclusion arose leaving me with fact that civilization is at a critical Chaos-window, a critical point of bifurcation. This diagnosis becomes more and more urgent. We are living in a period of transformation which is struggling to be born. The Christian God-head and other religions are incomplete! We are in a world where knowledge and technology proliferates but wisdom languishes. The development of consciousness is the burden, suffering and blessing of humankind. We (all sides) are slowly going to be cooked in this alchemical retort (namely society) until we transcend our current state and differences and only then will the heat subside. The longer solutions are delayed the greater will be the heat! Understood psychologically, we either attract one another wisely in good spirit or confront one another in enmity. There is tremendous room for a sequel which could be a 'tour de force' given Dr. Dawkins popularity and abilities. It could help millions throughout the world in raising our consciousness and in shifting the moral Zeitgeist. This shift may be slow but it is time to raise the curtain on our next act and with it our collective awareness. We can evolve to a Breakthrough! Future generations may well look back at this time and regard it as a defining moment when man became more human.

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins "The God Delusion" is the book that raised consciousness about the "God" question. It takes a critical look at the belief of God and espouses a superior way of viewing the world. This book has inspired countless other books of this ilk and in many respects provided the inspiration for many people to "come out". The book holds up quite well after a third reading, biologist, best-selling author and icon of the atheist movement, Richard Dawkins takes the reader on a journey into the most fascinating topic of them all, religion. This captivating 464-page book is composed of the following ten chapters: 1. A Deeply Religious Non-Believer, 2. The God Hypothesis, 3. Arguments for God's Existence, 4. Why There Are Almost Certainly No God, 5. The Roots of Religion, 6. The Roots of Morality: Why are we Good?, 7. The `Good' Book and the Changing Moral Zeitgeist, 8. What's Wrong with Religion? Why be so Hostile? 9. Childhood, Abuse and the Escape from Religion, and 10. A Much Needed Gap? Positives: 1. An influential book that inspired an intellectual movement. 2. The most interesting topic, religion, in the hands of a great, passionate thinker. 3. A thought-provoking book written with panache. 4. A book that focuses on raising consciousness on the "God" question, mission accomplished. 5. This book is a quote fest, "When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called Religion." 6. A look at the many views of `God', "Of course, like any other word, the word `God' can be given any meaning we like. If you want to say that `God' is energy,' then you can find God in a lump of coal." 7. The author does a wonderful job of defining important terms. 8. Debunking misconceptions. Take Einstein for instance, "I am a deeply religious nonbeliever." 9. The author does a wonderful job of supporting his arguments with case studies and sound logic. 10. The religious views of the Founding Fathers in perspective. Interesting stuff! 11. The spectrum of religious belief. 12. A look at prayer, "to pray: to ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner, confessed unworthy." The prayer case study. 13. A couple of chapters are dedicated to the most popular arguments for God's existence. 14. Natural selection as a conscious raiser. "Natural selection not only explains the whole of life; it also raises our consciousness to the power of science to explain how organized complexity can emerge from simple beginnings without any deliberate guidance." 15. Ideas of where religion came from. Many interesting ideas on why people are vulnerable to the charms of religion. Dawkins' specific hypothesis relates to the indoctrination of children. A partial list of religious memes. 16. The roots of morality. The four good Darwinian reasons for individuals to be moral. 17. A great chapter on why people who claim to derive their morals from scripture do not really do so in practice. Biblical examples that illustrate that, "we don't get our morals from scripture." Dawkins takes off his gloves. 18. Debunking the notion that atheism is behind bad behaviour. "What matters is not whether Hitler and Stalin were atheists but whether atheism systematically influences people to do bad things. There is not the smallest evidence that it does." 19. The effects of religion, "one of the truly bad effects of religion is that it teaches us that it is a virtue to be satisfied with not understanding." "As a scientist, I am hostile to fundamentalist religion because it actively debauches the scientific enterprise. It teaches us not to change our minds, and not to want to know exciting things that are available to be known. It subverts science and saps the intellect." 20. The dangers of indoctrination of children into religion. "Children should be taught not so much what to think as how to think." 21. I enjoyed reading the list of Bible-inspired phrases. 22. Debunks the notion of the necessity for a god. "Religion's power to console doesn't make it true". 23. An excellent appendix that provides resources for people trying to escape from religion. 24. Books cited. Negatives: 1. No links for Kindle. 2. Dawkins is unable to answer some questions in which I believe there are plausible answers. To the question of why religion has flourished in America, I would contend that the separation of Church and State has in combination with financial benefits (tax-free) and the open-market system has contributed greatly. In summary, I read this book years ago when it first came out and I must say it inspired me. I always felt that for the truth to have any value it would have to correspond to reality but never really had the courage to espouse my views openly. Thanks to people like the late Hitchens, Dawkins and Harris I was able to not only obtain the courage but the clarity of thought to be comfortable enough to be comfortable in my own skin. Is this book the best book out there on this topic? No. Is it the most theologically strident book? Hardly. Is it the most comprehensive book on the topic? Once again, no, but it may be the most important book on the topic because it caused an intellectual movement that is here to stay. Highly recommended! Further suggestions: " Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity " and " The End of Christianity " by John Loftus, " Sense and Goodness Without God: A Defense of Metaphysical Naturalism " and "Why I'm Not a Christian" by Richard Carrier, " Natural Atheism " and " Atheism Advanced: Further Thoughts of a Freethinker " by Dr. David Eller, " Man Made God: A Collection of Essays " by Barbara G. Walker, " The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values " by Sam Harris, "The World Is Not as We Think It Is" by Dennis Littrell, " Immortality: The Quest to Live Forever and How It Drives Civilization " by Stephen Cave, , " God: The Failed Hypothesis. How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist " by Victor J. Stenger, " Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists " by Dan Barker, "Christian No More: On Leaving Christianity, Debunking Christianity, And Embracing Atheism And Freethinking" by Jeffrey Mark, and "The Invention of God" by Bill Lauritzen.

Didn’t start yet but I’m very excited

Wonderful