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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
I went through a serious Richard Bach phase in my twenties. Not sure what I think about him now. But I still have a strong affinity for Illusions?..
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Religious bigotry
This book has an absolutely horrendous philosophy.
The book’s philosophy is fundamentally flawed in its view that we can simply manifest good fortune; that accountability over our choices is the singular key to success. The idealism immediately breaks down once you accept that freedom itself is an illusion. Free choice does not exist for everything involves coercion. Every choice we make is predetermined by the infinite number of choices that have come before us. The social and material conditions surrounding one’s life takes primacy over any perceived “freedom”.
As a result, the book espouses a functionalist view of the world where social phenomena only exist in order to uphold the stability and survival of that society. The implication of such a view is a naive optimism which obfuscates the individual from becoming conscious of suffering. The individual accepts the vices of irresponsibility, egoism, and selfishness. You can personally accept this delusional worldview, but the moment you preach it as gospel you pollute the world with sin.
“The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice and tragedy. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly”. - this verse from the book is the epitome of this harmful philosophy. Maybe it will bring you self-fulfillment, but know that this self-fulfillment is inauthentic and a great lie you tell upon yourself. You can do infinitely better for yourself and this world by rejecting this great lie.
The book’s philosophy is fundamentally flawed in its view that we can simply manifest good fortune; that accountability over our choices is the singular key to success. The idealism immediately breaks down once you accept that freedom itself is an illusion. Free choice does not exist for everything involves coercion. Every choice we make is predetermined by the infinite number of choices that have come before us. The social and material conditions surrounding one’s life takes primacy over any perceived “freedom”.
As a result, the book espouses a functionalist view of the world where social phenomena only exist in order to uphold the stability and survival of that society. The implication of such a view is a naive optimism which obfuscates the individual from becoming conscious of suffering. The individual accepts the vices of irresponsibility, egoism, and selfishness. You can personally accept this delusional worldview, but the moment you preach it as gospel you pollute the world with sin.
“The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice and tragedy. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly”. - this verse from the book is the epitome of this harmful philosophy. Maybe it will bring you self-fulfillment, but know that this self-fulfillment is inauthentic and a great lie you tell upon yourself. You can do infinitely better for yourself and this world by rejecting this great lie.
Simple, Magical, and Transformative — A Spiritual Booklet for Everyone
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah was one of the first spiritual books I ever read, and I alwazs find it interesting to read. I first came across it in the student library in Belgrade — by chance — and I’ve returned to it many times since.
There’s something very special in its simplicity. Bach delivers spiritual truths with humor, warmth, and a touch of magic. The story flows effortlessly, yet playfully.
This book gently nudges you to see the world — and yourself — differently. It’s spiritual literature for everyone, no matter where they are on their path.
Five stars, with gratitude. I read it manz times...
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah was one of the first spiritual books I ever read, and I alwazs find it interesting to read. I first came across it in the student library in Belgrade — by chance — and I’ve returned to it many times since.
There’s something very special in its simplicity. Bach delivers spiritual truths with humor, warmth, and a touch of magic. The story flows effortlessly, yet playfully.
This book gently nudges you to see the world — and yourself — differently. It’s spiritual literature for everyone, no matter where they are on their path.
Five stars, with gratitude. I read it manz times...
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
i read it bc it was short and free but bro that was so lame and boring and some of the profound things they said were cool and enlightening but other things were too absurd. hopefully there’s gay fanfiction about donald and richard
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fake deep trying to discuss law of attraction but ultimately not rlly doing it
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
reminds of importance of faith and believing in breaking the walls of our minds
There was a messiah from the great state of Indiana…. Okay maybe the quote isn’t that exactly but I have read this book before and I was glad to re read it. It’s short, simple to read, and it makes you think about freedom and direction. Highly individualistic but sometimes you need that when you feel trapped and it’s very much an un-trap yourself Novel. Think of your limitations and sure enough they’re yours (again not an exact quote).
I own this book and it’s small, old, smells heavenly, and I like to keep it around to read snippets.
I own this book and it’s small, old, smells heavenly, and I like to keep it around to read snippets.