In Breaking the Spell" Daniel C. Dennett explores how the great ideas of religion have enthralled us for thousands of years
- & whether we could (or should) break free. What is religion & how did it evolve? Is it the product of blind evolutionary instinct or of rational choice? Is the only way to live a good life through religion? Few forces in the world are as potent as religion: it comforts people in their suffering & inspires them to both magnificent & terrible deeds. In this provocative & timely book Daniel C. Dennett seeks to uncover the origins of religion & discusses how & why different faiths have shaped so many lives whether religion is an addiction or a genuine human need & even whether it is good for our health. Arguing passionately for the need to understand this multifaceted phenomenon " Breaking the Spell" offers a truly original
- & comprehensive
- explanation for faith. " Packed with a mass of intriguing detail & anecdote.. .witty & clear prose". (" Observer"). " Hes the "good cop" among religions critics (Richard Dawkins is the "bad cop") but he still makes people angry". (" New Statesman"). " Dennett writes with brio & humour". (" Telegraph"). " Elegant sharp-minded.. .clear-eyed but courteous". (" Economist"). Daniel Dennett is one of the most original & provocative thinkers in the world. A brilliant polemicist & philosopher he is famous for challenging unexamined orthodoxies & an outspoken supporter of the Brights movement. His books include " Brainstorms" " Brainchildren" " Elbow Room" " Consciousness Explained" " Darwins Dangerous Idea" & " Freedom Evolves"."