US Review of Books

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization
Destroys Happiness (Second Edition) by Chet Shupe
book review by Mihir Shah

“Modern life is not fit for humans. Modern life, in fact, is a desert for the soul.”

Civilization has advanced significantly since the earliest humans. However, Shupe presents a highly intriguing and thought-provoking thesis that redefines how we view society. Themes of interconnectedness in family systems are contrasted with superficial relationships that produce feelings of loneliness, manifesting in various ways, from anxiety to depression. Most importantly, Shupe offers a fresh perspective on how the evolution of language has transformed once nature-focused Homo sapiens into a species that constantly looks ahead in fear, unable to appreciate the present moment.

Shupe offers insightful commentary on how humanity has built such a complex system of living, yet few ever find their way out of this maze to experience what it genuinely means to be alive. Despite significant advancements in nearly all areas of life, Shupe claims that living in excess has disconnected the human race from its bond with nature and the inner energy derived from “spiritual wealth.” Clearly, many sense this emptiness within themselves (despite possessing material wealth), but they are often unaware of the fact that what society sees as our strength is actually our limitation.

In no uncertain terms, the author clearly points out how belief systems and ideology merely serve to preserve the institutional structure of civilization while barely addressing the suffering that has affected much of humanity. Whether it’s explaining the “Law of Life” or taking a deep dive into why humans no longer love one another, Shupe’s work offers a unique guide for individuals who feel there is more to life than their current state and see maintaining the status quo as waiting for inevitable disaster.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review