In 'Natural,' Alan Levinovitz unravels the myth of nature as a paragon of virtue, revealing how the concept of the 'natural' has been misused in health and food industries. He argues that what we deem 'natural' often obscures more significant ethical and scientific truths. With a blend of wit and critical analysis, Levinovitz invites readers to question the allure of nature as synonymous with goodness. Is the natural world truly superior, or is it merely a marketing ploy? This provocative exploration challenges our convictions and encourages a deeper understanding of what 'natural' really means.
By Alan Levinovitz
Published: 2020
"In an age where the line between natural and artificial is increasingly blurred, we must reconsider what we truly value in our quest for authenticity."
Illuminates the far-reaching harms of believing that natural means “good,” from misinformation about health choices to justifications for sexism, racism, and flawed economic policies. People love what’s natural: it’s the best way to eat, the best way to parent, even the best way to act—naturally, just as nature intended. Appeals to the wisdom of nature are among the most powerful arguments in the history of human thought. Yet Nature (with a capital N) and natural goodness are not objective or scientific. In this groundbreaking book, scholar of religion Alan Levinovitz demonstrates that these beliefs are actually religious and highlights the many dangers of substituting simple myths for complicated realities. It may not seem like a problem when it comes to paying a premium for organic food. But what about condemnations of “unnatural” sexual activity? The guilt that attends not having a “natural” birth? Economic deregulation justified by the inherent goodness of “natural” markets? In Natural, readers embark on an epic journey, from Peruvian rainforests to the backcountry in Yellowstone Park, from a “natural” bodybuilding competition to a “natural” cancer-curing clinic. The result is an essential new perspective that shatters faith in Nature’s goodness and points to a better alternative. We can love nature without worshipping it, and we can work toward a better world with humility and dialogue rather than taboos and zealotry.
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“In an age where the line between natural and artificial is increasingly blurred, we must reconsider what we truly value in our quest for authenticity.”
Natural
By Alan Levinovitz
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Alan Levinovitz is an accomplished author and scholar known for his engaging and thought-provoking writing on the intersection of science, religion, and culture. His notable works include 'The Gluten Lie: And Other Myths About What You Eat,' which challenges common dietary misconceptions, and 'The Unholy Temple: A Study of the Bible and the Modern World.' Levinovitz's writing style is characterized by its clarity, wit, and an ability to blend personal narrative with rigorous academic research, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience.
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