Title: Acedia: The Darkness Within: (and the Darkness of Climate Change)
Author: Dave MacQuarrie, MD, PhD
Publisher: Ewings Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-89395-674-0
Pages: 284
Genre: Non-fiction/ Motivational / Social Science
Reviewer: Susan Brown
Pacific Book Review
This book presents a fundamental, as well as historical understanding of acedia which is necessary to understanding the author’s postulate: “The central challenge facing modern culture, our global village, is acedia.”
So, what is acedia? The author defines it as “the emotional-cognitive processes by which human beings avoid their capabilities for correcting the challenges of living; it thus refers to aspects of both consciousness and behavior.”
There’s a lot to unpack in that statement. Much of the content in this book comes from Dr. MacQuarrie’s PhD dissertation, Acedia and its Transformation, completed in 2012 so it’s written in a thorough and methodical manner. As a retired psychotherapist and medical doctor his knowledge “about climate change, especially the underlying emotional issues that fuel these problems” is wide-ranging.
In the seven chapters which form the basis for the author’s exploration of acedia, an ancient Greek word, the author provides data on its meaning and history. Additionally, he draws on his expertise as a therapist to discuss, in depth, the distinctions and consequences of choosing the acedia approach to life or one centered on emotional and spiritual health. He advocates for the latter, explaining that “acedia is the single most important difficulty facing our species today.” There’s a chapter on the outcomes of a study group in which he participated, as well as one on “human transformation, both individually and culturally.”
All of this forms the basis for understanding his assertion that “Climate change is not a technological problem. It is a spiritual-ethical problem and has become an emotional political problem” because “the major underlying mechanism is acedia.” Simply put, we need to change our behaviors and attitudes and make different choices. He purports that “the resolution is simple – stop the use of fossil fuels as energy supplies.”
This is the type of book which, for some, might be difficult to digest. It presents a complexity of ideas for those of us who are not schooled in academic writing and can be challenging. Fortunately, Dr. MacQuarrie’s writing is clear and his ideas are well-presented and rooted in solid empirical material that he cites in multiple appendices. (There is also an index.) Even though the subject matter definitely is geared to an audience of those interested in social science, I was fascinated by, first, being introduced to the concept of acedia, and, second, by the author’s application of it as a root cause of our current climate change crisis.
He puts the solution to this crisis squarely on our shoulders. “Is there an exit from the problems we create? Definitely – do the work of wisdom!” Take a step off the “path of materialism” and embrace a life that includes “playfulness, wisdom, hope and discipline, as well as better leadership and conflict resolution at the cultural level.” Certainly, that is a goal worth aspiring to and this book is a treatise on how to accomplish it.
MacQuarrie’s book is as sobering as it is inspiring, offering a powerful reminder that the path to healing the world begins within ourselves. Whether you are a climate activist, a mental health professional, or simply a concerned citizen, this book will leave you with much to ponder—and hopefully, act upon.
