Book Reviews: War and Existential Physics

Books: War – Sebastian Junger and Existential Physics – Sabine Hossenfelder

War – Sebastian Junger is a journalist who went into theater with a combat infantry unit in Afghanistan in the early 2000s. I loved this book as it documented the situation well. The perception of the soldiers as well as the realities of modern war. It was psychologically challenging at times, because you had to consider the perspective of those engaged in combat. There did appear to be a separation from the author’s own personal insights into combat as I think he tried to stay objective. He promoted the merits of bond and self-sacrifice for the community, which ties in nicely to his other book Tribe.
Recommend to read: yes – strong
– War changes people

Existential Physics
The premise was on the discussion of should science pursue certain topics without considering their moral implications. This book made me consider conversations about spirituality and how multiple authors have tried to rationalize spirituality – often this is seen from a Judeo-Christian perspective. I’m uncertain this can be done. The author made the point that some things are not for science to determine as they have no scientific foundation and are not measurable. I’m not a huge proponent of being evangelical and I also generally do not try to rationalize my faith. I often view faith as an individual search for meaning, values, and purpose. The divinity component of people trying to personify God is likely self-serving and probably leads to dogmatic behavior. I think there is enough awe and wonder in our existence that trying to scientifically prove the existence of God is likely futile. I’m curious to see if this shapes my perception going forward. I’m uncertain that people trying to rationalize faith are ultimately going to be successful. I think the tenets of grace and forgiveness are still the most powerful forces in Christian doctrine and trying to emulate those tenets is one of the greatest things that we can do.
– Don’t inappropriately try to apply models of thinking