A scintillating commentary on philosophy and metaphysics, Garcia-Gonzalez’s work forays into numerous aspects of our existence to probe into the constraints of the human experience. What is reality? What incites the disparity between one individual’s observation of reality and another’s? As the author dives deeper into his immense understanding of what is, he provides a series of intriguing, thought-provoking insights that cut right to the core of one’s belief system, yet he does so with grace and knowledge that impels readers to at least consider what is being proposed.
For instance, the idea that the mind is governed by programmed genetic instructions directly tackles the age-old debate of free will vs. determinism. Better yet, the theory that people aren’t aging due to time but rather a “depletion of genetic properties” is incredibly unique. Garcia-Gonzalez’s commentary isn’t rooted in dense history-book lingo. On the contrary, it is the ease with which he demonstrates, in the early stages, the denial of independent existence and stakes a claim to the nonexistence of space/time that sets up compelling and constructive conversations on consciousness, perception, awareness, etc.
Perhaps the most eye-popping of these insights rests on the author’s integration of genetics and desire to discover why heredity even exists in the first place. Weaving into his narrative the work of the father of the Punnett square, Gregor Mendel, the author dissects how the senses, such as seeing or hearing, function and work to establish less of a cognitive connection and more of a human awareness. Further, Garcia-Gonzalez does a commendable job of taking complex topics like absolute realization, actuality, emanation, and existential facticity and helping the reader digest them through relatable examples such as cake cutting, hallucinations, and dreaming. Taking his analysis to another level, his discourse on images and color blends science and philosophy so seamlessly that proponents of either will not feel out of place or that their dogma and thought processes are being overlooked.
As comprehensive as it gets, biological evolution and human traits and dispositions necessary for survival unsurprisingly make their way into the work. This knack for treading into topics that are universal discussion starters gives the work a magnetic quality. An ideal example would be the author’s juxtaposition of existence and awareness, using a topic such as conception and a fetus, or a child, “unaware beings exist only by virtue of the awareness of others.” Undoubtedly, there are countless scholarly and researched arguments within this work, but their delivery is carefully constructed and so conversational that even laymen will view this book as a starter course in igniting their curiosity about the inner workings of the world, of the mind, and of humanity as a whole.
At the root is genetic control, which is a direct derivative of human development, and its role in perception and the various types of memory. When contemplating how the work would be classified, audiences will likely find the interdisciplinary nature enticing: the work is a fusion of philosophy, biology, psychology, sociology, and more, and the end product is one that resonates with clarity for a universal audience. Above all else, Garcia-Gonzalez presents with fearless abandon, acknowledging that not all groups (e.g., certain factions of scientists) will resonate with his propositions. This authenticity yields a text that sheds light and a greater understanding of what happens behind the veil of the mind and existence.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Midwest Book Reviews
The Genetic Universe: Revised Edition
García-González
Independently Published
979-8-9897362-0-1
E-book: $11/Paperback: $19/Hardback: $27
Picture a synthesis of philosophy, science, metaphysics, and psychology. Garnish this blend with the overlay of complex language that lends a scholarly tone to the examination, juxtaposing philosophical reflection and inspection in a manner suitable to college-level and intellectual readers. Then add an icing of reflection that delves as much into psychological influences and forces as it does scientific and global issues, for a sense of both the complexity and appeal of The Genetic Universe.
To call The Genetic Universe ‘wide-ranging’ would be to both accurately describe it and do it a disservice. While intellectual readers interested in such complex blends will find García-González’s language and scholarship appropriately challenging and intriguing, the examples and illustrations of metaphysics’ relationship to everyday living and dilemmas of the human condition lends it an appeal to lay audiences seeking mind-expanding connections and unusual discourses.
Take García-González’s chapter on ‘Making Perfect Copies of Inexistent Images’. Herein lays a perfect example of how the author draws important connections between perception, upbringing, classifications of different types of recognition and identification, showing how all these facets dovetail neatly with cognitive actions and reactions.
García-González’s basic query (“Is a genetic essence needed before things can exist?”) thus expands into realms that singular readers won’t see coming—which makes it both a challenge and an enlightening read. This undoubtedly will deter many general-interest readers, who will find either the science or the philosophy (or even the metaphysics) to be more detailed than anticipated.
However, readers of all disciplines (including general-interest audiences) who cultivate inquiring minds and the flexibility of adapting to the leaps of subject and connections that García-González makes will find the reward lies in absorbing and better understanding his fruits of intellectual effort:
Simply put, wisdom emerges from transcending the logical ramifications of theoretical learning, which, in its own right, is the largest portion of an educated individual’s personal formation. A “highly educated” or “cultured” individual accumulates more theoretical learning than an ordinary individual and could become a specialist or expert in a field that requires a high level of theoretical learning, but only if the cultured individual transcends the learned theory with complementary physical experience could he or she become, and be correctly regarded as, wise.
This reviewer’s degree lies in psychology. Other readers may hold pedigrees in intellectual philosophical discourse, genetics, or metaphysical subjects. Regardless of the background and approach of the audience, only one real prerequisite is needed for appreciating the divergent courses and connections García-González makes here: an interest in the intersecting puzzle pieces of human awareness and understanding.
Putting these pieces together is no simple task. That’s why The Genetic Universe is especially recommended for book reading groups interested in a study that, admittedly, is a slow read; if only for its complex associations and integrative discipline approach. Indeed, there are so many subjects, applications, and facets to this discussion that it’s hard to synthesize all these connections in a succinct review.
Surprises in conclusions and the applicability of these seemingly ethereal thoughts to real-world events lies in chapters like ‘Global Overpopulation,’ which makes a powerful case for world issues grounded in overpopulation’s incarnation in modern times:
Considering the global problems mentioned, could our time be “the age of the receptor,” ruling over every significant area that could harm people and their environment? It is not a matter of a lack of intelligence that prevents confronting each problem as it appears; alternatively, it is a matter of overpopulation eventually defeating any strategy that could be put into practice.
Libraries willing to take a chance on a book that defies pat categorization or discipline assignment will find the very challenges posed by these approaches in The Genetic Universe also represent the book’s strength.
This makes it a top interdisciplinary recommendation for readers who would think beyond the usual linear presentations of social, philosophical, scientific and psychological examination to delve into the nature and applications of consciousness itself.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review