“Ideas Have Consequences is best understood not as a philosophical work but as a detailed examination of the mental and social consequences of liberalism. Exploring such phenomena as relativism, consumerism, egoism, fragmentation, the spoiled-child syndrome, aversion to work, and related modern trends, Weaver shows how these mental diseases have infected our society, culminating from seeds sown by innovating and leveling social tinkerers, thereby blasting the notion of progress and revealing its true nature, that of decay. While I do not agree with every example Weaver gives to make his points, his ideas and principles are exceedingly correct and insightful. He rightfully points to a restoration of the belief in universals and transcendentals (in other words, religious belief) as the starting point for improvement, as it was relativism and materialism which began the downward process in the first place. The book is quite a heady read, and its first chapter especially can get a bit puzzlingly abstract; yet it improves significantly after this, and makes quite a convincing, well-thought out case.”
Michael wrote this review Monday, September 8 2008.
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