The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality - by Andre Comte-Sponville (Paperback)

About the Book

In this powerful book, the internationally bestselling author presents a philosophical exploration of atheism--and comes to some startling conclusions. Through clear, concise, and often humorous prose, Comte-Sponville offers a convincing treatise on a new form of spiritual life.

Book Synopsis

The perfect antidote to the fiery rhetoric that dominates our current national debate over religion, The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality is the ideal companion to such bestsellers as The God Delusion and God Is Not Great. I n this inspiring book, bestselling author and philosopher André Comte-Sponville offers a new perspective on the question of God's existence, acknowledging the good that has come of religion while advocating tolerance from both believers and non-believers. Through clear, concise, and often humorous prose, Comte-Sponville offers a convincing appeal for a new form of spiritual life?one that at its heart celebrates the human need to connect to one another and the universe.

Review Quotes

? A wonderful book . . . offers a generosity of spirit, communion and wisdom.?
?"The Washington Post"

? A truly inspiring essay . . . An uplifting and timely tribute to Godless spirituality.?
?Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of "The New York Times" bestseller "Infidel"

? At last, a book that takes the current atheist/believer debate to a much higher, more humane level than any other we know.?
?Thomas Cathart and Daniel Klein, authors of "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar"



A wonderful book . . . offers a generosity of spirit, communion and wisdom.
"The Washington Post"
A truly inspiring essay . . . An uplifting and timely tribute to Godless spirituality.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of "The New York Times" bestseller "Infidel"
At last, a book that takes the current atheist/believer debate to a much higher, more humane level than any other we know.
Thomas Cathart and Daniel Klein, authors of "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar"

a A wonderful book . . . offers a generosity of spirit, communion and wisdom.a
a"The Washington Post"
a A truly inspiring essay . . . An uplifting and timely tribute to Godless spirituality.a
aAyaan Hirsi Ali, author of "The New York Times" bestseller "Infidel"
a At last, a book that takes the current atheist/believer debate to a much higher, more humane level than any other we know.a
aThomas Cathart and Daniel Klein, authors of "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar"

At first blush "atheist spirituality" may sound like a contradiction in terms, but French philosopher Comte-Sponville makes a compelling argument for a profound dimension of experience that is god-free. His idea of spirituality also bears no small resemblance to Eastern spirituality, and the philosopher-author does not hesitate to cite great Eastern thinkers in this catalogue of references to great minds grappling with important questions. We can do without religion and without God, the author argues, but we can't do without fidelity and community. Comte-Sponville's humanism is deeply traditional, but the red flag "atheist" will undoubtedly affront religious traditionalists. That's unfortunate, because the author's style of arguing is civil and witty, unlike a lot of public discourse on this subject. He draws deeply on the history of philosophers who have pronounced on the subject of God's existence, disposing of the everything-is-permitted nihilism often associated with atheism. Nor does he argue that religion is dangerous, a stance in vogue among today's bestselling atheists. God just isn't logically necessary, but we can still have love, ethical behavior and even the experience of eternity. Formerly a Sorbonne professor, Comte-Sponville presents big ideas with masterful and witty clarity. For those who prefer Kant to cant, this refreshing little book is perfect.
"Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

André Comte-Sponville is one of France's preeminent contemporary philosophers. Previously a professor at the Sorbonne, he is the author of The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality and A Small Treatise on the Great Virtues, an international bestseller that has been translated into 25 languages. He lives in Paris.

Nancy Huston is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including the critically acclaimed Fault Lines, which won France's Prix Femina and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. She has also won the Prix Goncourt des Lycéen, the Prix du Livre-Inter, the Prix Elle, and the Governor General's Award for Fiction in French. A former resident of Calgary and New Hampshire, she now lives in Paris.