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Scott Adams

God's Debris

Scott Adams is known worldwide for his Dilbert cartoons. In 'God's Debris' his is taking a different tack - the book is philosophical rather than humorous. A delivery man delivers a package to an old man, and in the process gets into a conversation - a conversation which reveals the secrets of life, the universe and everything (to quote a different Adams), and in particular the nature of God. I found the book was interesting and easy to read and so an excellent way of whiling away the odd hour or two. What I couldn't quite see was why it should be considered as a deep, life-changing book as the reviews on the back cover suggested

Maybe if you haven't read any other philosophy, theology or science books then this will be a highly thought provoking book. But people have been thinking about these issues for millennia, and I don't really see that much significance can be given to one person making up a lot of stuff without reference to earlier work.

Adams says that the book shouldn't be read by under 14's. Well, the book does have a lot of socratic style argument - showing that people don't really know what they're talking about - and Socrates was sentenced to death for corrupting the youth of Athens (I can't say I'm really surprised - it's a very annoying style of argument). I guess that Adams wants to avoid a similar fate.

Note this book can be read online for free at http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/godsdebris/

Amazon.com info

Paperback 144 pages
ISBN: 0740747878
Salesrank: 225518
Weight:0.31 lbs

Published: 2004 Andrews McMeel Publishing

Amazon price $12.74

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Amazon.co.uk info

Paperback 144 pages
ISBN: 0740747878
Salesrank: 105796
Weight:0.31 lbs

Published: 2004 Andrews McMeel

Amazon price £7.69

Marketplace:New from £2.65:Used from £1.00

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Amazon.ca info

Paperback 144 pages
ISBN: 0740747878
Salesrank: 75852
Weight:0.31 lbs

Published: 2004 Andrews McMeel Publishing

Amazon price CDN$ 13.86

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 5.05:Used from CDN$ 4.80

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Product Description

In God's Debris, best-selling author and creator of Dilbert Scott Adams fashioned a thought-provoking exploration of life's great mysteries (everything from quantum physics and God to psychic phenomena and dating) that quickly captured the attention and imaginations of readers everywhere. The intriguing story of a deliveryman who meets the world's smartest person and learns the secret of reality is threaded with a variety of hypnosis techniques that Adams, a certified hypnotist, used to induce a feeling of euphoric enlightenment in readers to mirror the main character's feelings as he discovers the true nature of the universe.Launched to coincide with the hardcover publication of its sequel, The Religion War (see opposite page), this first paperback edition of God's Debris will soon make the leap to a broader audience. As Adams designed it, the book will "make your brain spin around inside your skull" and drive readers toward The Religion War as they seek to confirm or deny the dizzying impressions and chaotic memories of reading God's Debris.The book provides one of the most compelling visions of reality ever experienced on the printed page. Along the way, readers will enjoy the Thought Experiment: Trying to discover what's wrong with the sage's explanation of reality. This is a book, as Adams says, to be shared and savored with smart friends.

Simply Amazing. A Must Read For Everyone. *****

Scott Adams started off with a simple question: What if you knew everything about everything? From that he creates an exercise in how you observe reality that will expand your mind and make you see everything differently. I can't recommend this short read (one, two nights tops) enough to everyone. If you read one book this year, make it this one. Really, do it.

Interesting *****

Great book, reads well and was quite interesting to say the least. I enjoyed God's Debris and would love to find more books like it. I didn't feel like it was too hard a read at all and he really got to his points. A great find and I will be sure to share it with my friends.

Makes you think ****

Don't read this book like it will show you the true meaning of life. The fact is, if you follow the church in someway, this is bound to heat your head a little bit. It's quite blasphemous.

That being said, there are many parts where the logic is faulty, and the old guy after a while just seems to want to be devil's advocate on everything. However, it picks up at the end.

God is Whole, Not Full of Holes **

God's Debris is an interesting book. I am writing this as a Christian. It is important that the reader knows this. The book states that it is not true and that even the author, Scott Adams, does not necessarily believe its contents. It is designed to be a mental exercise. I personally find it hard to fathom why anyone would write something with supposed truths that they claim to be uncertain of. The book starts with a meeting of a package delivery man with an old gentleman who begins to question him towards supposed enlightenment. I admit that the journey is fun and has some merit. However, many of the "truths" expounded upon in the book are fairly close to, if not allied with, heresy. The basic concept of the book is that the greatest power in the universe is expressed through probability. Probability is God's power and makes everything possible. The book then proceeds to endure itself to the reader by creating two very likable characters. Along the way everything from evolution to light speed is addressed. While the arguments are full of mental gymnastics the point becomes clear fairly soon. To wit: God is omnipotent, and the only thing that would challenge such a being is seeking a way to destroy Himself. Adams presents a "god" that is suicidal in a sense. The book states that God has blown Himself to bits and the universe, rocks, plants, animals, and humans are all working within all powerful probability to reassemble God. This cosmic jigsaw puzzle allows for all belief systems. In short, this seems to be another clever attempt to try and persuade the world that all beliefs are valid and ultimately lead to "god." This is where the heresy is exhibited strongest. The book views a creator that is as interested in rocks as he is humans. After all, we are all made of the same stuff. All of us are part of "god" trying to reassemble itself. This sort of gobble-d-gook philosophy is like asking unanswerable questions like "Can God make square circles?" or "Can God make a rock so big he can't pick it up?" This type of circular logic is old hat to folks that want just enough of the truth to keep themselves confused. God's debris are not floating about trying to reassemble through all beliefs and positive probability behaviors. God is the great causer. He is the causer without a cause. He is not bored, but I admit He is unchallenged. He would have no need for this sort of exercise. God is not a Taoist. God incarnate became flesh and dwelt among man. He was crucified for our sin and rose from the dead. He did so without vanity or pomp and circumstance. He did so in humility. He will return in glory. God's Debris is entertaining and a fun read; however, the reader must be careful to have a firm grip on his or her beliefs lest confusion be nurtured by this hogwash philosophy.

Give it to friends and watch the hilarity ensue **

After buying the hardcopy version of this book and reading it, I downloaded the free PDF version and sent it to several friends and acquaintances. Their reactions say all you need to know about the book itself. The recipients who I can categorise as religious and spiritual, ranging from Christian fundamentalists to New Age energy-healers, found "God's Debris" incredibly profound and enlightening. Those who I'd categorise as sceptics and rational thinkers found it ridiculously flawed, silly, and downright ignorant. What category are you in?

Thought Provoking *****

This is an excellent short story which makes you question many of the assumptions you have of the world, but intertwoven in a story that makes it a compelling read.

This is the second time I've read it, the first was about a year ago, and both times I've read it from cover to cover without putting it down.

I think it's a great read.

Great discussion piece ****

I really don't believe that Adams is trying to PUSH this as a belief, obviously, 'mind experiment', but rather put it out there as a discussion piece. Anyone either with weak or strong beliefs who reads it will most likely discuss it. I think it really forces you to look into yourself and realize what YOU believe could be and what is complete nonsense [to you]. Very well written, organized and a GREAT conversation starter!

A mistake - a disappointment *

It was a mistake to buy this book. I am a great fan of the Dilbert Cartoons and the books. However, God's Debris is a very shallow, simplistic discussion rambling around philosophy, physics, Darwinism, and home-spun psychology, and coming to no useful conclusions.

The most interesting ideas in it are very similar to Isaac Luria's ideas on God's creation and Man's work of restoration. But Luria and his successors, unlike Scott Adams, bring some penetrating itelligence to bear on the matter.

I now realise that a man who is enormously skilled at wisecracks is not always a man of wisdom. If this book had not been written by Scott Adams it would never have found a publisher.

Don't forget this is a light-hearted "Thought Experiment" ***

The current reviews for this book appear to be split between those who were very ante to those who loved it and a few considered it "mind-blowing! The book itself is an easy read and it drew me in to want to see what develops next. However, the first part of the book was more stimulating and interesting than the latter. If you enjoy playing with ideas about"What's it all about and where does God fit in?" then this can be an enjoyable read. However, if you want a more serious exploration of the many sub-questions and issues raised by Adams then look to true science and philosophy. To criticise this book for its apparent lack of research, etc. as suggested by some reviewers appears to miss the point. To me, this book may lack Dilbert, but it still has its share of humour. By analogy, if you read any Harry Potter story to discover the "science of magic" then you might be disappointed. Similarly if you read this book to gain a theological or scientific explanation of its issues, then you are in for a disappointment. If you read it on plane or in a comfortable chair or bed with a desire to be entertained, then this should not disappoint.

An Interesting Read ****

I read the pdf version of this book (freely available from the author), and I have to admit that it gripped me. In this book, Scott displays a remarkable ability to write material that hooks you and keeps you wanting to know what happens next. He's done it before in his Dilbert books, but it's harder without cartoons interspersing sentences.
I read the entire book end to end from the caveat at the beginning to the setting of stage for the sequel.
At the outset I noticed how quickly I was running through the pages (which seemed like such a pity). Much of this was because Scott has essentially expanded a 60 page book to fit 132 pages by unsubtle spacing and font sizing adjustments.
The content - ahhh yes... the book's supposed to be a thought experiment. As such, it succeeds in provoking the reader's thoughts with some very interesting analogies and theoretical twists. The whole gamut of worldly wisdom is played out through a conversation between a seemingly wise old man and the narrator of the story.
The going is great when Scott writes about science. But I very quickly became restless when the conversation drifted to topics I perceived as inane.
The end of the book is quite nice as well - it has a nice twist in the tail.
All in all, the book is quite readable, but the first half is imminently more so than the later half. In fact, the interesting interpretation of various things in the first half, is what drew out the 4 stars from me. The later half of the book takes an interesting discussion down some really uninteresting paths.
Would I recommend it as a read? If you've got a scientific inclination, definitely spend the time to read it. If you've got religious or spiritual curiosity, there are much better books with much more thought provoking theories.
If you do decide to read it, I would recommend getting an electronic copy and scrolling through it. I wouldn't spend money on it. Having to read multiple advertisements for other books by Adams is payment enough for the book!
Having read the pdf version, I felt neither compelled to purchased a hard copy nor to read the sequel.

Appeals to a _very_ particular audience. **

In terms of structure, this book provides about a page or two (sometimes less) of discussion for each question that is raised. Each chapter addresses a particular topic, and contains within itself a number of subtopics in the form of questions. The language is very accessible, making for a rather light reading experience.

In terms of content, the book is worthless to anyone with a grade 12 or first-year university education in the sciences or philosophy (or familiarity with the subjects at this level). It is filled with terminological, logical, and scientific errors. If you're someone who enjoys delving into the depths of scientific and philosophical scholarship, don't expect to find anything remotely scholarly or cogent in this book.

If, on the other hand, you like being presented with condensed and uncharitable versions of traditional problems (the problem of evil, the problem of divine foreknowledge and human free will, etc.) and well-known arguments (Ockham's Razor, etc.) you'll probably enjoy this book. But take everything with a grain of salt: you won't be taken seriously if you were to present most of these views (those of the book) in (intelligent) conversation.

Those of you who actually want to learn something -- this book will disappoint.

Mental Refresh *****

God's Debris is an attempt to force you to hit F5 (refresh) on your beliefs. Ideas once accepted have a way of going unchallenged for years, even decades. By design, Adams makes the scope of the book broad and the subject matter universal. For each section he hopes the Old Man's explanations are compelling enough for you to wonder why you DONT believe the same and to reconsider how you came to believe what you do. You might be appalled at how wobbly the foundations of your own core beliefs are.

Outside their ability to perturb, the Old Man's ideas are irrelevant. It would be a mistake to accept them wholly or to reject them based on their inaccuracies, which are intentional. An inaccurate assertion has the greatest power to stimulate a response (good messageboard "trolls" know this). If, for example, I told you that my clearly polka-dotted shirt was plaid, you'd carefully examine my shirt before telling me I was wrong. Adams wants to prompt the "carefully examine" response and perhaps make it a habit of mind for you.

The absurdities in much of Adams's works relate to a failure to carefully examine ideas, to accept them based on momentum or the resonance of their elegant simplicity. In a sense, this is Adams's antidote for a world where pointy haired bosses reign.

Having said the above, if you don't find the ideas novel enough to jog you into a critical thinking mode, you won't get much out of the book. This is likely the case for philosophy majors. Still, you shouldn't dismiss it out of hand. Consider it a potential gateway drug into more substantial works.

I'm sure that possibility would delight Adams.

An amateur rehash *

What a waste of pages. It's an extended dialogue of the trashiest straw man sort, badly reiterating most every argument related to relgion. If you've never read anything about religion you could mistake this as profound or interesting; if you have you'll find it incredibly underinformed and badly written.

This book offers a new perspective *****

I love this book. It's so full of thoughts and ideas that sound logical, yet many of them are entirely new and different. It's a quick read, just finished it in about two hours or so, and this is my second time reading it. What I really love about it is how it makes your brain feel alive.

A young delivery man attempts to deliver a package to an old man. However, the old man seems to ignore the attempts at delivery, and instead he asks the young man a variety of questions, beginning with a question regarding a simple coin toss. He continues to probe and prod at the young man's answers to physical phenomenon, God, free will, probability, and numerous other concepts. While this book may not radically change your life, it will encourage you to think a little bit more about what you really do know, and what you don't.

I particularly find this book interesting due to the physics contained within its pages. It discusses string theory and Einstein and a bit of quantum mechanics (ironically the subject of another book I'm currently reading, The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene), and it treats them in a different manner. While I'm not quite sure if the discussions of them are entirely accurate, it's interesting to see where this book compares with what I think I know. :)

While I encourage people to read this book, it is not for anyone who isn't willing to read views that may be radically different from his or her own. From the introduction:

"The story contains no violence, no sexual content, and no offensive language. But the ideas expressed by the characters are inappropriate for young minds. People under the age of fourteen should not read it.
"The target audience for God's Debris is people who enjoy having their brains spun around inside their skulls. After a certain age most people are uncomfortable with new ideas. That certain age varies by person, but if you're over fifty-five (mentally) you probably won't enjoy this thought experiment. If you're eighty going on thirty-five, you might like it. If you're twenty-three, your odds of liking it are very good.
"The story's central character has a view about God that you've probably never heard before. If you think you would be offended by a fictional character's untraditional view of God, please don't read this."

A very worthwhile read *****

This book will definitely set your brain in motion. Even though it's relatively short (I finished it in about three hours, and I'm a slow reader), there's plenty in it to think about. Adams raises some good points, and then some not-so-good points, but just about everything he says makes sense on some level and forces you to look at the way you think. The story through which the whole God's Debris theory is told makes it a bit more enjoyable. Adams' writing style is likewise engaging. One recommendation, though: get the electronic form if at all possible. It's not worth the extra money for the hardcover version considering the length (or lack thereof) of the book.