Book Review: ‘Falsafah Hidup’ by Hamka

This is my first post on a book review. I write a review every time after I finish reading a book. 

For those who don’t know, Hamka is the most prominent Nusantara philosopher and novelist of it’s time- the 20th century. Lived under the Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia until it’s independence, his thoughts become an inspiration and reference that are still relevant now.

His book titled ‘Falsafah Hidup‘, which means ‘Philosophy of life’, mainly talks about the purpose of life, in accordance to human’s capability to reason (akal) and the fact that we live in a society, not as individuals. With the humans capability to reason, one should be able to judge between what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s rewarding and what will inflict a loss. Hence, for a greater good, one must sacrifice. That, in reality, is what is wanted by everybody. He then elaborates it more and into bigger aspects like social and politics.

Meet Eric

The second last Sunday, I met a man named Eric. He lives in Cyprus but was born in Mauritius. He works in the same company as my mom. My mom introduced the whole family to him on that day, and I have to say that he is one of the most wonderful person I’ve ever met. We met again the last Thursday before he headed back home to Cyprus and I learnt few very important things from him.

We talked mostly about something what people hardly talk about- religion. When my mom asked him what religion is he following right now, he swiftly said “I’m nothing”. He however was born in a Christian family and his parents are devoted believers. He has read the Quran, the Bible (haven’t finished), and is about to read the Gita.

Race, Pride and Arrogance

Look around you. Look at the rain that has been poured onto Earth that grows the various types of plants and trees. Look at the river that has been flowed for you as a means of transportation and communication. Look at the stars in the sky which you use for navigation. Look at the appearance and the disappearance of the moon and the sun which you use them to determine time.  Look at the animals which some of them you use for food and some you use for clothing and to cover yourself. Look at the sea where you obtain your protein and precious jewels. Whether or not you try to calculate the grace of god, you’ll never be able to count.

Legacy is the best gift for mankind

(Writer’s note: Skip to paragraph eight to get to the point. I recommend you read all the text to get an in-depth understanding of this article.)

Legacy. A six-letter word people don’t understand about it. Although they think they know the meaning yet they don’t understand it deeply. If they do, the world would have been very different from now.