A Biker's Guide to Consciousness

Does life have any real meaning or purpose? The answer from many scientists, philosophers and popular atheist media personalities is no. The reason? The pervasive influence of a world view that's known as Scientific Materialism or Physicalism that claims that the universe and everything in it is made out of nothing but physical stuff.

Materialists/Physicalists therefore claim that our consciousness is generated by our brains and is nothing more than the result of electro-chemical activity. Love, loss, anger, hope, joy and sadness are merely the brain’s reaction to external stimuli and any meaning we think they have is just a story we tell ourselves, so we don’t feel utterly hopeless.

In A Biker’s Guide to Consciousness, Stephen Preston argues that this view is not just wrong, but harmful to our mental and physical wellbeing, and is behind much of our ills, from depression to war and the destruction of the environment. Instead, he offers a scientifically and philosophically grounded, non-religious alternative to Materialism that argues that the basis for reality is Consciousness itself, and that the universe and all life is completely interconnected and interdependent.

From a philosophical starting point, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery that touches on mental and physical wellbeing, interpersonal relationships and our relationship to the planet that all become infused with hope and meaning, once we understand our true place in the universe.

A passionate biker, Stephen explains all of the concepts he covers through examples and anecdotes from the world of motorcycling. You don’t have to be a biker to enjoy this book, however. You just need an open mind, some curiosity, and the willingness to ask yourself some honest questions. The pay-off is a fresh perspective on life and a deep sense of purpose, meaning and connection.