Selected Writings

Selected Writings: Six Years of Philosophy
by Leighton D. Peart
Published by Pete’s Press
Review by Toby A. Welch  
$21.99 ISBN 9781069345967

I love little books like this. They are great to throw in your bag and pull out when you have a few
moments. Or devour it in one sitting. Either way, it’s a win-win situation as Selected Writings is a thought-provoking read. 

Selected Writings is sixty-eight pages long. It is made up of nine essays that Peart wrote over the last six years, although most were written in 2019 before his Covid writing slump hit. He is upfront that the essays are reflections and things for us to ponder, topics that we won’t necessarily agree with. I admire that as I don’t want to always hear opinions that align with mine. I want to read different viewpoints to expand my own mindset. 

The nine essays deal with a variety of topics: growing up poor, this life being our only refuge, the highs and lows of existing, finding meaning and authenticity in a chaotic world, religion and morality, the decision to not have children, boredom, and metaphysical depths. It was interesting diving into Peart’s mind as he shared his views on topics that aren’t usually discussed in our modern world. 

While I enjoyed all nine chapters, I especially liked the one about boredom. While Peart touches on the boredom of a rainy day or aimless leisure, this chapter is more about the boredom of the cosmos, the lack of interest or care that affects every living thing. He goes even deeper, showing his view that boredom – like love, beauty, and religion – crumbles under the weight of nothingness. As a civilization we have turned to wars, drugs, sex, and the like to feel something and no longer be so bored. I admit I’ve never thought of boredom in this way but I appreciate how Peart has expanded my thoughts. 

It’s not surprising that Peart’s essays are profound, going far below the superficial thoughts that prevail in our modern world. He holds a double degree in Philosophy and Sociology from Toronto Metropolitan University. That had me wondering if humans would be deeper thinkers in general if we were all required to take a philosophy class or two. 

As a sidenote, I found a part of the copyright blurb hilarious: “This publisher exclusively publishes books by creative humans. Machine generated slop is not and never will be art.” Someone at Regina-based Pete’s Press has a great sense of humour! 

For anyone who is intellectually curious, Selected Writings will be a great addition to your bookshelf. To challenge or expand your thinking, toss a copy of Selected Writings in your bag to pull out whenever you need a mental jolt. Or devour it in an afternoon. Either way is a win-win!

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM