Larry Staudt at the launch of his book in the Highlanes Gallery on Friday last. Photo: Andy Spearman.
It’s a slim enough volume but in his new book, That's Why I'm Here, launched in the Highlanes Gallery last week, Drogheda author, engineer, devout Bahai and guitar enthusiast, Lawrence Staudt, tackles some fairly big topics. The book's subtitle describes it as "a discussion of the meaning and purpose of life."
While the subject is not for the faint-hearted, it is not as esoteric as many believe. Drawing on his engineering background, Larry has taken a logical approach, contending that everyone should be able to understand what their life is about. In fact we always consider why we do anything, and this certainly applies to our lives!
The book starts with the Big Bang and leads up to the present day, giving a perspective on how the human race has gotten to its present stage. He makes a logical argument for the existence of a creator, and for life after death.
He likens humanity's evolution to that of a person - that we have gone through the stages of infancy and childhood and are now in our turbulent adolescence. He contends that we will successfully achieve a maturity where people will understand their individual collective lives and a peaceful world society will be established.
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He develops the idea that in the same way that an infant develops physically in the womb, in this life it is our purpose to develop spiritually in preparation for the next life.
“The only thing we take with us to the next life is our soul or spirit, so in this life we should be preparing it by acquiring virtues such as compassion, generosity, and a sense of justice. We should also be of service to others” Lawrence says.
“This perspective is based on the teachings of religion. As a Baha'i, I believe these religions are all from the same source (God), and so it is not surprising that they all say similar things about why we are here.
“It simply makes sense that the creator of anything knows its purpose. When all else fails, read the instructions!"
The book is available to buy either in paperback (€10.14) or Kindle (€4.16) by CLICKING HERE