Beyond sight and touch

Much of the language of our cultural lives assumes the existence of realities which we cannot see or touch. Mathematical rules, such as the principles of addition or subtraction, are examples of such unseen realities. But so are very many further concepts – such as nature or beauty. You can see and touch instances of nature or beauty, but you can't touch nature or beauty themselves. These concepts endure beyond the particular examples.

This short book discusses, in a non-academic way, various aspects of human experience – music, ritual, place, love for instance – to identify such timeless aspects. The very nature of our minds suggests a timeless dimension. Supernatural or psychic phenomena are not the focus, though their existence is not ruled out.

Thus it offers fruitful and accessible ways of considering enduring aspects of our human experiences. Here you will find a refreshing and heartening way of thinking about life: the places and things we value, our relationships, our losses and bereavements, and our futures.

If you have ever wondered if events or places or experiences or people can have an existence beyond what you can see or touch, this book will be of interest to you. Even if you are a very down-to-earth person who is only concerned with what can be measured or proved, you will find here ideas to challenge.