Journey into “Meandering Sobriety”: An Enigmatic Literary Creation
Minh-Phuong Thi Duong
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2487-9905
Australia, October 15, 2023
*Editorial note: This column reprints Dr. MPT Duong’s verified review on Amazon [1].
In the modern world, filled with information overload and constant distractions, Professor Vuong Quan Hoang’s “Meandering Sobriety” [2] stands as a literary masterpiece that prompts deep introspection. It provides a moment of mindfulness, acting as a supportive companion to help readers pause, reflect, and rediscover themselves within the modern-day chaos. With its unique blend of humor and deep self-examination, “Meandering Sobriety” ensures that every reader will interpret and experience its wisdom in a truly personal and enlightening way.
The book is organized into three chapters: “Science Sobriety”, “Business Intelligence”, and “Meandering Thought”. In “Science Sobriety,” the author presents captivating research findings and introduces fresh, thought-provoking theories about scientific concepts, challenging readers to explore the depths of science and gain unique perspectives on its essence. The chapter “Business Intelligence” guides readers through the author’s three decades of personal experiences in research and consultancy, offering a deeper understanding of how societal factors, particularly psychology, culture, and religion, shape human behavior. The book ends with “Meandering Thought”, where the author imparts subtle insights into everyday aspects and underscores the ongoing nature of the thought process, encouraging readers to consciously explore often-overlooked causes, motivations, mechanisms, values, and meanings in their surroundings.
Specifically, within the narratives of chapter 3, Professor Vuong takes a thorough journey into the captivating world of human irony, showcasing a remarkable talent for observing and clarifying the paradoxical aspects of human behavior. It’s a common occurrence for individuals to act against their own interests or overlook consequences, knowing that their behavior often stimulates contemplation rather than arising from conscious decisions favoring short-term gains over long-term considerations. The chapter employs vivid real-life examples to illustrate human irony. For example, people might complain about traffic jams without realizing they’re part of the problem. This shows how we often don’t realize how our own actions can worsen the issues we complain about. Here’s another example: Many people enthusiastically support planting trees until they see the costs involved. This strongly shows the contradiction of supporting a good environmental cause but then changing your mind when it means you have to spend your own money or make personal sacrifices.
These insights encourage readers to engage in critical self-reflection, urging us to scrutinize our actions, choices, and decision-making processes. Understanding the natural contradictions in how people behave helps readers grasp the complexities of human actions and make smarter choices that align with their long-lasting values.
To conclude, “Meandering Sobriety” encourages readers to reexamine their understanding of science, human behavior, and the complexities of life, urging them to engage in introspection and contemplate the intricacies of the world.
References
[1] Duong P. (2023, October 15). Journey into ‘Meandering Sobriety’: An Enigmatic Literary Creation. https://www.amazon.com.au/review/R2ILF5IZJUHPUR/
[2] Vuong QH. (2023). Meandering Sobriety. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2TXNX6L