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The following is a book review of “The Oz Factors” posted on Amazon.com by Robert W. Johnson in November 9, 2009“The purpose of this book is to give a reader some guidelines in a quest to solve the mysteries of life. In my opinion, it serves that purpose well. Each of the 12 Oz factors represents a “common denominator of Western Logic which prevents observation, understanding, and the attainment of workable solutions to the problems of human origin and existence.” Further, the author states, “The allegorical story of The Wizard of Oz and its timeless characters is an appropriate vehicle through which to learn more about the mysteries of life.” If you read the book, I think you will agree. The learning of philosophical principles is thereby made not only easier, but actually delightful.
Here are a few of the Oz factors, to whet your appetite for the others:
Missing Information: Most real thinkers would agree that a valid concept of any subject that all information pertinent to it be available. But, study of almost any subject reveals not only that there are missing pieces to the puzzle, but that often the pieces are missing because vested interests (another Oz factor) have deliberately withheld them from the public.
Assumptions: Every theory presented by so-called authorities in science, religion, politics, etc contains one or more assumptions. If the assumption is false, the theory crashes. And so we suspect that the reason why assumptions are rarely listed is that their presence would expose the weaknesses in the view being advanced.
Source of Information: Many sources of information like to “play God”, promoting unquestioning belief in their views. Example from Science: “We’re smart and you’re not, so just accept what we say.” Example from Religion: “We’re holy and you’re not, so just accept what we say.” They need to be told, “Curb your dogma!”
False Information: Investigation shows that many sources deliberately put out false information, for reasons related to the benefit of the organization they support. To quote the author: “Lies replace the truth when a vested interest is being served.”
I could go on with praises for this book, but space won’t permit it. Bottom line: If you want to be a clearer thinker and a more successful searcher for truth, you will do well to read this book.”
Here are a few of the Oz factors, to whet your appetite for the others:
Missing Information: Most real thinkers would agree that a valid concept of any subject that all information pertinent to it be available. But, study of almost any subject reveals not only that there are missing pieces to the puzzle, but that often the pieces are missing because vested interests (another Oz factor) have deliberately withheld them from the public.
Assumptions: Every theory presented by so-called authorities in science, religion, politics, etc contains one or more assumptions. If the assumption is false, the theory crashes. And so we suspect that the reason why assumptions are rarely listed is that their presence would expose the weaknesses in the view being advanced.
Source of Information: Many sources of information like to “play God”, promoting unquestioning belief in their views. Example from Science: “We’re smart and you’re not, so just accept what we say.” Example from Religion: “We’re holy and you’re not, so just accept what we say.” They need to be told, “Curb your dogma!”
False Information: Investigation shows that many sources deliberately put out false information, for reasons related to the benefit of the organization they support. To quote the author: “Lies replace the truth when a vested interest is being served.”
I could go on with praises for this book, but space won’t permit it. Bottom line: If you want to be a clearer thinker and a more successful searcher for truth, you will do well to read this book.”
