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AWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD: A Thoughtful Analysis of the Causes of Human Woes, and Remedial Suggestions
A Short Synopsis
AWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD
A Thoughtful Analysis of the Cause of Human Woes, and Remedial Suggestions
Kuriakose T. Chacko
AWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD is a book that focuses on the concepts that nothing else is even close to love and respect for self and our fellow humans, and reverence for the sacred, in order to conquer our setbacks and make life meaningful. Through the many points charted in the book the author, Kuriakose T. Chacko, strives to prove in insightful ways that we will not earn favor from man or God with selfishness, anger, or violence, no matter how hard we try.
Chacko contends that people respect or despise us not simply because of our views or looks; the primary raison d'etre is our attitude. Attitude shapes relationships. Every relationship is rooted in attitudes. The character and attitude of humans making contacts, and conducting transactions, play pivotal roles in shaping the outcomes of those contacts and transactions. If one is impertinent in nature, that characteristic is mirrored in one’s behavior.
Without honoring and helping other people, which are unrealistic efforts without nurturing our worldly and spiritual connections, we cannot overcome our fear of other people and ourselves, and our hearts remain clogged. As a result, happiness cannot enter our hearts.
Motto: Justice for all
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements xi
Preface xiii
Introduction xix
1 Subservience to Selfishness 1
2 A Peek at Our Natural Peculiarities 7
3 The Power of Emotions on Behavior 21
4 Disparities as Liabilities without Culpability 32
5 Our Materialistic Obsession 42
6 For Some Opportunities Are Unreachable 48
7 The Shackles of Poverty 55
8 Exploitation and Victimization 64
9 Can Society Be Freed from the Lethal Grip by Violence? 80
10 War: A Senseless Option Versus Sensible Alternatives 98
11 No Alternatives to Coexistence 138
12 An Unbreakable Nexus: Past→Present→Future 148
13 If I Am Hit by a Car Today 154
14 Immutability of Mortality: A Reflection 160
15 Invoke Your Latent Virtues for Effective Affiliations 168
16 Share Your Talents and Means—Gifts from God 173
17 Responsibilities as Safeguards 183
18 In Defense of the Unborn 193
19 Instability of Our Foundation, the Family 202
20 Marriage is an Inviolable Commitment, not a Pact 211
21 Preparing Children for Life 225
22 Formal Education Is Incomplete Without Moral Education 246
23 What Is Wrong with School Prayer? 257
24 The Power of Communication 266
25 Accept Criticism as a Gift 276
26 Ungratefulness 282
27 Overcrowding Our Only Land 288
28 Stewardship of Nature a Serious, Pressing Obligation 300
29 Some Simple Tips for Home Safety 322
30 Someone is Watching! 333
31 The Moral Conflict 339
32 Character is Our Perpetual Companion. As a Friend or Foe? 348
33 Illuminate Your Life through Self-Purification 354
34 Inspirational Insights to Overcome Insipidity 360
35 Religion: A Bridge, not a Barrier 371
36 The Soul Is Our Most Powerful Ally 380
37 The Ultimate Refuge 386
38 The Significance of Faith and Hope 394
39 Defining Life’s Purpose 400
40 Life: Triumph or Tragedy? A Perspective 405
AWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD
A Thoughtful Analysis of the Cause of Human Woes, and Remedial Suggestions
Kuriakose T. Chacko
AWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD is a book that focuses on the concepts that nothing else is even close to love and respect for self and our fellow humans, and reverence for the sacred, in order to conquer our setbacks and make life meaningful. Through the many points charted in the book the author, Kuriakose T. Chacko, strives to prove in insightful ways that we will not earn favor from man or God with selfishness, anger, or violence, no matter how hard we try.
Chacko contends that people respect or despise us not simply because of our views or looks; the primary raison d'etre is our attitude. Attitude shapes relationships. Every relationship is rooted in attitudes. The character and attitude of humans making contacts, and conducting transactions, play pivotal roles in shaping the outcomes of those contacts and transactions. If one is impertinent in nature, that characteristic is mirrored in one’s behavior.
Without honoring and helping other people, which are unrealistic efforts without nurturing our worldly and spiritual connections, we cannot overcome our fear of other people and ourselves, and our hearts remain clogged. As a result, happiness cannot enter our hearts.
Motto: Justice for all
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements xi
Preface xiii
Introduction xix
1 Subservience to Selfishness 1
2 A Peek at Our Natural Peculiarities 7
3 The Power of Emotions on Behavior 21
4 Disparities as Liabilities without Culpability 32
5 Our Materialistic Obsession 42
6 For Some Opportunities Are Unreachable 48
7 The Shackles of Poverty 55
8 Exploitation and Victimization 64
9 Can Society Be Freed from the Lethal Grip by Violence? 80
10 War: A Senseless Option Versus Sensible Alternatives 98
11 No Alternatives to Coexistence 138
12 An Unbreakable Nexus: Past→Present→Future 148
13 If I Am Hit by a Car Today 154
14 Immutability of Mortality: A Reflection 160
15 Invoke Your Latent Virtues for Effective Affiliations 168
16 Share Your Talents and Means—Gifts from God 173
17 Responsibilities as Safeguards 183
18 In Defense of the Unborn 193
19 Instability of Our Foundation, the Family 202
20 Marriage is an Inviolable Commitment, not a Pact 211
21 Preparing Children for Life 225
22 Formal Education Is Incomplete Without Moral Education 246
23 What Is Wrong with School Prayer? 257
24 The Power of Communication 266
25 Accept Criticism as a Gift 276
26 Ungratefulness 282
27 Overcrowding Our Only Land 288
28 Stewardship of Nature a Serious, Pressing Obligation 300
29 Some Simple Tips for Home Safety 322
30 Someone is Watching! 333
31 The Moral Conflict 339
32 Character is Our Perpetual Companion. As a Friend or Foe? 348
33 Illuminate Your Life through Self-Purification 354
34 Inspirational Insights to Overcome Insipidity 360
35 Religion: A Bridge, not a Barrier 371
36 The Soul Is Our Most Powerful Ally 380
37 The Ultimate Refuge 386
38 The Significance of Faith and Hope 394
39 Defining Life’s Purpose 400
40 Life: Triumph or Tragedy? A Perspective 405
440 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2021
About the author
Kuriakose T. Chacko
1 book2 followersAWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD (A Thoughtful Analysis of the Causes of Human Woes & Remedial Suggestions)
by Kuriakose T. Chacko
AWARD-WINNING BOOK
EXCELLENCE
2022 SILVER MEDAL WINNER (Self-Help eLit Awards)
Illuminating Digital Publishing Excellence (Presented by Jenkins Group)
"AWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD (A Thoughtful Analysis of the Causes of Human Woes & Remedial Suggestions) by Kuriakose T. Chacko is an eye-opening compendium that brings Biblical precision in a text designed to inform, equip, and transform humanity in modern times. With a neutral and respectful tone, Author Chacko unpacks his ideas with boldness and words full of depth that will leave readers reflective”.
---- IndieReader Review
“Author has done a good job of making sure the edit has no typos in it, so that the reader won't be distracted nor lost to the book's content.
This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design. The physical materials, printing, and binding are of professional quality and traditional industry standards. The typesetting and page layout (including illustrations, images, or figures) are easy to follow, thoughtfully designed, and error free. The cover appears to be professionally designed and is compellingly related to the content/genre of the book.
Author has identified a terrific number of topics that contribute to this discussion. The reader who may be in a place of wanting to question every topic out there, to dig into gender roles and traditions, to think about infidelity and other topics that span the vista, will find this to be a fast-moving guide that brings up loaded topics. Author has put a lot of work into collecting the many topics”.
---- Writer’s Digest
Kuriakose T. Chacko doesn't just offer a better path to joy, he proves it.
To conquer our setbacks and make life meaningful, nothing helps us achieve our goals better than loving and respecting ourselves and our fellow humans. With reverence for the sacred, we can earn favor from man and God without selfishness, anger, or violence.
Chacko demonstrates this truth and more with a concrete, analytical approach that appeals to the skeptical human mind. As a result, our faith is validated, and happiness can finally touch our deepest selves.
In this guide, learn the truth about:
• Materialistic obsession
• Marriage
• Preparing Children for Life
• Accepting Criticism
• Life's Purpose
...and more.
Chacko's insights prove that we cannot find peace through selfish, fear-driven acts. To achieve the results we desire, we must walk an entirely new, more loving path.
By linking our hearts with higher values, we light up our ever-present avenues of serenity. As a result, we find inspiration again, discover our concealed potential, and achieve societal excellence.
Find joy, purpose, and love for others in this analytical guide.
Chacko has been an active and financially contributing, conscientious member of Amnesty International since 2015, and of The Humane Society since 2021. He is very passionate about his voluntary work for Amnesty International to defend and protect human rights worldwide. Chacko earned a B.A. from Punjabi University, Patiala, India, and a C.T.A. (Computer Technology & Applications) diploma from Columbia University, NYC. He loved working for higher education for 30+ years. Chacko lives with his wife in Pennsylvania, USA. He loves reading, reviewing books, growing organic vegetables, hiking, and the wonders of nature.
Motto: Justice for all
website:
http://www.kurichacko.com
by Kuriakose T. Chacko
AWARD-WINNING BOOK
EXCELLENCE
2022 SILVER MEDAL WINNER (Self-Help eLit Awards)
Illuminating Digital Publishing Excellence (Presented by Jenkins Group)
"AWAY FROM THE MADDING WORLD (A Thoughtful Analysis of the Causes of Human Woes & Remedial Suggestions) by Kuriakose T. Chacko is an eye-opening compendium that brings Biblical precision in a text designed to inform, equip, and transform humanity in modern times. With a neutral and respectful tone, Author Chacko unpacks his ideas with boldness and words full of depth that will leave readers reflective”.
---- IndieReader Review
“Author has done a good job of making sure the edit has no typos in it, so that the reader won't be distracted nor lost to the book's content.
This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design. The physical materials, printing, and binding are of professional quality and traditional industry standards. The typesetting and page layout (including illustrations, images, or figures) are easy to follow, thoughtfully designed, and error free. The cover appears to be professionally designed and is compellingly related to the content/genre of the book.
Author has identified a terrific number of topics that contribute to this discussion. The reader who may be in a place of wanting to question every topic out there, to dig into gender roles and traditions, to think about infidelity and other topics that span the vista, will find this to be a fast-moving guide that brings up loaded topics. Author has put a lot of work into collecting the many topics”.
---- Writer’s Digest
Kuriakose T. Chacko doesn't just offer a better path to joy, he proves it.
To conquer our setbacks and make life meaningful, nothing helps us achieve our goals better than loving and respecting ourselves and our fellow humans. With reverence for the sacred, we can earn favor from man and God without selfishness, anger, or violence.
Chacko demonstrates this truth and more with a concrete, analytical approach that appeals to the skeptical human mind. As a result, our faith is validated, and happiness can finally touch our deepest selves.
In this guide, learn the truth about:
• Materialistic obsession
• Marriage
• Preparing Children for Life
• Accepting Criticism
• Life's Purpose
...and more.
Chacko's insights prove that we cannot find peace through selfish, fear-driven acts. To achieve the results we desire, we must walk an entirely new, more loving path.
By linking our hearts with higher values, we light up our ever-present avenues of serenity. As a result, we find inspiration again, discover our concealed potential, and achieve societal excellence.
Find joy, purpose, and love for others in this analytical guide.
Chacko has been an active and financially contributing, conscientious member of Amnesty International since 2015, and of The Humane Society since 2021. He is very passionate about his voluntary work for Amnesty International to defend and protect human rights worldwide. Chacko earned a B.A. from Punjabi University, Patiala, India, and a C.T.A. (Computer Technology & Applications) diploma from Columbia University, NYC. He loved working for higher education for 30+ years. Chacko lives with his wife in Pennsylvania, USA. He loves reading, reviewing books, growing organic vegetables, hiking, and the wonders of nature.
Motto: Justice for all
website:
http://www.kurichacko.com
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 6, 2022
Helpful guidance for those feeling a bit lost. I personally found allot of the insights thought provoking and helpful. “Life becomes hell if we focus excessively on its downsides. By taking suffering in stride, as a part of the human condition, we present ourselves with enough strength to lighten our existing burdens, and to confront those coming our way.” #goodreadsgiveaway
March 10, 2026
Away from the Madding World: A Thoughtful Analysis of the Causes of Human Woes, and Remedial Suggestions by Kuriakose T. Chacko is an ambitious and deeply reflective work that examines the fundamental causes of human suffering while proposing meaningful pathways toward a more compassionate and balanced world.
Through a wide-ranging exploration of social, moral, and spiritual themes, Chacko presents a philosophical analysis of the attitudes and behaviors that shape human relationships and societal outcomes. At the core of the book is the belief that love, respect for others, and reverence for the sacred are essential foundations for overcoming personal and collective challenges.
The book moves through an extensive set of topics from selfishness, materialism, poverty, and violence to family stability, education, communication, and stewardship of nature. Chacko argues that many of the problems faced by individuals and societies stem from misplaced priorities and the erosion of moral and spiritual values. By encouraging readers to cultivate empathy, humility, and responsibility, the author proposes a path toward healthier relationships and a more harmonious society.
Another compelling element of the book is its focus on the role of attitude and character in shaping life outcomes. Chacko highlights how personal virtues such as integrity, compassion, and gratitude play a crucial role in fostering meaningful connections and building communities grounded in respect and understanding.
Ultimately, Away from the Madding World serves as both a philosophical reflection and a moral call to action. Through its thoughtful analysis and broad perspective, the book invites readers to reflect on their values, responsibilities, and potential to contribute positively to the world around them.
Through a wide-ranging exploration of social, moral, and spiritual themes, Chacko presents a philosophical analysis of the attitudes and behaviors that shape human relationships and societal outcomes. At the core of the book is the belief that love, respect for others, and reverence for the sacred are essential foundations for overcoming personal and collective challenges.
The book moves through an extensive set of topics from selfishness, materialism, poverty, and violence to family stability, education, communication, and stewardship of nature. Chacko argues that many of the problems faced by individuals and societies stem from misplaced priorities and the erosion of moral and spiritual values. By encouraging readers to cultivate empathy, humility, and responsibility, the author proposes a path toward healthier relationships and a more harmonious society.
Another compelling element of the book is its focus on the role of attitude and character in shaping life outcomes. Chacko highlights how personal virtues such as integrity, compassion, and gratitude play a crucial role in fostering meaningful connections and building communities grounded in respect and understanding.
Ultimately, Away from the Madding World serves as both a philosophical reflection and a moral call to action. Through its thoughtful analysis and broad perspective, the book invites readers to reflect on their values, responsibilities, and potential to contribute positively to the world around them.
March 16, 2026
Away from the Madding World: A Thoughtful Analysis of the Causes of Human Woes, and Remedial Suggestions by Kuriakose T. Chacko is a deeply reflective and comprehensive examination of the social, moral, and spiritual challenges facing humanity. Through a wide range of topics from poverty and materialism to family stability, education, and faith Chacko explores the underlying attitudes and behaviors that shape human relationships and society as a whole.
At its core, the book emphasizes that love, respect, humility, and reverence for the sacred are essential foundations for building meaningful lives and harmonious communities. Rather than focusing solely on criticism, the author offers thoughtful suggestions for personal growth, moral responsibility, and compassionate coexistence.
Rich with philosophical insight and ethical reflection, Away from the Madding World encourages readers to examine their own attitudes and actions while considering how character, empathy, and spiritual awareness can help overcome many of the struggles of modern life.
At its core, the book emphasizes that love, respect, humility, and reverence for the sacred are essential foundations for building meaningful lives and harmonious communities. Rather than focusing solely on criticism, the author offers thoughtful suggestions for personal growth, moral responsibility, and compassionate coexistence.
Rich with philosophical insight and ethical reflection, Away from the Madding World encourages readers to examine their own attitudes and actions while considering how character, empathy, and spiritual awareness can help overcome many of the struggles of modern life.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews