Reviewed by Graham Kidd
Do we indeed survive bodily death? That is the big question, succinctly put, and this book promises a rational examination, and therefore one hopes a rational answer. Prof. Yew-Kwang Ng would appear to be a Renaissance man, given the scope of his interests and qualifications. Initially trained as an economist, he is now a distinguished fellow of the Economic Society of Australia. However, Ng is also a philosopher, arguing for “hedonistic altruism”. In addition, he has studied physics. Ng has published some 30 books and 300 papers on subjects besides economics and philosophy, including mathematics, psychology and biology.
This book, Do We Survive Our Biological Death?, is just 180 pages long, including appendices and references, so one can expect a degree of succinctness, which I believe may be a good sign, indicating a mind that can rapidly sort the wheat from the chaff. The chapter headings, and the useful summaries that head each chapter, indicate that many if not all conceivable fields of survival research have been considered. Ng methodically numbers and subdivides paragraphs. He presents the countervailing materialist arguments in a fair-minded way but arguably sometimes incompletely. Unusually for a book on this subject, but as befits a philosopher, he also discusses the consequences of his conclusions.
Ng presents his own theory of not only what underlies psychic phenomena and which he believes may explain satisfactorily at least some of the evidence he presents, but the origins of the universe and its development. His theory attempts to fuse religion and science, aptly named “Evolved-God Creationism”. This of course by its nature is highly speculative, and Ng gives the impression that he is, modestly, not entirely convinced by his own logic. His philosophical flair though is refreshing and indeed necessary, particularly when he discusses epistemology. He presents ideas that capture one’s attention but, as with much philosophical discourse, might seem too speculative for those who focus on a purely scientific theorising.
This book provides a reasonably critical and up to date survey of the paranormal literature, including much that is not strictly relevant to the survival hypothesis, plus an appraisal of the consequences of an understanding of survival. Ng includes personal experiences, interspersed by philosophical discussion which may on occasion be interpreted as perhaps tongue in cheek but is nevertheless a stimulating attempt to complete the large picture of the whys and wherefores of existence. He points out where he feels that more research is necessary. His discussions often include surveys of beliefs which are of sociological interest, but it must be said do not of course constitute evidence of their validity. In addition, I am sure Ng will agree that he has not yet entirely solved the problem of the mechanism of survival, though he has suggested a way forward. One could mention that the methodical style that the book promises at the beginning is not entirely maintained, but this is a quibble, and understandable as the result of the varied topics the paranormal involves at every level which demands some repetition.
The appendices are translations from Chinese reports. Appendix A is an account of previous lives that emerged during hypnosis, and seem to confirm the role of suggestion, imagination and wishful thinking. Appendix B, however, albeit not fully documented, is a convincing account of a six year old visiting the village of his past life. Internet links are very useful, as are the references which include Chinese literature, hopefully available in translation.
Ng is modestly aware of limitations when trying to make sense of the whole field, and is refreshingly not beyond expressing doubt, wonder, surprise, and indeed amusement when relating purported facts and his conclusions about this fascinating subject. Although one can take issue with the extent to which he has evaluated alternative points of view, this book for me has been both highly stimulating and a joy to read. I recommend it.