Book Review: The Principles of Creation

Reviewed by John M. Murray

An experiential book that defies genre exploring life through an eclectic discourse bookended by a pair of strange wondrous stories

The Principles of Creation is a book that’s hard to fit into one genre. The initial chapters detail seven principles of creation in a philosophical way, more an abstract overview than explaining the concepts to someone unfamiliar. Then the book shifts to examine actual abstract concepts such as love and hate alongside the drive to self-actualization. But the bulk of the book is broken into two stories, one a sort of parable about a man and woman on a bizarre journey and the other a recounting of an unnamed narrator’s life that blurs science fiction and philosophy.

The larger story follows the narrator and his initial encounter with the first aliens to land on Earth followed by an epic journey to the stars. The narrator embarks on a lifelong quest to understand himself in an adventure that spans eons and the galaxy. He befriends other species and even survives a void that holds the ultimate source of power before traveling through time. His life twists and turns throughout seemingly all of human experience from the tumultuous present day to the distant future.

Reading this without a clear narrative thread can be jarring. There is no introduction as the book launches into the seven principles, discusses the abstract concepts, and then becomes fiction. There’s little connecting the philosophical section to the fictional, leading to some head-scratching moments. It’s also not clear if the person discussing the principles is the same people in either story. The narrated science fiction story jumps around, doesn’t exactly introduce its characters, and continues forth with material that clashes with the seven principles.

The writing itself is intriguing with a unique rhythm and voice: “For above all, it is indelible. Infallible. Absolute. That which can neither be denied nor questioned. And yet unassuming, quiet, potent. Which, upon common assumption is the potentate that unifies mankind.” There’s a poetic quality to the writing that—even while the topic might be confusing—reading it becomes an experience in and of itself. It’s a surreal fever dream of a book that collects disparate ideas and stories with some chapters brief and nonsensical, while others are insightful exploration of human existence. The style of metaphor and allegory with poetic and grandiose language provides an unusual experience that’s oddly captivating.

The Principles of Creation is a challenging book with a unique style that blends philosophy, morality, and new-age self-help with a pair of fantastical tales.

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