There is no time like the present to begin to understand where man came from and where he is going. In fact, today is as good as any to begin. In "The Ascent of Man," the author takes one final look at evolution of the species and takes it to the next level of development. He asserts that science can only take us so far and then we have to wing it. In so many words, evolution is for monkeys in the forest and not for man. Man is a byproduct of several factors in the history of creation of this universe and only one of them is genetics. The rest lies with powers that cannot be seen both here and now and simultaneously several million years ago when this "development" of man began. He is not asserting that man was created several million years ago, but he is suggesting that something changed and that's just as well, because we are still here after all those years still trying to figure out who turned the lights out in the Garden of Eden. In no small way, the introduction itself is worth the price of admission or at least the cost of the book. And for those of you who still believe in magic powers and amulets made of magic spells and fairy dust, this book is not for you. But if you believe that man has a greater calling than his 4 x 4 and Rolex watch, then this book was written with you in mind. Of course, it doesn't hurt if you have a hankering for matter-of-fact enlightenment practices and doing things that help you reach a state of nirvana or samadhi. Even so, this book is not for the lighthearted romance novel reader. It is more likely a dissertation on the development of man over time to finally realize that he is unlike the other animals in the forest and can only play in the sandboxso long without getting rust on his wheels. To say the least, "The Ascent of Man," is an outcry against the greater misfortune of man to not know of his birth before it is too late for him to do anything about it. In fact, the book simultaneously gives the reader both sides of the story. It presents a sort of dictionary for pursuing enlightenment or liberation and self-actualization, while simultaneously diagramming the predicament that man finds himself within and because of such, he cannot find his way to the front door of this universe to escort himself out. The message is twofold as well: One cannot go home without a care package, and two, working off your sins can only get you so far, and then you have to walk the rest of the way. John Henry Morel has written numerous books on meditation and enlightenment, including "How To Find Your Destiny," "Meditation of the Masters," "The Awareness of Man," "Hebrew Mantras, Vols. 1-3" and "Hebrew Geometries, Vols. 1-3." He has also written several books of poetry and several children's books on lighter subjects, including "Who Is Me?" and "The 26 Trees of Bash." The author's works can be found in leading collections around the world including notable libraries and collections of fine literature. Published by Rodaian Press, Laguna Beach, California. Paperback Edition.