A Language Older Than Words
Derrick Jensen
ISBN: 1931498555

          I approach this review with some reverence because simply stated, I’m not sure how any review can do this book justice and capture even a slice of what Jensen’s work is all about. I’ll state right up front, I’m strongly and emphatically recommending that you read and ponder this book. It’s one of those rare pieces of soul that only comes along once in a while. After starting the book I immediately ordered more as gifts for friends and family. It may not make me very popular with some, but I really think that Jensen’s ideas are important for each of us to consider.

           In “A Language Older Than Words” Jensen is asking us to rethink and to FEEL in some very primal, soulful ways about WHO we are, WHERE we are and with some preliminary answers to those questions, WHERE ARE WE GOING? The way that Jensen tells his story and asks his questions is designed to challenge our basic way of living, the way we think about others, to shake us out of the denial that we so placidly wander around in, day after day. This book is a must read for inner sentence work, for any type of cognitive restructuring, or for anyone concerned about life. Consider the following passage, found at the beginning of the first chapter;

           “There is a language older by far and deeper than words. It is the language of bodies, of body on body, wind on snow, rain on trees, wave on stone. It is the language of dream, gesture, symbol, memory. We have forgotten this language. We do not even remember that it exists
           In order for us to maintain our way of living, we must, in a broad sense, tell lies to each other, and especially to ourselves. It is not necessary that these lies be particularly believable. The lies act as barriers to truth. These barriers to truth are necessary because without them many deplorable acts would become impossible. Truth must at all costs be avoided. When we do allow self-evident truths to percolate past our defenses and into our consciousness, they are treated like so many hand grenades rolling across the dance floor of an improbably macabre party. We try to stay out of harm’s way, afraid they will go off, shatter our delusions, and leave us exposed to what we have done to the world and to ourselves, exposed as the hollow people we have become. And so we avoid these truths, these self-evident truths, and continue the dance of world destruction.”

           I’m not sure exactly why this book tears at me so much, it may be the years of therapy that I’ve done, it may be my self-reflection, or maybe some sense of social- consciousness, probably some of all of that and more. When I read Jensen, something deep inside me is always touched. My first experience with his writing was “A Culture of Make Believe” and more currently I am reading “Walking on Water”, “Reading, Writing and Revolution”. Each one of those reading experiences is something that, for me at least, is far more than just reading a book. . . it’s an experience that is spiritual, poignant, gut wrenching and challenging. I’m reminded of the question from What the Bleep, “how far down the rabbit hole do YOU want to go?” When I read Jensen I feel like I’ve at least taken a couple of steps, or maybe stumbled down the hole. This is not reading that is light or for relaxation and medicating. One of the reviewers of this book, the noted author, Michael W. Fox stated;

           “A brilliant and disturbing investigation of human nature that becomes an inspiring guide to self-discovery, personal salvation, and the survival of humanity. “A Language Older than Words” is a wake-up call to embrace life, beauty and truth. The wisdom in this book will change you forever.”

           I think for most of us the word “disturbing” will apply as we consider Jensen’s thoughts and questions. He wants us to see the “hand grenade”, to understand what that means and to ultimately DO something about it, beginning with CHANGING how we think. Like Gandhi said, “be the change that you want to see in the world”.

           Another quality that I really like about Jensen, is his willingness to include himself in the problems he describes and probes. It makes the book very readable to be part of some of the philosophical and daily struggles that Jensen experiences because of awareness.

           If you decide to purchase “A Language Older Than Words”, and embark on this part of your journey, be prepared to be challenged, disturbed and ultimately pleaded with to “step into your greatness” to be responsible in some new and transforming ways.

Click here for Amazon.com’s page on this book.