The premise of this book is that in the Western world we lack meaning. According to the authors we live in an age of nihilism.
After the introduction, the authors examine this nihilism through David Foster Wallace and draw some links to Elizabeth Gilbert (of all people).
Next, they go back in time to the Greeks and move forward in time. They examine the Greeks' polytheism through Homer. As they move forward in time they look at the rise of monotheism via Aeschylus and Augustine. After that, they analyze Dante and Kant to show the attractions and dangers of autonomy. Their last stop is to consider Herman Melville. Mostly, they describe several aspects of Moby Dick including fanaticism and polytheism.
It isn't until the conclusion that they turn to how we find meaning. Unfortunately, while their answer may be valid it isn't well argued or elaborated.
I found some of their examinations of the Western classics to be insightful. I didn't enjoy the one of Moby Dick but I didn't like that book so that probably makes some difference. I think there is some value in what they authors have to say but I can't recommend this book.
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