Why I Am Not a Buddhist

“Following in the tradition of Bertrand Russell's Why I Am Not a Christian, Thompson delivers a timely rebuttal to what he calls Buddhist modernism, the idea, loosely, that Buddhism is not a religion but a science of the mind. The argument Western Buddhists need to hear.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Presents a convincing case against Buddhist exceptionalism and scientific defenses of the tradition . . . The clarity of Thompson’s arguments, including his explanations of models of consciousness, and his genuine regard for Buddhism (despite his skepticism toward claims of superiority) avoid the pitfalls of many similar critiques.”—Publishers Weekly

“A truly compelling critique of Buddhist exceptionalism and of modern Buddhism as a whole.”—Sam Littlefair, Lion’s Roar

"Why I Am Not a Buddhist is an excellent work of philosophy. Thompson demonstrates a formidable understanding of the topic and his honest critique shows great intellectual courage. Anyone interested in Buddhism would do well to engage with this timely and compelling book."—Hane Htut Maung, Philosophy East and West Journal

"A provocative, insightful, and challenging critique of what he calls 'Buddhist modernism.'. . . [A] philosophical and cosmopolitan conversation that Thompson exemplifes so eloquently."—A. Minh Nguyen, Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies

"A devastating and comprehensive critique."—Jonardon Ganeri, Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies

"Evan Thompson has given us another lovely book. . . . It is a penetrating look at the Buddhist modernist movement as we see it today, and a penetrating critique of some of the most problematic aspects of that movement. It is sympathetic, generous, and honest. It is full of insight, and a great read."—Jay L. Garfield, Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies

“A refreshing, original, and insightful contribution to our understanding of ‘Buddhist modernism’ . . . prodigious and important work, which promotes a way of thinking that embodies the very best of cosmopolitan philosophy.”—Christian Coseru, Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies

“Why I Am Not a Buddhist . . . actively participates in a cosmopolitan project by considering and inviting interlocutors of its own. Thompson’s writing is exceptionally clear, and his book is well suited to sparking conversations among readers from different backgrounds, which has the potential to lead to new and different collective forms of knowing.”—Constance Kassor, Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies
 
 

“Thompson's erudite and eminently engaging essay should be required reading of all those interested in Buddhist modernism.”—Robert Sharf, University of California, Berkeley

“Philosophy should be a project reaching beyond age-old geographical divides, a project anchored on critical reason to promote human transformation. With inspiring intellectual courage, Thompson shows us the way forward.”—Marcelo Gleiser, Dartmouth College

"In this beautifully written philosophical memoir, Evan Thompson takes us through his incredible intellectual journey that begins in boyhood at the utopia of Lindisfarne and brings him to the deepest precincts of both Buddhist philosophy and cognitive science. A deeply thoughtful book."—Owen Flanagan, author of The Geography of Morals

“This book should be required reading for the increasingly large number of scientists and philosophers who are interested in understanding Buddhism”—Alison Gopnik

“This is a wise and thoughtful book. Buddhism, from this perspective, turns out to be many things, but not a science of the mind.”—T.M. Luhrmann, author of When God Talks Back