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Book review: Zest - Climbing from Depression to Philosophy
*Michael Heron KC
"Zest" by Daniel Kalderimis is a profound exploration of the human condition, interweaving personal narrative with philosophical inquiry. Kalderimis, a King's Counsel based in Wellington, New Zealand, delves into his own experiences with depression to offer a compelling treatise on finding meaning and joy in life. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the quest for a lived philosophy that transcends mere existence.
Kalderimis begins by recounting his struggles with depression, a condition that twice challenged him in his forties. His journey through these dark periods led him to seek a deeper understanding of how to live well, akin to constructing a case theory for his life. This quest forms the backbone of "Zest," as Kalderimis sheds layers of cynicism to reconnect with his curious teenage self and rediscover love and joy.
Central to Kalderimis's thesis is the idea that while information is necessary for making good choices, it is insufficient on its own. Drawing on the philosophical insights of David Hume, he argues that facts cannot be transmuted into values without a guiding framework. This gap, he suggests, can be bridged by a lived philosophy that integrates elements of ancient Eastern practices, such as meditation and mindfulness, into the fabric of Western culture.
Kalderimis's exploration is not merely theoretical; it is deeply personal. He describes how his depression arose from a lack of connection and engagement with the world. Paying close attention to life, he posits, is essential for deriving happiness. This attentiveness, akin to the focus of great painters, poets, and novelists, allows one to appreciate the texture of the world and treat others as ends in themselves rather than means to an end.
The book draws heavily on the works of philosophers and writers such as George Eliot, Iris Murdoch, and Martha Nussbaum. Kalderimis finds solace and inspiration in their writings, particularly in their emphasis on virtue ethics and the importance of character. He argues that philosophy must engage with psychology to be practical, as our minds are the technology through which we make life choices.
Kalderimis’s narrative is enriched by his reflections on existentialism, stoicism, and Buddhism. He contends that these philosophies offer valuable insights into living authentically and treating others well. Existentialism, for instance, emphasizes the individual's responsibility to create their own meaning, while stoicism teaches the importance of focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot.
The book's title, "Zest," encapsulates Kalderimis's ultimate goal: to recover and maintain a zest for life. This zest, he argues, is not about achieving happiness directly but about engaging with life in a way that happiness becomes a byproduct. He likens this to the stoic archer who aims intently and skillfully, aware that once the arrow is released, it will fly where it flies.
Kalderimis’s writing is both eloquent and accessible, blending philosophical discourse with personal anecdotes. His reflections on the interconnectedness of our lives and the importance of character formation are particularly poignant. He emphasizes that character is not a fixed identity but a set of habits that can be cultivated through reason and discipline.
One of the book's strengths is its integration of diverse philosophical traditions. Kalderimis does not advocate for a single path but rather draws on the wisdom of multiple schools of thought. He finds common ground between stoicism and Buddhism, both of which emphasize the importance of accepting life's imperfections and finding joy through suffering.
Kalderimis's discussion of virtue ethics is compelling. He argues that virtue ethics, with its focus on character and practical wisdom, offers a more realistic and attainable framework for living well than analytic moral philosophy. This approach, he suggests, is more aligned with the complexities of human life and the need for a deep commitment to our values.
The book also addresses the role of love and connection in finding meaning. Kalderimis draws on the insights of Murdoch, who described love as the difficult realisation that someone other than oneself is truly real. This unselfish connection, he argues, is essential for living a meaningful life.
In his final thoughts, Kalderimis reflects on the importance of paying attention to the world around us. He recounts a letter he wrote to the Wellington poet Loris Edmund, 25 years ago, who responded with gratitude and shared his belief in the spiritual quality of ordinary things. This exchange underscores the book's central theme: that true engagement with life requires a wholehearted and attentive presence.
Kalderimis provides numerous examples from his own life and the lives of others to illustrate his points. For instance, he describes how reading George Eliot's "Middlemarch" allowed him to see ordinary life in slow motion, revealing the interconnectedness of our lives. He also discusses the insights of psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who argues that success in life is based on our associative actions and how they help us succeed at the human game of reciprocity.
I particularly liked Haidt’s elephant metaphor – the with rider of the elephant being our conscious mind and the elephant itself being our emotional and instinctive side. You get a clear picture of the battle which everyone faces.
Kalderimis's reflections on stoicism are insightful. He quotes Seneca's advice to be conscious of our limited period of existence and to focus on what we can control. He also draws on the teachings of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm and reflective attitude in the face of adversity.
The book's exploration of Buddhism is also helpful. Kalderimis discusses the Four Noble Truths of Buddha and the Eightfold Path, which provide a framework for skillful conduct and mindfulness. He argues that these teachings offer valuable insights into living a balanced and fulfilling life.
Kalderimis's writing is enriched by his personal reflections. He describes how his depression felt like a form of constriction, making it harder to breathe and speak.
Zest reaches a level of quality of research, insight and writing that Daniel Kahneman or Malcolm Gladwell would be proud of.
I found his discussion and ultimate return to existentialism resonated with me.
“…no longer pushing against the webs of connection but trying to find ways to reach along them by being more open to the vibrations of possibility and love.”
In conclusion, "Zest" by Daniel Kalderimis is a learned and eloquent exploration of the human condition. It is a book that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might cultivate a deeper sense of connection and purpose. Through his thoughtful analysis and personal reflections, Kalderimis offers a vision of what it means to live well.
Like others who have read it, I was moved by the book and ultimately reassured that each of us have permission to choose the meaning of our lives. Like Daniel, we can carry a compass, not a manifesto.
* Michael Heron KC is a KC based in Auckland and former Solicitor-General. He is one of New Zealand’s leading KCs and is a trusted legal advisor to New Zealand businesses, government entities, and public bodies.
