Diving Into Disaster: In Relation to Hurricane Katrina

by Anh Lottman

This is a book of thought, written by a man of thought. In other words, a philosopher of culture and religion: Dr. L.J. Joshi. He tries to make sense of a complicated situation – social, economic, political and moral – that resulted from the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina.

Some might call it God’s judgment as nature is by His will. Others might call it a horrible misfortune, which can be explained away by the science of nature. Dr. Joshi approaches it from a human perspective. Structured like a conversation, he addresses issues that have no right answer, by giving answers appropriate in meaning to his son and daughter.

This book is a parent’s answer as directed through the focus of a very learned man. This is the voice of one man, struggling to find way for his children. If our children are to inherit the Earth, it is the parents who must help them find their way.

However, as any philospher’s wont, Dr. Joshi raises more questions than he can answers. In a way, it becomes a diary of his explorations into the reality of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on his world.

What Dr. Joshi learned in his adventures is clearly expressed in this line from his book. “HOPE: in the midst of a catastrophic disaster.”