Title: Slow-Cooked Thoughts: Articles, Talks, Essays, One Old Poem and Two Tales
Author: Rohan de Soysa
Publisher: PartridgeSingapore
ISBN: 978-1-5437-4794-2
Pages: 128
Genre: Memoir/Compilation/ Philosophy
Reviewed by: C.C. Thomas

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Rohan de Soysa’s Slow-Cooked Thoughts is a compilation of various writings by the author with one common motif: maintaining a right relationship with our natural, surrounding world. With this title, many readers might be expecting a cookbook. However, the title reflects a lifetime of reflections, ideas, and thoughts that have marinated in the author’s mind over a lifetime of service and action. The work combines aspects of art, the environment, religion, and mythology, the ingredients making for a delightful stew of thoughts. The author originally wrote the book for family members in order to serve as a record of achievements and developments concerning the passion he has for creating a more beautiful world—both artistically and naturally.

The author’s collection of essays, alluded to in the subtitle, focus primarily on the controversial issue of deforestation. In the essay titled “What is Our Real Wealth?” the author answers that biodiversity, and the protection of it in the natural world, is the greatest wealth all humans have. The next essay, “What is Our Real Ancestry?” emphasizes that Earth is the only planet where all four natural elements—air, earth, water, and fire—are in equilibrium. Man, however, takes this for granted. Being more in tune with our natural world would heal our sick spirits, minds, and bodies. In the author’s last article of the trilogy, “What Will Be the Real Result of Continuing Deforestation?” the author describes the connection between deforestation and the widening gap between the most affluent humans and the most poverty-stricken. Those who live closer to poverty will be the most affected by deforestation while wealth builds a buffer between the immediate consequences of deforestation.

The author then switches tracks with the next text, a speech explaining how his father was put in charge of the trade plan for his country, which highlighted why this topic is so important for the author and why he is so knowledgeable about it. De Soysa shows his versatility with the next selection, a collection of stunning landscape photography echoing sentiments previously expressed through his words.

Not all collected works are of the writer’s hands, however. Interspersed throughout are other little genre gems, such as “An Old Poem,” a 10th century poem with guidance on living in our modern world. Other works include teachings by noted environmentalists advising how to be aware of, and appreciative of, every moment we have and biographies of famous artists. The book also includes several talks and public presentations connecting art, history, and environmentalism.

De Soysa’s Slow-Cooked Thoughts is so very timely, as daily news reports inform about the ramifications of constant deforestation. While many people consider that topic to be far away, the author shows the consequence of such thinking in putting our children’s legacy and heritage at stake. The book does not necessarily provide tips and advice, but rather helps readers reflect on the inter-connectivity of all beauty on our planet Earth and shows that making a change is possible if it starts in that most powerful of places: the human brain.