Why does Singer begin the Introduction with a quote from Shakespeare? Identify the quote and discuss its thematic relevance to the text.

Which aspects of Singer’s discussion about consciousness are the most difficult to reconcile with an atheistic worldview? Which ones pair easily with religious or otherwise supernatural beliefs?

Do you agree with Singer that “Fear is the cause of every problem” (73) and that life is not the cause of our problems, but rather “the commotion the mind makes about life” (10)? Why or why not?