In this book the author paints on a vast canvas the salient features of the Oriental and Occidental civilizations and shows that every nation is an expression of an idea; that every nation has got a distinctive role to play as far as the preservation and strengthening of the world order is concerned; that there ought to be swapping of these ideas with an open mind to make for a healthy world order. The author, in his inimitable style, and at times in a humorous and sarcastic vein, brings out the different colourful traits of both the Orientals and the Occidentals, which not only keep the readers engrossed, but also rouses in them a sense of respect and honour for all the civilizations of the world.
All who have actually attained any real religious experience never wrangle over the form in which the different religions are expressed. They know that the soul of all religions is the same and so they have no quarrel with anybody just because he or she does not speak in the same tongue.
-Swami Vivekananda