An extraordinarily beautiful, original, thought-provoking, action inciting creation." Why was the physical world created in the first place and what is the purpose of humans in this cosmic act? Can Spirit be known separately from the physical universe? What then, is the role of environmental conservation? The book explores these fundamental and timely questions in a playful tale, integrating science, philosophy, history, and adventure. Sydney Madrid befriends a mysterious praying mantis who uses his dry wit and simple language to discuss existence, ethics and purpose. Sydney's other friend is Pat, a European ecologist who brings practical, cultural and environmental wisdom to the table. The story takes the couple on a fast-paced quest across the world. The mantis keeps popping up unexpectedly, as if he is monitoring Sydney's evolution into a wholly conscious human.