This book has been written, says the author, for ordinary men and women who in this, their finest hour, yet find themselves groping in the black-out of the mind for a match or a torch to guide them towards a friendly door. His purpose is to comfort and combat fear........
 
According to Ryle, his book has been written with the intention of providing encouragement and solace to both believers and unbelievers during challenging times. He assures readers that pain and fear are natural occurrences and not necessarily punishments for our wrongdoings. In fact, he suggests that they are essential aspects of life, crucial for the progress and survival of higher species. Ryle believes that instead of avoiding and fearing these experiences, they should be embraced and examined through careful study and research. Such investigation reveals that these phenomena are not as terrifying as they may initially appear.