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Although the developments of modern society and a changing social and technological landscape present unique challenges, ancient philosophical and spiritual wisdom can provide the critical thinking and objective reasoning that can guide a person through any situation. This book compiles a series of essays on the subject of common sense as it relates to self-actualization and intention, beginning with simply agreeing to move towards a new way of being. Readers are not expected to be practiced ascetics or deep thinkers; they are only expected to keep an open mind and consider the paths others have walked before them to arrive at the same place. Establishing a foundation of principles and a goal in mind, from there, the true examination of self, the world, and the relationship between these two things begins.
Next, readers will be tasked with simplifying their approach to thinking about their morals and ethics in everyday life and the larger existential picture, introducing significant and even at times difficult ideas, but doing so in the name of not overcomplicating things. Once that has been settled and better defined, actions are required, and significant discussion and analysis of one's actions as a reflection of their values is presented. This progression of ideas helps one fully digest and understand what is being taught before attempting to apply that knowledge, ensuring it has been fully absorbed. Though it would be unrealistic to expect a complete transformation of the self by the end of this book, what will be present are the tools and understanding of oneself to move in whatever direction generates the most inspiration and feelings of value and contribution.
Each part of the book is broken up into several chapters, not necessarily increasing the complexity of the topic at hand the way a textbook would, but rather compounding knowledge in a useful way that guides the reader closer to enlightenment and a fuller understanding. Because of this, some may find the initial chapters to be the most challenging, because at this stage one is disassembling and examining the structure and routine of life, and discovering what is working and what can be improved. The deeper one delves into the text, the more exciting and engaging this process becomes, as results and ideas begin to take a more complete form. Those who pick up this book with an existing interest in philosophy and morality will still find the specifics and history of these ideas fascinating from the very beginning.
As both individual essays and a combined text, this work will explore familiar names and ideas from popular philosophy, while also introducing new or lesser-known ideas from diverse cultures and thinkers worldwide. An open mind will lead to a transformative reading experience, but read simply as nonfiction, the ideas and logical pathways presented here are interesting and entertaining to study. Like any work involving this type of subject, individual ideas and concepts may feel incompatible with or challenging to preconceived notions, but ultimately it falls to the audience to decide what to do with this information and point of view. Readers and enjoyers of both ancient and modern philosophers, as well as those who appreciate a bridge being built between human existence and the loftier spiritual world, will find a great deal to consider and reflect upon in this book.