How Philosophy Can Save Your Life: 10 Ideas That Matter Most

In my life so far, questions have always arisen - usually without answers, but this book "How Philosophy Can Save Your Life: 10 Ideas That Matter Most," provides other interesting and, in some cases, exciting perspectives on how values and one's own thoughts pertain to so many conflicting cultural values in our country and around the world. Even if we set a path for ourselves when young, have we considered the options? Do we know we have choices? Do we know we have choices as we come to the end of life? Marietta McCarty wants to send us on our own ways - not hers, accompanied by the philosophers she introduces, but she hopes we will find friends and acquaintances to share the dialogue, listen to the music, and read the poetry along our own journeys in search of contentment in living. The end-of-chapter suggestions provide an abundance of opportunities to deepen our own understandings and appreciation of each of the ten ideas.

Who knew philosophy could be fun, accessible, poignant, illuminating, and helpful? In the past, boring, complex, and unattainable were some of the adjectives that came to mind whenever someone mentioned philosophy. That was before I read "How Philosophy Can Save Your Life" ("HPCSYL") by Marietta McCarty. Today, when I hear the word philosophy I think: curiosity, discovery, community, happiness.... "HPCSYL" is an invitation to explore and celebrate valuable ideals. It is a cookbook of savory philosophy and thoughtful activities to help individuals cultivate a meaningful or "good life". Enjoy it on your own, preferably from in a comfy seat with a choice beverage, then give one to friends and family. When it is shared with others, the book comes alive, growing from a personal treasure into an attractive starting point for valuable conversation and connection. In "HPCSYL", McCarty makes seemingly complex and meaningful topics approachable, understandable, dissectible. She carefully samples diverse philosophers, including eastern and western, ancient and modern, male and female. Her skillful style, insight and dashes of humor make her distillation of philosophy enjoyable and accessible. Her message to me: Philosophy isn't old, dusty and limited those in ivory towers; it can be clean, modern and for everyone! Her questions and suggestions encourage personal exploration, creative pursuits, and help strike up life-changing conversations. Ideas and exchanges ensue, helping to grow and focus personal perspectives and journeys. "HPCSYL" walks the walk. It highlights the importance of community and belonging and becomes a great tool for connecting groups of people. Recently, we hosted a town-wide book group to discuss the first chapter of "HPCSYL". Over thirty people gathered together at our local library to form one big philosophy circle. What a sight! Ultimately, we broke up into smaller circles and we will continue to meet biweekly, discussing each chapter's topic. Local artists have jumped on board to show their "perspectives" via their individual mediums. The "possibilities" for enjoying this book and your own philosophical quest are endless.

In an age where sound bites and regurgitated rhetoric pass for thought, this book offers hope for a return to discourse and reasoned thinking. It's a brilliant, non-threatening introduction to the really difficult questions of life. As great ideas are best shared and great confusions best untangled through conversation, the book suggests starting "philosophy" groups and offers loose guidance for format and more than enough material to chew over for a lifetime. Perhaps the best possible outcome would be that we relearn how to respectfully hear others' opinions and learn to question our own. Where DID those ideas of ours come from? Are they unique? Do they serve us well? One answer is clear - this book is definitely worth pondering.

Many years ago I took a philosophy course in college. I was so enthralled with it that I considered becoming a philosophy major. That dream faded fast, however with each passing class as so many of the ideas and language I read in our homework felt like a mental bootcamp for those willing to work hard just to decipher it sentence by painful sentence. I wanted so much to be part of this club but it felt like an elitist group I could never hope to be a part of. So imagine my delight all these years later to find this book by Marietta McCarty! Finally philosophy is demystified in such a way that I can immediately understand and apply it to my daily life. It is written with a discussion group in mind but it is also a book you will want to keep by your bedside every night. It is a book you will read over and over again. A book like a friend that you can turn to in times of doubt or challenge and read a passage to calm you. A book that can give you insights, reassurance, wisdom, joy. This book is such a triumph! There is no book out there like it. It is not only very enjoyable to read but it is a very important one to have. Give yourself the gift of this book.

Why is the art of clear thinking often so difficult to achieve?? McCarty has written an upbeat and multi-faceted gem of a book that challenges us to focus on big questions, some seemingly easy, but in reality elusive such as: "What is joy?" or "What are the essential ingredients of empathy?" or "Do you know the sound of your voice?" You can read the book alone, but it is meant for conversation; and, with its plethora of offerings of music, poetry and other media that support each chapter, you've got the makings of a great party! McCarty asks us to go deep to that often under-used place within us that begs to express itself. She invites us to explore, dance with and absorb, with the help of well-versed philosophers, ten Big Ideas. Besides an intelligent and often humorous discussion of each topic, we are also given "homework". "Listen and hum" invites us to explore music's take on the topic, whether it's Phish's approach to Belonging, or John Coltrane's free-flying saxophone belting out "My Favorite Things". How's that for Joy? In the "Recite and Write" part of the chapter on Perspective, McCarty suggests we read Wallace Stevens "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird". Why not? Look at each of the ideas with "beginner's mind", and, if you are like me, you will find whole new ways of expressing yourself, maybe even with new friends. I can see gatherings of budding philosophers engaging on levels way beyond that of most book groups, partaking in the abundant buffet of delicious resources the book offers that entice the soul to search with all its senses - and sensibilities.