A warmhearted introduction to philosophy that blends Eastern and Western intellectual traditions with specific exercises to enhance the reader's ability to think philosophically for herself. Over the course of 10 topics ranging from “Simplicity” to “Joy,” and with a decided emphasis on self-improvement, McCarty (Little Big Minds
) discusses a wide variety of philosophers, ranging from such canonical figures as Plato and Sartre to those—like Charlotte Joko-Beck—who sit closer to the New Age end of the spectrum. Throughout, the author emphasizes the ability of active reflection to improve lives, by promoting open-mindedness, the awareness of cultural diversity, social understanding and the ability to recognize priorities. Though the book contains little that is not already common currency among self-help manuals, its focus on philosophizing as a group activity and on the everyday practice of thinking, supplemented by each chapter's collection of exercises centered around music, poetry and the arts, taken together provide a pleasantly tangible approach to understanding how notions like tolerance, flexibility and perspective can enrich our busy lives. (Dec.)
