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Cover of THE OUTWARD PATH
3.92

Based on 13 Goodreads ratings

THE OUTWARD PATH

by a 16th\u002Dcentury Spanish friar. In this book, he explains it. Beginning at the beginning, Purcell asks the question at the basis of Western philosophy: What is our main goal in life? Conventionally, it’s been the pursuit of happiness, a goal stated literally by Thomas Jefferson but previously given a nod of approval by Aristotle. Few take this literally, preferring to aim for a “good life.” To followers of most religions, it means obeying divine laws and achieving redemption after death. A few religions (Purcell emphasizes Buddhism) and serious philosophers (Purcell adds an entire school, Stoicism) emphasize that there is no divine plan. Life’s value isn’t in achieving grace but in the quality of our struggle here on earth. Aztec thinkers asked, “What does life look like without the possibility of redemption?” Their answer, like that of Stoics and Buddhists (though for different reasons) is that you will be fine because everything of value is already present in a well\u002Dlived life. Purcell’s first chapters will persuade most readers that ingenious insights lie ahead. They’ll be right, but Aztec philosophy (like quantum physics, the Constitution, or evolution) is a complex subject. In a series of Lessons, a “Postface” summary, and three dense appendices, he maintains that Aztec ethics emphasize one’s role in society. It “challenges Stoicism, Buddhism, and other philosophies, which hold that by working on your own, inner self first, you’ll find a way to happiness and fulfillment.” To which Purcell adds, “What makes life worth living also makes it fragile. You are not after happiness, and you are not after invulnerability…but instead a life of meaning.”"

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:272
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781324020

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This middle-grade adventure follows a young protagonist's transformative journey through the wilderness, where survival skills become life lessons and the natural world serves as both classroom and c...

Our Review

This middle-grade adventure follows a young protagonist's transformative journey through the wilderness, where survival skills become life lessons and the natural world serves as both classroom and challenge. The narrative masterfully balances outdoor adventure with emotional growth, creating a compelling coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers navigating their own paths toward independence. Through vivid descriptions of hiking, camping, and wilderness exploration, the book captures the thrill of outdoor discovery while addressing universal themes of resilience and self-reliance.

What sets this survival story apart is its authentic portrayal of the wilderness experience, avoiding romanticization while maintaining a sense of wonder that will captivate both outdoor enthusiasts and armchair adventurers. Young readers will appreciate the protagonist's genuine struggles and triumphs, while parents will value the subtle lessons about perseverance and environmental awareness woven throughout the narrative. The result is an impactful outdoor adventure that leaves readers with both appreciation for nature's challenges and inspiration for their own personal journeys.

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