30 Philosophers: A New Look at Timeless Ideas
The inspirational true story of the last 5,000 years of human thought. Uncover the history that has shaped human progress. This fast-paced, integrated tale explores the evolution of modern thought through the epic story of 30 of history’s greatest thinkers and 80 touchstone ideas.
Forget snippets and surface-level memes. Discover the unmatched clarity and insight that only comes from exploring ideas in their full context.
Paperback: $39.95 * Hardcover: $49.95 * eBook: $9.99
Core Themes: Illusion and Impermanence
In 30 Philosophers, illusions are one of two major themes of the book. The other is impermanence and how to cope with it. In a world of elusive illusions, hinting allusions illuminate. In this book I use terms like “elusive deceptions” and “hinting accuracies” in reference to the illusory nature of reality. Within the TST Framework, illusion is explored as part of the Four Mind Traps. The foundational solution to these illusions are the Five Thought Tools.
The other major theme is impermanence and how we cope with it. The book examines both Eastern and Western approaches to one of life’s most profound challenges. From the Daoist concept of authenticity, ziran, to modern existential perspectives, and from the Stoic practice of managing thoughts to insights from modern psychology, the book offers a variety of tools. These include thought experiments on evolution, the Confucian emphasis on family history, and practical applications of Nietzsche’s eternal recurrence. By presenting these tools through a modern and pragmatic lens, 30 Philosophers makes abstract ideas accessible, actionable, and deeply relevant to contemporary life.
The balance of simplicity, insight, and application in 30 Philosophers makes it more than just a guide—it’s a toolkit for thinking and living better.
New Looks at Timeless Ideas
Philosophy thrives on fresh perspectives, and 30 Philosophers: A New Look at Timeless Ideas brings exactly that. This isn’t just a retelling of the classics—it’s a reimagining of the foundational ideas that shaped humanity’s understanding of existence, meaning, and truth. While we honor the brilliance of history’s greatest thinkers, this book ventures into new territory, offering insights that are as innovative as they are accessible.
What’s new?
For starters, this book frames philosophy within the context of science and history, exploring how the evolution of human thought parallels our biological and cultural evolution. From the rational explorations of Socrates to the existential musings of Nietzsche, you’ll find threads that connect ancient wisdom to modern challenges. But the journey doesn’t stop there. This book introduces bold reinterpretations of key ideas, asks fresh questions of old theories, and ties it all together with a modern philosophical framework that invites readers to think critically about their own place in the world.
You’ll find thought-provoking takes on:
- The Limits of Knowledge: Moving beyond logical positivism, this book offers a twist for those who see value in its framework but seek something deeper.
- Human Consciousness: Inspired by the existentialists, we explore consciousness not just as a gift but as a paradox—an evolutionary feature that both elevates and troubles us.
- Cultural Evolution: Philosophy is often treated as abstract, but here, it’s grounded in how human cultures evolve and shape our collective intelligence.
These “new looks” are designed to engage readers who love philosophy but crave ideas that feel relevant to today’s world. 30 Philosophers bridges the gap between timeless thought and contemporary issues, inviting readers to not just learn but to engage, question, and contribute to the ongoing story of human understanding.
About the Book
The Preface, Introduction, and Prologue establish the tone and viewpoint of the book, setting the stage for an epic journey through the evolution of modern human thought. Chapter One begins with our origin story, providing the foundation for the exploration of ideas. The journey begins in earnest in Chapter Two, set in 2600 BCE. Over the next thirty chapters, this tale unfolds through the stories of each chapter’s anchor philosopher, grouped into five distinct parts.
Part One: Classical Philosophers: Spanning 2600 BCE to the second century CE, this era—the Age of Reason—features a holistic selection of philosophers from Eastern and Western traditions. Ancient Sumer, India, China, Greece, and Rome come together to form the foundation of human thought.
Part Two: Medieval Philosophers: Covering the rise of organized belief systems, this section stretches from North Africa to France and advances the narrative to 1500 CE.
Part Three: Renaissance Philosophers: Here, the dimmed light of reason flickers back to life. This era progresses the tale to 1625, as humanity reclaims and revives intellectual pursuits.
Part Four: Enlightenment Philosophers: Marking a period when the light of reason burned brightly, this section emphasizes reason, individualism, and skepticism. Spanning Europe, the Americas, and beyond, this cultural and intellectual movement drove advancements in philosophy, science, and politics. This part concludes in 1859, the pivotal year when the theory of evolution illuminated humanity’s understanding of its own nature.
Part Five: Naturalistic Philosophers: This era chronicles the modern rise of science, marking a turning point where humanity possessed both the methodology and global networks to compile discoveries into a shared body of knowledge. This extraordinary convergence birthed what this book dubs the Grand Rational Framework.
Step into the shoes of giants and the epic saga of human thought.
Meet history’s intellectual titans, reborn for a new era.
About Touchstones
Michael Alan Prestwood’s 15th book delves into the collective wisdom of humanity. Tracing our journey through history, this book harnesses the insights of our great thinkers to illuminate fourscore of pivotal ideas—80 steppingstones towards the future. These touchstones offer a pathway across the murky waters of our past. Journey with these 80 touchstones and harness our best accumulated knowledge to forge a deeper understanding of our world.
This book intertwines the wisdom of the ages with contemporary insights, offering a unique exploration of philosophical thought. From the ancient echoes of Plato to the modern musings of today’s thinkers, this book weaves a tapestry of knowledge, challenging conventions and presenting fresh perspectives on timeless ideas. Dive into the depths of human thought and emerge with a renewed understanding of the world.
Book Companion Material
The following companion material makes for a great refresher. Compressed materials crafted to trigger and deepen the impressions 30 Philosophers made on your mind.
- Companion Timeline: Encapsulates the lives and contributions of the philosophers discussed within the book, offering a curated overview aligned with the book’s content.
- Fourscore Touchstones: This panoramic perspective serves as an essential refresher and a concise snapshot to complement your journey through the book.
Bonus Companion Timelines for “30 Philosophers:”
Included below are three additional timelines that extend the exploration begun in “30 Philosophers.” They serve as bridges between the philosophical discussions within “30 Philosophers” and the broader scientific context that frames our quest for understanding.
- Philosophy Timeline: An expanded exploration of philosophical history.
- Big Bang Timeline: Chapter 1 delves into humanity’s origin story, beginning with the Big Bang. This timeline expands on that narrative, tracing the cosmic events that set the stage for our existence.
- Evolution Timeline: Although Charles Darwin does not serve as the anchor of a specific chapter, his ideas and their implications permeate the book. This timeline highlights key moments in the story of evolution, underscoring our understanding of life’s complexity and diversity.
- The Future Timeline: This one helps with the impermanence of life. By understanding the future, you can learn to embrace the now.
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