Preguntale a Platon (Spanish Edition) (original 1999; edition 2004)

As a person who has suffered with acute anxiety for a long time, I know what it's like to want to have a quick-fix solution. When I was younger, I thought psychology was the only way to look inward. I have been through many different psychologists, and none have really given me the insight into life's questions. I am twenty-four years old; about a year ago, I found out how philosophy could change my life when I met my boyfriend, a practicing Buddhist. He helped me understand that I had to do the work myself, even if I was going to be aided by medication (Philosophy is amazing for spiritual growth. But medicine is something that has definitely helped my journey. I experimented off and on the medication, and realized that illogical thoughts and feelings could not be helped with only one method.)

Lou Marinoff's book reinforces the mantras of loving the self and others as family. He reinforces the importance of delving into the self, and only becoming attached to things in a positive way. He says get rid of expectations, find peace within each moment, and learn what works best for you, to be happy, as a human being. Most importantly, remember that everyone else is an individual human being too.

It's interesting how hard these things are to do. They take practice. I find myself messing up every day. But I do think they are something to aspire to.

Like every philosopher, there are some things in the book I disagree with. I disagree with his view on gender relationships and I think his approach at disengaging with technology is outdated. However, the overall points he is trying to make in those sections, I agree with. I agree that we should try to establish a relationship with nature, separate from technology- and that the world is much better as a holistic place.

I would suggest this book to anyone who is trying to discover their own personal philosophy. It takes hard work, and doesn't happen overnight.

It's an adventure. ( )

As the man says; "To those who dare to question - and especially who dare to question a philosopher. Or as he said elsewhere; Plato, Not Prosac!